Mary'S Famous Pineapple Bake
Mary's Famous Pineapple Bake combines sweet pineapple, sharp cheddar, and a crunchy cracker topping for a delightful, cheesy dessert or side dish perfect for family gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Drain sliced pineapple, saving 1/3 cup juice.
- Place pineapple slices in a lightly greased 11 x 7 x 1 1/2-inch baking dish.
- Sprinkle with shredded cheddar cheese.
- Combine remaining pineapple juice, sugar, and flour in a small mixing bowl.
- Pour the juice mixture over the cheese and pineapple.
- Combine cracker crumbs and melted butter in a small bowl and sprinkle over the top.
- Bake at 350°F for 25 minutes or until bubbly and golden.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider mixing in some cream cheese with the cheddar. If you want a bit of heat, add diced jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper. You can substitute the buttery crackers with crushed cornflakes or gluten-free crackers for a different flavor profile. Ensure you save 1/3 cup of juice from the pineapple for the best results.
Serving Suggestions
This Pineapple Bake makes a great side dish for grilled meats or a delightful addition to a brunch spread. It pairs beautifully with Pimento And Cheese In A Bread Bowl for a fun appetizer experience. Consider serving it alongside a fresh salad or roasted vegetables to balance the richness.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 15 minutes or until warmed through. You can also microwave individual servings for about 1-2 minutes, but the oven method retains the dish's crispiness better.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Mary'S Famous Pineapple Bake contains roughly 726 calories, with 19g protein, 53g carbohydrates, and 51g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (58% of the Daily Value), protein (37% of the Daily Value), and calcium (36% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron. It also contributes 7g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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 slice it and cook it down a bit to release some juice before using it in the recipe. Fresh pineapple will add a vibrant flavor but remember to adjust the sweetness since it may be less sweet than canned.
Is this dish suitable for vegetarians?
Absolutely! This recipe is vegetarian-friendly as it contains no meat products. You can also easily make it vegan by substituting the cheese with a plant-based alternative and using vegan butter in place of regular butter.
How can I make this dish ahead of time?
You can prepare the dish a day in advance by following the recipe up to the baking step. Cover and refrigerate it, then bake just before serving. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully and saves you time on the day of your event.
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).