Ritz Pineapple Side Dish
A sweet and savory pineapple side dish with cheesy topping and crunchy Ritz crackers, perfect for family dinners or holiday gatherings seeking a flavorful, comforting accompaniment.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a baking dish.
- Drain the pineapple and spread it evenly in the prepared baking dish.
- In a bowl, mix the flour, shredded sharp Cheddar cheese, and shredded mild Cheddar cheese.
- Sprinkle the cheese mixture evenly over the pineapple.
- Crush the Ritz crackers and sprinkle them over the cheese layer.
- Pour the melted margarine evenly over the top.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes or until bubbly and golden.
- Serve warm.
Tips & Substitutions
For a twist, consider substituting the pineapple with canned peaches or pears for a different flavor. If you prefer a little spice, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the cheese mixture. To make this dish gluten-free, substitute the flour with cornstarch and use gluten-free crackers instead of Ritz. Ensure the cheeses are well-mixed for even melting.
Serving Suggestions
This Ritz Pineapple Side Dish makes a delightful accompaniment to roasted meats or grilled chicken. It pairs beautifully with American recipes like BBQ ribs or baked ham. For a complete meal, serve it alongside a fresh salad or steamed vegetables to balance the richness of the dish.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, cover with foil to prevent drying out and warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, about 15-20 minutes. Alternatively, you can microwave individual portions until warm.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Ritz Pineapple Side Dish contains roughly 604 calories, with 11g protein, 99g carbohydrates, and 21g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (61% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (26% of the Daily Value), and protein (22% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and 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, but make sure to cut it into similar-sized chunks and cook it slightly to soften before layering in the baking dish. This will help achieve the same texture as canned pineapple.
Is it possible to make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dish up to the baking step, cover it, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to serve, just pop it in the oven directly from the fridge, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
What if I don’t have Ritz crackers?
If you don’t have Ritz crackers, any buttery cracker will work as a substitute. You could also use crushed cornflakes or panko breadcrumbs for a crunchier topping. Just be sure to adjust the amount of melted margarine accordingly.
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).