Mildred'S Pineapple Casserole
A sweet and cheesy pineapple casserole featuring crushed Ritz crackers and sharp cheddar, perfect as a side dish for ham or venison, offering a delightful blend of flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Drain the pineapple cans.
- Spread the drained pineapple in an oleo-coated casserole dish.
- Mix sugar and flour together and sprinkle over the pineapple.
- Spread grated sharp Cheddar cheese evenly over the flour-sugar mixture.
- Crush Ritz crackers and sprinkle over the cheese.
- Cut the oleo into small pieces and dot over the Ritz crackers.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F for 30 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider adding a layer of cream cheese mixed with a bit of sugar before the cheese. You can substitute crushed cornflakes for the Ritz crackers for a different crunch. If you want to reduce sugar, use a sugar substitute suitable for baking. Make sure to drain the pineapple thoroughly to avoid excess moisture in the casserole.
Serving Suggestions
This casserole is a delightful side dish for ham or grilled chicken, adding a sweet and savory contrast. It pairs beautifully with Aunt Lill's Scalloped Potatoes for a comforting meal. Consider serving with a fresh green salad to balance the richness, or alongside roasted vegetables for a colorful plate.
Storage & Reheating
Leftovers should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in the oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through, or microwave in short intervals, stirring in between, until heated evenly. For best texture, avoid reheating multiple times.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Mildred'S Pineapple Casserole contains roughly 322 calories, with 13g protein, 27g carbohydrates, and 18g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (27% of the Daily Value) and calcium (27% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A.
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, but you'll need to cut it into similar-sized chunks and make sure to adjust the sweetness according to your taste. Fresh pineapple will add a vibrant texture and flavor to the dish.
Is there a way to make this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! You can substitute the flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour and use gluten-free crackers instead of Ritz. This will allow you to enjoy the flavors without the gluten, making it suitable for gluten-sensitive diets.
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the casserole a day in advance and refrigerate it unbaked. When you're ready to serve, simply bake it directly from the fridge, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time to ensure it's heated through.
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).