Pineapple Delight Casserole
This unique take on a pineapple casserole features a luscious balance of sweet pineapple, tangy cheese, and a golden buttery cracker topping. Perfect for holidays, potlucks, or a comforting side dish!
Ingredients
For the Filling:
- 1 can 20 oz crushed pineapple, drained (reserve 2 tablespoons juice)
- 1 can 20 oz pineapple chunks, drained
- 2 cups shredded sharp Cheddar cheese
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
For the Topping:
- 1 sleeve about 30 buttery round crackers, crushed
- ½ cup 1 stick unsalted butter, melted
- Optional: 2 tablespoons brown sugar for extra sweetness
- Optional: ¼ cup chopped pecans for added crunch
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch casserole dish.
- Prepare Pineapple Mixture: In a large bowl, mix the drained pineapple chunks, crushed pineapple (including 2 tablespoons of reserved juice), Cheddar cheese, sugar, and flour. Stir until well combined.
- Transfer to Dish: Pour the pineapple mixture into the prepared casserole dish and spread it out evenly.
Make the Topping
- Combine Topping Ingredients: In a separate bowl, mix the crushed crackers with melted butter until the crumbs are evenly coated. If desired, stir in brown sugar and pecans for added sweetness and crunch.
Bake the Casserole
- Assemble: Sprinkle the cracker mixture evenly over the pineapple filling.
- Bake: Place the casserole in the oven and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the casserole is bubbling slightly around the edges.
- Cool and Serve: Remove from the oven and let cool for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Make-Ahead Tip: Assemble the pineapple filling up to 2 days in advance and refrigerate it. Add the topping just before baking.
- Storage: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Do Not Freeze: Freezing can cause the pineapple casserole to become mushy.