Pineapple Cheese Casserole

This pineapple cheese casserole with Ritz cracker topping might just be the next big hit at your next holiday eat-together! It's a sweet and savory side dish that boasts a little crispy and salty flair with yummy glorious cheese! There's something so satisfying about eating a heaping helping of hot pineapple casserole!

In case your didn't know, pineapple and cheese make an unexpectedly delightful combo! I didn't even realize this until recently. The sweetness of the pineapple mixed with tangy cheddar cheese and buttery salty cracker topping makes your taste buds go wild (honestly, it's hard to stop eating it!).

Plus, it only takes 5 minutes to prepare. With only 6 ingredients and 30 minutes bake time, the simplicity of this recipe means you can whip it up quickly, freeing you to focus on other holiday preparations. And oh, have I mentioned how delicious this casserole is?

Ingredients You'll Need

Pineapple Cheese Casserole has only 6 ingredients!

Pineapple Chunks - canned pineapple chunks are the main ingredient. They provide a burst of tropical sweetness, infusing the casserole with a fruity flavor that really stands out.

Shredded Cheese - cheese adds creaminess and a rich, savory depth to the dish, perfectly complementing the pineapple's sweetness.

Flour and Sugar - these ingredients form a sweet and slightly thickened sauce that coats the pineapple and cheese, enhancing the overall texture and taste.

Ritz Crackers - who can't get enough Ritz crackers? Use the rest of those Ritz crackers for my Ritz Cracker Meatloaf or as a topping for Southern Green Bean Casserole!

Butter - you'll melt the butter and pour it over the Ritz cracker crumbs for that signature crispy buttery topping!

Ingredients Substitutions and Additions

• Instead of pineapple chunks, some people prefer the tidbits.
• Swap the cheddar for Monterey Jack cheese or try using brown sugar for a different flavor profile.
• Replace the Ritz crackers with bread crumbs and voila, you have Scalloped Pineapple!
• For added texture and flavor, consider tossing in some toasted pecans or shredded coconut.

Other Spices You Can Add

Even though this casserole is delicious as it, there are a few spices people like to add:

• A little ground cinnamon, nutmeg, or cloves provide a warm and rustic taste.
• Crushed red pepper flakes for those who prefer a little kick.
• Vanilla extract to enhance the overall sweetness and flavor.

How to Make Pineapple Casserole

Step 1 - In a large bowl, combine the sugar, flour, and pineapple juice.

Step 2 - Fold in the cheese and pineapple chunks.

Step 3 - Spread the pineapple mixture into a pie plate.

Step 4 - Sprinkle with crushed Ritz crackers then spoon melted butter all over the crackers.

Step 5 - Bake for 25-30 minutes. Enjoy!

How to Crush Ritz Crackers

While there are many ways to crush them, I like to use my fingers to crush them while they're still in the sleeve. I just run my fingers up and down the sleeve of crackers until they're crushed. Nice and easy, right! But there are a few more ways others like to crush them:

Rolling Pin - Place the Ritz crackers in a large resealable plastic bag or between sheets of parchment paper. Use a rolling pin to gently crush them by rolling back and forth until you reach the desired consistency. This method allows you to control the texture, from coarse crumbs to finer crumbs.

Mallet or Meat Tenderizer - Similar to the rolling pin method, you can use a mallet or meat tenderizer to crush Ritz crackers in a plastic bag or between parchment paper. This is particularly effective for achieving a uniform texture.

Food Processor - This is the quickest and most efficient way to crush Ritz crackers into fine crumbs. Simply place the crackers in the food processor or blender and pulse until you achieve the desired texture. Be careful not to over-process, as you don't want to turn them into powder.