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Pineapple Casserole

This pineapple casserole is a Southern staple. I serve it at all my cookouts and it's always a favorite. It's my grandmother's recipe that she used to make every Easter. She's not happy when my extended family calls this "my" recipe, but I always give her credit!
Print Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Course lunch/dinner
Cuisine Mediterranean
Servings 12 people
Calories 3794.8 kcal

Equipment

  • 1 Casserole Dish 1 ½-quart
  • 1 Large Mixing Bowl
  • 1 Small Mixing Bowl
  • 1 Measuring Tools (cups and spoons)
  • 1 Crushing Tool (e.g., rolling pin for crackers)

Ingredients
  

Main

  • 1 20 ounce can pineapple chunks
  • 1 20 ounce can crushed pineapple, drained
  • 2 cups shredded sharp Cheddar cheese
  • ½ cup white sugar or to taste
  • ⅓ cup all-purpose flour
  • 40 buttery round crackers such as Ritz, crushed
  • ½ cup butter melted, or to taste

Instructions
 

  • Gather all ingredients. Dotdash Meredith Food Studios
  • Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
  • Drain the can of pineapple chunks, reserving 1/4 cup of the pineapple juice to use in this recipe. Discard remaining juice or reserve for a different use. Dotdash Meredith Food Studios
  • Transfer drained pineapple chunks and reserved 1/4 cup juice into a large bowl. Add drained, crushed pineapple, cheese, sugar, and flour; mix to combine. Dotdash Meredith Food Studios
  • Pour into a 1 ½-quart casserole dish. Dotdash Meredith Food Studios
  • Mix cracker crumbs and melted butter in a small bowl; sprinkle over pineapple mixture. Dotdash Meredith Food Studios
  • Bake in the preheated oven until golden brown, about 30 minutes. Dotdash Meredith Food Studios

Notes

For optimal results, ensure pineapples are well-drained, reserving precisely 1/4 cup of juice to maintain the casserole's desired consistency—too much liquid can lead to a watery dish. Opt for freshly grated sharp Cheddar for superior flavor and melt; pre-shredded varieties often contain anti-caking agents that hinder texture. When preparing the cracker topping, crush the crackers evenly for a uniform golden crust. A fine crush allows for better butter absorption and a more cohesive topping. Monitor baking closely; the goal is a bubbly, golden-brown top, not a dry interior. A light sprinkling of sea salt over the cracker topping can beautifully contrast and enhance the sweetness of the pineapple.