If you’re craving a dish that brings together a delightful fusion of flavors, the Sweet and Savory Pineapple Casserole with Cheddar and Ritz Crackers Recipe is an absolute must-try. This casserole perfectly balances the tangy sweetness of pineapple with the rich, melty sharpness of cheddar cheese, all crowned with a buttery, crunchy Ritz cracker topping that will have you reaching for seconds without a second thought. It’s the kind of dish that embodies comfort and celebration in every bite, ideal for holidays, potlucks, or simply elevating your weeknight dinners with something irresistibly special.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering these simple yet essential ingredients is the first step to creating a casserole that’s bursting with flavor and texture. Each component plays a key role: from the juicy pineapple adding natural sweetness and moisture, to the sharp cheddar lending depth, and the Ritz crackers providing that unforgettable crisp contrast. Here’s what you’ll want on hand:
- Pineapple chunks (1 can, 20 oz): Use drained canned chunks for the perfect bite-sized fruit pieces that keep the casserole moist.
- Crushed pineapple (1 can, 20 oz): Drained crushed pineapple infuses the dish with extra sweetness and moisture without overwhelming texture.
- Granulated sugar (1 cup): Adds a beautiful sweetness to balance the cheese and pineapple.
- All-purpose flour (6 tablespoons): Acts as a thickener to help bind everything together.
- Shredded cheddar cheese (2 cups): Choose a sharp cheddar for that distinct savory punch that complements the pineapple perfectly.
- Butter, melted (1/2 cup): Essential for a tender, golden Ritz cracker topping that adds richness.
- Ritz crackers (1 sleeve, crushed): These buttery crackers create an irresistible crunchy crust that contrasts beautifully with the softness of the casserole.
How to Make Sweet and Savory Pineapple Casserole with Cheddar and Ritz Crackers Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Dish
Start by preheating your oven to a cozy 350°F (175°C). Greasing your 9×13-inch baking dish is a small but crucial step that ensures your casserole slides out easily after baking without losing any of that beautiful golden topping.
Step 2: Mix the Pineapple Mixture
In a large bowl, combine your drained pineapple chunks and crushed pineapple, then add the granulated sugar, all-purpose flour, and shredded cheddar cheese. Give everything a good stir to make sure all these flavors meld smoothly. This mixture will be the sweet, cheesy heart of your casserole.
Step 3: Pour and Level the Mixture into the Dish
Transfer the luscious pineapple and cheddar mixture into your prepared baking dish. Spread it out evenly to make sure every bite has the perfect balance of flavors and textures that define this classic casserole.
Step 4: Prepare the Topping
In a small bowl, combine the melted butter with the crushed Ritz crackers — this little combo creates the topping that adds so much sensory delight. Sprinkle this buttery cracker mixture evenly over the pineapple filling, covering the entire surface for that signature crunchy crust.
Step 5: Bake Until Golden and Bubbling
Pop your casserole in the oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the cracker topping is a gorgeous golden brown and the filling is bubbling happily underneath, signaling all those flavors have perfectly married together.
Step 6: Cool and Serve
Allow your casserole to cool for a few minutes before serving. This resting time helps everything set slightly and makes it easier to portion out those generous, gooey slices that everyone’s eagerly waiting to dig into.
How to Serve Sweet and Savory Pineapple Casserole with Cheddar and Ritz Crackers Recipe
Garnishes
To complement the rich and sweet flavors, sprinkle a few fresh herbs like chopped parsley or chives over the top just before serving. This adds a fresh, bright contrast and a pop of green that makes the dish even more inviting.
Side Dishes
Pair this casserole with simple proteins like baked ham or roasted chicken. Its sweet and savory profile also shines alongside mashed potatoes or a crisp green salad to balance out the richness with some fresh crunch and acidity.
Creative Ways to Present
For a family gathering or potluck, consider serving the casserole in individual ramekins for a charming touch. Alternatively, layering it with thin slices of ham or turkey before baking transforms it into a hearty main dish that’s sure to impress your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, cover any leftovers tightly with plastic wrap or transfer to an airtight container. Stored in the refrigerator, your casserole will stay fresh and flavorful for up to 3 days — perfect for a tasty next-day treat.
Freezing
This casserole freezes beautifully! Portion it into freezer-safe containers or wrap tightly with foil and plastic wrap. It can be frozen for up to 2 months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, warm your casserole in a 350°F oven for about 15-20 minutes or until heated through. This helps the topping stay crisp rather than getting soggy as it sometimes does in a microwave.
FAQs
Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned?
Absolutely! Fresh pineapple will add a brighter, juicier flavor, but be sure to drain and pat it dry so the casserole doesn’t get too watery.
Is this recipe very sweet?
The sweetness is balanced by the sharp cheddar cheese, making for a harmonious sweet and savory profile — not too sugary but wonderfully flavorful.
Can I substitute a different cheese?
Sharp cheddar is best for its contrasting flavor, but you can try a mozzarella or Monterey Jack for a milder taste if preferred.
Can I make this casserole vegan or dairy-free?
Yes! Use dairy-free cheese alternatives and vegan butter, and ensure your Ritz crackers fit your dietary needs or swap with a suitable vegan cracker option.
What other toppings can I use besides Ritz crackers?
Panko breadcrumbs or crushed cornflakes mixed with butter also make delicious, crunchy toppings if you want to mix it up.
Final Thoughts
This Sweet and Savory Pineapple Casserole with Cheddar and Ritz Crackers Recipe has a special place in my heart because it effortlessly combines familiarity with a surprising twist. Its rich layers of flavor and textures make it a crowd-pleaser every single time. I encourage you to give it a try — whether for a festive occasion or simply to brighten up your dinner table. Once you taste it, you’ll see why it’s been a beloved classic for so many!
Print
Sweet and Savory Pineapple Casserole with Cheddar and Ritz Crackers Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Pineapple Casserole is a delightful sweet and savory dish featuring tender pineapple chunks baked under a crispy Ritz cracker topping with melted cheddar cheese. Perfect as a unique side or a comforting dish for gatherings, this casserole blends fruity sweetness with cheesy richness for a crowd-pleasing treat.
Ingredients
Pineapple Mixture
- 1 can (20 oz) pineapple chunks, drained
- 1 can (20 oz) crushed pineapple, drained
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 6 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
Topping
- 1/2 cup butter, melted
- 1 sleeve Ritz crackers, crushed
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prepare it for the casserole.
- Mix Pineapple Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the drained pineapple chunks and crushed pineapple with the granulated sugar, all-purpose flour, and shredded cheddar cheese. Stir thoroughly to distribute ingredients evenly.
- Transfer to Baking Dish: Pour the pineapple mixture into the greased baking dish, spreading it out evenly to form a consistent layer.
- Prepare Topping: In a small bowl, mix the melted butter with the crushed Ritz crackers until the crackers are well-coated with butter.
- Assemble and Bake: Sprinkle the buttered Ritz cracker mixture evenly over the pineapple layer in the baking dish. Place in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes until the topping becomes golden brown and the casserole is bubbly.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool slightly to set before serving warm.
Notes
- Be sure to drain the pineapple thoroughly to avoid excess moisture in the casserole.
- You can substitute cheddar cheese with a sharp variety for a more intense flavor.
- For a crunchier topping, use fresh Ritz crackers instead of pre-crushed.
- This casserole pairs well with roasted meats or can be served as a side dish at holiday meals.
