Of course! Here’s a recipe for a classic, comforting Pineapple Bake (often called Pineapple Casserole). This beloved Southern side dish walks the delicious line between sweet and savory, and is a staple at potlucks, Easter dinners, and holiday meals.
It’s incredibly easy to make and always surprises those trying it for the first time.
Classic Pineapple Bake (Pineapple Casserole)
This recipe yields a rich, buttery, sweet-and-salty casserole with a irresistible crunchy topping.
Prep Time: 10 min | Cook Time: 35-40 min | Total Time: 45-50 min
Servings: 6-8 as a side dish
Ingredients:
· 2 (20 oz) cans pineapple chunks in juice (do not use syrup), drained well (about 3 cups drained)
· ⅔ cup granulated sugar
· 5 tablespoons all-purpose flour
· 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese (about 8 oz)
· 1 sleeve Ritz crackers (about 35 crackers), crushed
· ½ cup (1 stick / 113g) unsalted butter, melted
Instructions:
- Prep & Preheat: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 2-quart baking dish (like an 8×8 or 9×9 square dish) with butter or non-stick spray.
- Mix the Filling: In a large mixing bowl, combine the well-drained pineapple chunks, sugar, and flour. Stir until the pineapple is evenly coated. Gently fold in the shredded cheddar cheese until combined.
- Assemble: Pour the pineapple and cheese mixture into your prepared baking dish and spread it into an even layer.
- Make the Topping: In a separate bowl, combine the crushed Ritz crackers and melted butter. Stir until all the crumbs are moistened. Sprinkle this buttery crumb mixture evenly over the top of the pineapple layer.
- Bake: Bake, uncovered, in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the top is deep golden brown and the filling is bubbly around the edges.
- Rest & Serve: Remove from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the juicy filling to set slightly. Serve warm.
Recipe Tips & Variations:
· Drain Well: This is the most important step! Let the pineapple drain in a colander for a few minutes, then press gently with a paper towel. Too much liquid will make the casserole soupy.
· Cheese Choice: Sharp cheddar provides the best flavor contrast. For a milder taste, use medium cheddar. A white cheddar is also lovely.
· Cracker Options: Ritz are classic for their buttery flavor. Saltines or Town House crackers also work well.
· Add Crunch: Mix ½ cup of chopped pecans or walnuts into the cracker topping before baking.
· Make it a Dessert: Reduce the cheese to 1 cup and add a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg to the filling. It becomes a warm, cheesy pineapple dessert.
· Savory Twist: Add a pinch of black pepper or a dash of cayenne to the filling for a subtle kick.
Serving Suggestions:
· As a Side Dish: The classic pairing is with baked ham, roasted pork chops, or glazed ham steaks. It’s also fantastic with holiday turkey, roasted chicken, or even fried chicken.
· As a Dessert: Serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
Enjoy this uniquely delicious taste of Southern comfort food