Pineapple Salad(Good With Ham)
A sweet and savory pineapple salad topped with melted cheese and crispy Ritz crackers, perfect as a side dish or appetizer for casual gatherings and family meals.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Drain the pineapple, reserving the juice.
- Mix together the pineapple, sugar, self-rising flour, and 3 teaspoons of pineapple juice.
- Add the grated sharp Cheddar cheese to the mixture.
- Spray a baking dish with Pam and pour in the pineapple mixture.
- Melt the butter and add it to the crushed Ritz crackers.
- Sprinkle the cracker mixture evenly on top of the pineapple.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20 to 25 minutes until golden brown.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version, consider using fresh pineapple instead of canned. You can substitute the sharp Cheddar cheese with a milder cheese if preferred. If you don't have Ritz crackers, any buttery cracker will work well. Ensure to mix the ingredients gently to keep the pineapple chunks intact. This dish can also be adjusted with additional spices like cinnamon for a unique twist.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this pineapple salad warm as a delightful side dish alongside ham for a perfect pairing. It also complements grilled meats and can be a unique addition to a summer barbecue. Consider offering it alongside dishes like Marian'S Party Cheese Ball for a diverse spread at gatherings.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover pineapple salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, place it in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through. Avoid microwave reheating as it may make the texture mushy.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Pineapple Salad(Good With Ham) contains roughly 448 calories, with 4g protein, 76g carbohydrates, and 16g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (41% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and iron. It also contributes 3g 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, fresh pineapple can be used, but ensure it is ripe and sweet. You'll need to adjust the amount of sugar based on the sweetness of the fresh fruit.
Is there a vegetarian alternative to this recipe?
To make this dish vegetarian, simply ensure that the cheese is made without animal rennet and use a plant-based butter substitute for the Ritz cracker topping.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the pineapple mixture ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. Just add the cracker topping before baking to keep it crisp.
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).