Delight your taste buds with a unique and tropical dish. This delicious pineapple casserole recipe combines the sweet tanginess of pineapple with the creamy richness of cheddar cheese, topped with a crispy cracker crust. Ideal for any occasion, it is sure to be a hit at your next gathering.
The key ingredients for this recipe are pineapple chunks, cheddar cheese, and buttery round crackers. Pineapple chunks can be found in canned form in the fruit aisle of any supermarket. For cheddar cheese, you can choose between sharp or mild depending on your preference. Buttery round crackers add a delightfully crispy texture to the dish. They are usually located in the snack or cracker aisle.
Ingredients for Delicious Pineapple Casserole
Pineapple chunks: These add a tropical sweetness to the dish. They are the star of the recipe, providing both flavor and texture.
White sugar: This adds sweetness to balance the tanginess of the pineapple.
All purpose flour: Used as a thickening agent for the pineapple mixture.
Butter: Adds richness and aids in browning the casserole.
Cheddar cheese: This adds a creamy, savory element that complements the sweet pineapple.
Buttery round crackers: These are crushed and used as a topping, providing a crispy, buttery counterpoint to the soft, sweet filling.
One reader, Latrina Atchison says:
This pineapple casserole recipe is a game-changer! The combination of sweet pineapple, gooey cheese, and buttery crackers is simply divine. It's a hit at every gathering, and I always get asked for the recipe. It's a must-try for anyone who loves a unique and delicious side dish.
Techniques Required for Delicious Pineapple Casserole
How to preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
How to blend the ingredients: In a mixing bowl, blend together 4 tablespoons of reserved pineapple juice, sugar, flour, and butter until well combined.
How to mix the pineapple and cheese: Add the pineapple and cheese to the mixture and mix well until evenly distributed.
How to bake the casserole: Bake for about 20 minutes at 350 degrees F. Then, reduce the oven temperature to 300 degrees F, sprinkle the top with cracker crumbs, and bake for an additional 20 minutes until golden brown.
How to serve: Serve the delicious pineapple casserole and enjoy!
How To Make Pineapple Casserole
This pineapple casserole impresses with its ideal fix of sweet and salty from canned pineapple chunks, Cheddar cheese, and buttery cracker crust.
Serves:
Ingredients
- 20ozpineapple chunks,(2 cans), juice reserved
- 1cupwhite sugar
- 3tbspall purpose flour
- ¼lbbutter,melted
- 2cupscheddar cheese,shredded
- 25buttery round crackers,crumbled
Instructions
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Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Butter or grease one 2-quart casserole dish.
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In a mixing bowl, blend together 4 tablespoons of reserved pineapple juice, sugar, flour, and butter.
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Add the pineapple and cheese. Mix well and pour into casserole dish.
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Bake for about 20 minutes. Reduce oven temperature to 300 degrees F. Sprinkle top with cracker crumbs, and bake for about 20 minutes.
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Serve and enjoy!
Nutrition
- Calories: 490.82kcal
- Fat: 29.05g
- Saturated Fat: 16.27g
- Trans Fat: 1.10g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 7.35g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 2.58g
- Carbohydrates: 49.26g
- Fiber: 1.49g
- Sugar: 37.55g
- Protein: 10.75g
- Cholesterol: 73.30mg
- Sodium: 328.80mg
- Calcium: 283.49mg
- Potassium: 138.48mg
- Iron: 0.93mg
- Vitamin A: 212.42µg
- Vitamin C: 38.72mg
Technique Tip for Perfect Pineapple Casserole
When preparing the pineapple casserole, it's important to evenly distribute the pineapple chunks and cheddar cheese throughout the dish. This ensures that each bite is packed with flavor and the cheese is well melted. Also, when adding the buttery round cracker crumbs on top, make sure to cover the entire surface. This will give your casserole a delightful crunchy texture that contrasts well with the soft, juicy pineapple and gooey cheese.
Time-Saving Tips for Making Pineapple Casserole
Plan ahead: Prepare all your ingredients and tools before you start cooking to save time and avoid any last-minute rush.
Multi-task: Look for opportunities to cook multiple components simultaneously, such as chopping vegetables while something is simmering on the stove.
Use kitchen gadgets: Utilize kitchen gadgets like food processors, blenders, and mixers to speed up the prep work and cooking process.
Prep in bulk: Consider making larger batches of certain ingredients or dishes that can be used for multiple meals throughout the week.
Clean as you go: Wash and put away utensils, pots, and pans as you cook to minimize the cleanup time at the end.
