Of course! A “Pineapple Bake” (or Pineapple Casserole) is a beloved Southern and Midwestern side dish that’s a staple at potlucks, holidays, and family dinners. It’s a unique combination of sweet, savory, and cheesy that sounds unusual but is absolutely delicious.
It’s incredibly easy to make and is the perfect accompaniment to ham, pork chops, or roasted chicken.
Classic Pineapple Bake (Casserole)
This recipe hits all the classic notes: sweet pineapple, a buttery cracker topping, and a rich, cheesy base.
Ingredients:
· 2 cans (20 oz each) pineapple chunks in 100% pineapple juice, drained (reserve 3-4 tablespoons of the juice)
· ½ cup granulated sugar
· 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
· 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
· ⅓ cup (about 5 tablespoons) unsalted butter, melted
· 1 sleeve Ritz crackers (about 35 crackers), crushed (about 1 ½ cups of crumbs)
· Optional: 1-2 tablespoons brown sugar for sprinkling on top
Instructions:
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 2-quart baking dish (an 8×8 or 9×9 square dish works perfectly).
- Drain Pineapple: Drain the two cans of pineapple chunks, reserving 3-4 tablespoons of the juice. Set aside.
- Make the Filling: In a large bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar and flour. Add the shredded cheese and toss to coat. This helps prevent the cheese from clumping together.
- Combine: Gently stir in the drained pineapple chunks and the reserved pineapple juice until everything is evenly combined.
- Transfer to Dish: Pour the pineapple and cheese mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it into an even layer.
- Make the Topping: In a medium bowl, combine the crushed Ritz crackers with the melted butter. Stir until the crumbs are evenly moistened.
- Top and Bake: Sprinkle the buttery cracker crumbs evenly over the top of the pineapple mixture. If using, sprinkle a little brown sugar over the top for extra caramelization.
- Bake: Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the filling is bubbly around the edges.
- Serve: Let it cool for about 5-10 minutes before serving. It’s best served warm.
Tips & Variations:
· Pineapple Type: Using pineapple in juice (not heavy syrup) is important to control the sweetness. If you only have syrup, drain it very well and rinse the chunks lightly.
· Cheese: Sharp cheddar provides the best flavor contrast. For a milder taste, use medium cheddar. Some recipes even use a mix of cheddar and Monterey Jack.
· Cracker Options: Ritz are classic for their buttery flavor, but you can also use:
· Saltine crackers for a less sweet, saltier topping.
· Club crackers work well too.
· For a crunchier topping, you can mix in ½ cup of chopped pecans or walnuts with the cracker crumbs.
· Add-ins: Feel free to stir in a handful of maraschino cherries (chopped) for a “pineapple upside-down cake” vibe.
· Texture: The filling will be creamy and slightly gooey from the melted cheese and sugar, while the top is buttery and crisp.
· Make-Ahead: You can assemble the casserole (without baking) up to a day in advance. Cover and refrigerate. Let it sit at room temperature for 20-30 minutes before baking as directed.
What to Serve With Pineapple Bake:
This dish is a fantastic side for any occasion where you want a touch of sweetness:
· Easter or Christmas Ham
· Baked Ham
· Pork Chops or Pork Tenderloin
· Roasted Chicken or Turkey
· Grilled Meats
Don’t be skeptical—the combination of sweet pineapple and savory cheese under a buttery, crispy topping is a true crowd-pleaser! Enjoy.