Baked Pineapple Casserole with Cheddar Recipe

"This combination of sweet and savory flavors pairs well with ham and pork. It can easily be doubled for a crowd and is good both hot and at room temperature. Great on a buffet or to take to a potluck. Vary it by layering the ingredients twice in two layers (so that cheese and crackers are in the middle as well as on the top) or by mixing everything in one bowl before adding the cracker/butter topping. We like the mix of tidbits and crushed pineapple, but it also works with two cans of the same kind of pineapple. Try brown sugar instead of white and add a touch of cinnamon or nutmeg. Endless texture and flavor fun!"

Original recipe yields 9 servings

Metric US

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Ingredients

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1 can (20 ounce) pineapple tidbits, drained and juices reserved
1 can (20 ounce) crushed pineapple, drained and juices reserved
1/4 cup granulated sugar
2 tablespoons cornstarch (increase by 1 Tablespoon for thicker syrup)

1 1/2 cups grated sharp cheddar cheese
2 cups crushed crackers (25-35 Ritz crackers)
1/4 cup unsalted butter (thinly sliced or melted)

Nutritional

Serving Size: 1 (238.8 g)
Calories 275.2
Total Fat - 12.2 g
Saturated Fat - 6.8 g
Cholesterol - 64.7 mg
Sodium - 1013.4 mg
Total Carbohydrate - 22.9 g
Dietary Fiber - 2.2 g
Sugars - 16.7 g
Protein - 21 g
Calcium - 227.6 mg
Iron - 1.7 mg
Vitamin C - 39.4 mg
Thiamin - 0.5 mg

Step by Step Method

Step 1

Drain both cans of pineapple, reserving the juices. Combine juices with sugar and cornstarch in a pan large enough to add in pineapple later.

Step 2

Bring the mixture to a simmer and stir until the sugar is dissolved and a syrup forms.

Step 3

Stir in pineapple and turn it into a prepared casserole (buttered or sprayed). Cheese can be added to the pineapple mixture now or used to top the casserole before baking.

Step 4

Top with crushed crackers and thin slivers of butter (or melted butter).

Step 5

Sprinkle shredded cheddar over the top if it is not already mixed in with the pineapple and bake uncovered at 350 degrees for 25-30 minutes until it bubbles and the top turns golden brown.

Step 6

To make ahead, prepare the pineapple and syrup and add it to the casserole. Cover and refrigerate. Crush crackers, grate cheese, and store them separately. To cook, stir the cheese in with the pineapple or save for the topping. Top with crackers, butter, and cheese. Bake as directed.