Substitute Ingredients For Pineapple Casserole Recipe
pineapple chunks - Substitute with mango chunks: Mango has a similar sweet and tangy flavor to pineapple, making it a suitable substitute in the casserole.
white sugar - Substitute with honey: Honey can add sweetness and a unique flavor to the casserole, and it also provides moisture.
all purpose flour - Substitute with cornstarch: Cornstarch can be used as a thickening agent in place of flour, and it's gluten-free.
butter - Substitute with coconut oil: Coconut oil can add a hint of tropical flavor and richness to the casserole.
cheddar cheese - Substitute with gouda cheese: Gouda cheese has a similar creamy texture and melts well, making it a good substitute for cheddar in the casserole.
buttery round crackers - Substitute with panko breadcrumbs: Panko breadcrumbs can provide a crispy topping and absorb flavors well, similar to buttery crackers.
Best Way to Present Delicious Pineapple Casserole
Elevate the dish with a stunning presentation: When plating the pineapple casserole, consider using a beautiful serving platter to showcase the vibrant colors and textures of the dish. The presentation should be visually appealing and inviting, reflecting the care and attention to detail that went into creating the casserole.
Incorporate artistic garnishes: Enhance the visual appeal of the dish by incorporating artistic garnishes such as fresh mint leaves or edible flowers. These delicate touches can add a pop of color and elegance to the presentation, elevating the overall dining experience.
Opt for elegant serving utensils: Choose serving utensils that complement the sophistication of the dish. Consider using sleek and modern utensils that add a touch of refinement to the presentation, enhancing the overall dining experience for the esteemed culinary professionals.
Focus on precision and symmetry: Pay close attention to the placement of each component on the plate, aiming for precision and symmetry. The arrangement should be meticulously curated to create a visually striking presentation that reflects the precision and artistry of a Michelin-starred culinary creation.
Highlight the contrast of textures: Emphasize the contrast of textures in the dish by arranging it in a way that showcases the creamy, cheesy layers alongside the crunchy, golden cracker topping. The presentation should highlight the delightful interplay of textures, inviting the culinary professionals to savor each bite.
Emphasize the aroma: Consider incorporating elements that enhance the aroma of the dish, such as using aromatic herbs or spices as a subtle garnish. The enticing aroma should waft from the plate, captivating the senses and setting the stage for an exceptional dining experience.
Create a visual focal point: Design the presentation to feature a captivating visual focal point that draws the eye and captivates the attention of the culinary professionals. This could be achieved through strategic placement of the casserole and its accompanying elements, creating a visually stunning centerpiece on the plate.
Embrace minimalism: Embrace a minimalist approach to plating, focusing on clean lines and uncluttered presentation. Each element should be thoughtfully placed to create a sense of balance and sophistication, allowing the flavors and textures of the pineapple casserole to take center stage.
Essential Tools for Making Pineapple Casserole
- Food processor: A versatile kitchen appliance used for chopping, slicing, shredding, and pureeing ingredients.
- Mixing bowl: A bowl used for combining ingredients and mixing them together.
- Casserole dish: A deep, oven-safe dish used for baking and serving casseroles.
- Baking dish: A dish specifically designed for baking, typically made of glass, ceramic, or metal.
- Measuring cup: A tool used to measure liquid or dry ingredients accurately.
- Measuring spoons: Utensils used to measure small amounts of ingredients, typically in teaspoons or tablespoons.
- Oven: A kitchen appliance used for baking, roasting, and heating food.
- Mixing spoon: A long-handled spoon used for stirring and mixing ingredients.
- Baking sheet: A flat, rectangular metal sheet used for baking cookies, pastries, and other baked goods.
- Butter knife: A knife with a blunt edge, used for spreading butter and other spreads.
- Cheese grater: A tool used to grate cheese into fine pieces.
- Oven mitts: Insulated gloves or mitts used to handle hot dishes and pans from the oven.
- Whisk: A kitchen utensil used for whipping and blending ingredients together.
- Spatula: A flat, flexible utensil used for lifting, flipping, and spreading ingredients.
- Knife: A sharp tool used for cutting and chopping ingredients.
- Cutting board: A sturdy board used as a surface for cutting and preparing ingredients.
- Cracker crumbs: Finely crushed crackers used as a topping for dishes.
How To Store and Freeze Pineapple Casserole
Let the pineapple casserole cool completely before storing or freezing. This will prevent condensation from forming and making the casserole soggy.
To store in the refrigerator:
- Cover the casserole dish tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
- Alternatively, transfer the cooled casserole to an airtight container.
- Refrigerate for up to 4-5 days.
To freeze the casserole:
- Wrap the cooled casserole dish tightly with plastic wrap, followed by a layer of aluminum foil. This double layer will help prevent freezer burn.
- Label the dish with the name of the recipe and the date it was prepared.
- Freeze for up to 2-3 months for best quality.
To reheat the refrigerated casserole:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Remove the plastic wrap or transfer the casserole to an oven-safe dish.
- Cover the dish with foil and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through.
- Remove the foil for the last 5 minutes of baking to crisp up the cracker topping.
