You know those recipes you stumble upon purely by accident, but they end up being an absolute game-changer? That’s exactly how this Pineapple Casserole With Ritz Crackers was born. One rainy afternoon, I was rummaging through my pantry, desperately trying to pull together something that felt remotely like a dessert. Or maybe a side dish. Honestly, at that point, I just wanted something comforting. And sweet. And buttery.
I had a can of crushed pineapple sitting at the back of my pantry, the kind I usually use for my summer salads. There was also a half sleeve of Ritz crackers because, let’s be real, Ritz crackers are basically a pantry staple around here. And cheese. Glorious cheese. Now, cheese and pineapple might sound like an odd combo, but there’s something magical that happens when sweet and salty get together. Kinda like when peanut butter and jelly became best friends.
I tossed everything together, slid it into the oven, and prayed to the kitchen gods that I wasn’t about to waste perfectly good ingredients. But the moment I took that first bite, I knew I had struck gold. It was like a sweet, creamy pineapple pie met a buttery cracker crumble and threw a cheese party. And just like that, this bizarre little creation became a household favorite. It’s sweet, it’s salty, it’s creamy, and it’s buttery. Everything you want in comfort food with the added bonus of being embarrassingly easy to make. Paula Deen would be proud.
Why You’ll Love This Dish
- The Sweet and Salty Magic: There’s just something about the combination of sweet pineapple and salty, buttery Ritz crackers that feels almost sinful. The contrast hits your taste buds in all the right ways. It’s like dessert and a side dish rolled into one.
- Ridiculously Easy to Make: We’re talking about a recipe you can throw together in 20 minutes flat. No fancy ingredients, no complicated techniques. Just pure, simple goodness. Perfect for when you’re juggling a million things but still want to whip up something unforgettable.
- Versatile Side Dish: While I usually serve this as a side dish during family gatherings or holidays, it’s also been known to sneak its way onto the dessert table. It’s like the culinary version of a double agent, and I’m here for it.
- Crowd-Pleaser: If there’s one dish that consistently gets rave reviews at potlucks and holiday dinners, it’s this Pineapple Casserole. You’ll see people going back for seconds… and thirds.
- Budget-Friendly: No need for pricey ingredients here. Just pantry staples and a few fridge essentials. Plus, you can feed a crowd without breaking the bank.
- Customizable: Want to toss in some pecans for extra crunch? Go for it. Prefer a little more cheese? By all means, pile it on. This recipe is flexible enough to handle your cravings and creative tweaks.
Ingredients for Pineapple Casserole With Ritz Crackers
For the Casserole:
- 1 can (20 oz) crushed pineapple, drained (but reserve about ¼ cup of the juice)
- 1 cup sugar
- 6 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
For the Topping:
- 1 sleeve Ritz crackers, crushed (about 30 crackers)
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
Equipment You’ll Need
- Mixing bowls
- 8×8-inch baking dish (or something similar)
- Spoon or spatula for mixing
- Oven preheated to 350°F
How to Make Pineapple Casserole with Ritz Crackers Recipe
- Preheat and Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F and lightly grease your baking dish. Set it aside while you mix your ingredients.
- Mix the Filling: In a large bowl, combine the drained pineapple, sugar, flour, and cheddar cheese. Stir until everything is well-mixed. It’ll look strange, but trust the process.
- Transfer to Baking Dish: Pour the pineapple mixture into your prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly.
- Prepare the Topping: In a separate bowl, combine the crushed Ritz crackers and melted butter. Stir until the crackers are well-coated.
- Add the Topping: Sprinkle the buttery cracker mixture evenly over the pineapple mixture.
- Bake: Place the casserole in the oven and bake for 20 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
- Serve: Let it cool slightly before serving. And good luck stopping at just one bite.
Notes
- Use Fresh Pineapple for Extra Flavor: If you’re feeling fancy, you can use fresh pineapple instead of canned. Just make sure to crush it well and drain any excess juice.
- Make it Cheesier: Prefer your casseroles with a little more cheesiness? Feel free to add an extra half cup of cheddar cheese to the mix.
- Add Some Crunch: Chopped pecans or even crushed pretzels can be mixed into the topping for an extra bit of texture.
- Experiment with Cheese Types: While cheddar is the classic choice, I’ve had friends try this with Monterey Jack or even mozzarella for a creamier twist.
- Serving Suggestions: This Baked Pineapple Casserole works just as well as a side dish for ham dinners as it does on the dessert table. It’s also a fantastic addition to potlucks, where it quickly becomes everyone’s favorite.
- Storing Leftovers: If you somehow manage to have leftovers, just pop them in an airtight container and refrigerate. Reheat in the oven for the best results.
Macronutrient Count Per Serving
- Calories: Approximately 350 kcal
- Protein: 5 grams
- Carbohydrates: 45 grams
- Fats: 17 grams
- Fiber: 1 gram
- Sugars: 28 grams
Pro Tips for the Recipe
- Let It Rest Before Serving: Giving the casserole a few minutes to cool down helps the flavors meld together, making it taste even better.
- Don’t Skip the Cheese: I know it sounds strange, but the cheddar cheese adds a rich creaminess and savory touch that perfectly balances the sweet pineapple.
- Go Easy on the Pineapple Juice: If you add too much pineapple juice, the casserole can turn out a little too watery. Make sure to drain well, but keep a little juice for that extra pineapple punch.
- Use Salted Butter for More Flavor: The slight saltiness enhances the overall flavor and gives the Ritz cracker topping that extra oomph.
- Bake Until Golden: The buttery cracker topping should be golden brown and crisp when it’s ready to serve. If it’s still pale, let it bake for a few more minutes.
- Double It Up: Feeding a crowd? Just double the ingredients and use a 9×13-inch baking dish instead.
What’s On Your Mind? (Q & A Section)
- What to Serve With Pineapple Casserole With Ritz Crackers?
This dish pairs beautifully with ham, roasted chicken, or even turkey. It’s a fantastic side dish for holiday dinners but can also sneak its way onto the dessert table. - Can I Make This Dish Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can assemble the casserole, cover it tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Just add the cracker topping right before baking. - Can I Use Fresh Pineapple Instead of Canned?
Absolutely. Just make sure to crush the pineapple well and drain any excess juice to avoid a watery casserole. - What Cheese Works Best for This Recipe?
Sharp cheddar is the classic choice, but Monterey Jack or a cheddar-mozzarella blend can work if you prefer a creamier texture. - Can I Add Nuts for Extra Crunch?
Yes, adding chopped pecans or walnuts to the topping can give it a delightful crunch and nutty flavor.
