Hot Pineapple Cheese Casserole
A sweet and savory pineapple cheese casserole with crunchy cracker topping, perfect for parties or family gatherings, offering a delightful blend of fruitiness and cheesy richness.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Mix crushed pineapple, grated sharp cheese, flour, pineapple juice, and sugar together in a bowl.
- Pour the mixture into a casserole dish.
- Crush Ritz crackers and combine with melted butter.
- Spread the cracker mixture evenly over the pineapple cheese mixture.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 30 minutes until golden and bubbly.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider using a mix of cheeses, such as sharp cheddar and Gruyère. If you want a sweeter touch, you can substitute brown sugar for white sugar. To make it a bit healthier, use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour. This casserole is a great way to use up leftover pineapple if you have any from recipes like Two Apple Pies.
Serving Suggestions
This dish is perfect as a side for ham or grilled chicken, adding a delightful sweetness to your meal. It pairs beautifully with American recipes, particularly those featuring pork or poultry. Consider serving it alongside a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the casserole in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions, but be aware that the cracker topping may not stay as crispy.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Hot Pineapple Cheese Casserole contains roughly 742 calories, with 17g protein, 103g carbohydrates, and 29g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (34% of the Daily Value), iron (33% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (30% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 909mg per serving (40% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned?
Yes, you can use fresh pineapple! Just make sure to crush it and measure it out to match the volume of canned crushed pineapple. However, you may need to adjust the sugar since fresh pineapple can vary in sweetness.
Is there a gluten-free option for this casserole?
Absolutely! You can replace the flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Additionally, use gluten-free crackers instead of Ritz for the topping. This way, you can enjoy the dish without gluten.
Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the casserole a day in advance. Assemble it completely, cover tightly, and refrigerate. Just bake it right before serving, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time if it's coming straight from the fridge.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).