To reheat the frozen casserole:
- Thaw the casserole overnight in the refrigerator.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Remove the plastic wrap and foil, and cover the dish with fresh foil.
- Bake for 30-40 minutes, or until heated through and bubbly.
- Remove the foil for the last 5-10 minutes of baking to crisp up the topping.
Note: If you plan to freeze the casserole, it's best to prepare it without the cracker topping. Add the topping just before baking the thawed casserole for the best texture.
How To Reheat Pineapple Casserole Leftovers
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the leftover pineapple casserole in an oven-safe dish and cover it with aluminum foil. This will help to retain the moisture and prevent the top from browning too quickly. Bake for about 15-20 minutes, or until the casserole is heated through.
If you prefer a crispier top, remove the foil for the last 5 minutes of reheating. This will allow the buttery round cracker crumbs to crisp up and give the casserole a delightful crunch.
For a quicker reheating method, use your microwave. Place a portion of the leftover casserole in a microwave-safe dish and cover it with a damp paper towel. This will help to prevent the casserole from drying out. Microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, or until the casserole is heated through. Stir the casserole halfway through the reheating process to ensure even heating.
If you have a large amount of leftover casserole, consider reheating it in a slow cooker. Transfer the casserole to the slow cooker and cover it with the lid. Set the slow cooker to low and heat for 1-2 hours, or until the casserole is heated through. This method is perfect for keeping the casserole warm during a party or potluck.
For a tasty twist, try adding some extra cheddar cheese on top of the casserole before reheating. The additional cheese will melt and create a gooey, delicious layer that complements the sweet and savory flavors of the pineapple and buttery round crackers.
Random Fact About Pineapple Casserole
The pineapple casserole recipe is a popular dish in the southern United States, particularly in South Carolina. It is often served as a side dish during holiday meals and potlucks. The combination of sweet pineapple, savory cheese, and buttery crackers creates a unique and delicious flavor profile that is both comforting and satisfying. This dish is a great way to add a touch of sweetness to a savory meal and is sure to be a hit with friends and family.
Is Making Pineapple Casserole at Home Economical?
The cost-effectiveness of this pineapple casserole recipe is quite high, as it utilizes simple and affordable ingredients. The combination of pineapple, cheddar cheese, and buttery crackers creates a delightful dish that is both budget-friendly and delicious. With an approximate cost of $10, this recipe provides a satisfying meal for a household of four. The overall verdict for this recipe is 8/10, as it offers a balance of affordability and flavor, making it a practical choice for home cooking.
Is This Pineapple Casserole Healthy or Unhealthy?
This pineapple casserole recipe, while undeniably delicious, is not particularly healthy. Here's why:
- The recipe calls for a significant amount of sugar (1 cup), which adds empty calories and can contribute to weight gain and other health issues when consumed in excess.
- Butter is used in the recipe, which is high in saturated fat. Consuming too much saturated fat can raise LDL (bad) cholesterol levels and increase the risk of heart disease.
- Cheddar cheese is also high in saturated fat and calories, further contributing to the dish's overall unhealthiness.
- Buttery round crackers are likely high in refined carbohydrates, unhealthy fats, and sodium, which can negatively impact health when consumed regularly.
To make this recipe healthier, consider the following suggestions:
- Reduce the amount of sugar used or replace it with a natural sweetener like honey or maple syrup
- Use a smaller amount of butter or substitute it with a healthier alternative like coconut oil or olive oil
- Opt for a reduced-fat cheddar cheese or use a smaller quantity of regular cheddar cheese
- Replace the buttery round crackers with a whole-grain cracker or topping, such as crushed nuts or oats, to increase the fiber content and reduce the refined carbohydrates
- Add more pineapple or other fruits to the recipe to increase the nutritional value and natural sweetness without relying on added sugars
- Experiment with adding vegetables like bell peppers or carrots to the casserole to boost its nutrient content and add more flavor and texture
Editor's Thoughts on This Pineapple Casserole Recipe
This pineapple casserole recipe is a delightful combination of sweet and savory flavors. The blend of pineapple, cheese, and buttery cracker crumbs creates a rich and indulgent dish that is perfect for any occasion. The contrast of the tangy pineapple with the creamy cheese and the crunchy cracker topping makes for a truly satisfying and comforting dish. It's a unique and delicious addition to any meal, and it's sure to be a hit with family and friends.
Enhance Your Pineapple Casserole Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:
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Why trust this Pineapple Casserole Recipe:
This delicious pineapple casserole recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, combining the sweetness of pineapple chunks with the richness of cheddar cheese and the comforting crunch of buttery crackers. The blend of flavors and textures creates a mouthwatering dish that's perfect for any occasion. With a simple and straightforward preparation process, this recipe is a testament to the harmony of sweet and savory flavors. Trust in the combination of pineapple and cheddar cheese to deliver a delightful and satisfying experience for your taste buds.
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