Old-Fashioned Pineapple Casserole Recipe
Introduction
This old-fashioned pineapple casserole is a nostalgic comfort dish that balances sweet pineapple with a crunchy, cheesy topping. Perfect as a side for holiday meals or family dinners, it offers a delightful mix of flavors and textures in every bite.
Ingredients
- 40 ounces pineapple chunks
- ⅓ cup granulated sugar
- 5 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 5 tablespoons salted butter, melted
- 1 sleeve butter crackers (such as Townhouse or Ritz)
- 2 cups shredded yellow cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a casserole dish with nonstick spray.
- Step 2: Open the canned pineapple and reserve 6 tablespoons of the juice. Drain the rest, then spread the pineapple chunks evenly in the prepared casserole dish.
- Step 3: Crush the butter crackers into small pieces. Melt the butter, about 30 seconds in the microwave, then mix it with the crushed crackers and set aside.
- Step 4: In a small bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar, all-purpose flour, and the reserved pineapple juice until thick and creamy. Pour this mixture evenly over the pineapple in the casserole dish.
- Step 5: Sprinkle half of the shredded cheddar cheese over the pineapple mixture, then add half of the cracker and butter mixture on top. Repeat the layers with the remaining cheese and cracker topping for a double layer.
- Step 6: Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. The topping should be golden brown and crisp, and the casserole bubbly. Serve warm and enjoy!
Tips & Variations
- For added texture, try mixing in chopped pecans or walnuts with the cracker topping.
- If you prefer a less sweet casserole, reduce the sugar to 2 tablespoons.
- Sharp cheddar cheese adds a nice tang, but feel free to use mild cheddar if you want a subtler flavor.
Storage
Store any leftover pineapple casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven at 325°F until warmed through to maintain the crispy topping, or microwave on medium power for shorter reheating.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned?
Yes, fresh pineapple can be used, but be sure to drain it well and reserve some juice to create the thickened mixture. The canned juice helps thicken the casserole and adds sweetness.
Is this casserole gluten-free?
Not as written, since butter crackers and all-purpose flour contain gluten. To make it gluten-free, substitute with gluten-free crackers and a gluten-free flour blend.
Print
Old-Fashioned Pineapple Casserole Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
This Old-Fashioned Pineapple Casserole is a nostalgic comfort dish featuring tender pineapple chunks layered with a sweetened thickened mixture, topped with layers of sharp cheddar cheese and buttery crushed crackers. Baked to a golden brown, this casserole balances sweet, savory, and crunchy textures, ideal as a unique side dish for any gathering.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 40 ounces pineapple chunks
- ⅓ cup granulated sugar
- 5 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 6 tablespoons pineapple juice (reserved from canned pineapple)
- 5 tablespoons salted butter (melted)
- 1 sleeve butter crackers (such as Townhouse or Ritz)
- 2 cups shredded yellow cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a casserole dish with nonstick spray to prevent sticking.
- Prepare Pineapple: Open the canned pineapple and carefully reserve 6 tablespoons of the juice. Drain the remaining juice and pour the pineapple chunks evenly into the bottom of the greased casserole dish.
- Crush Crackers and Melt Butter: Crush the butter crackers into small pieces using your hands or a rolling pin. Melt the butter in the microwave for about 30 seconds, then combine the crushed crackers and melted butter in a small bowl and set aside.
- Make Thickened Mixture: In a small bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar, all-purpose flour, and the reserved 6 tablespoons of pineapple juice until thick and creamy. Pour this thickened mixture evenly over the pineapple chunks in the casserole dish.
- Layer Toppings: Sprinkle half of the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the thickened pineapple mixture, then evenly distribute half of the butter cracker mixture on top. Repeat by adding the remaining cheese and crushed crackers to form a double layer of cheese and cracker topping.
- Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the topping is a golden brown with a crispy texture.
- Serve Warm: Remove from the oven and serve the pineapple casserole warm for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- You can substitute butter crackers with Ritz crackers if preferred.
- Make sure to reserve exactly 6 tablespoons of pineapple juice for the thickening mixture to achieve the right consistency.
- For a sharper flavor, use aged cheddar cheese.
- This dish is best served warm fresh out of the oven.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheat before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: pineapple casserole, old-fashioned casserole, cheesy pineapple bake, comfort food side dish, baked pineapple recipe
