Pineapple Cheese Casserole Recipe
I’ve included some videos I found relevant and helpful. 😍
Pineapple cheese casserole is a tasty Southern dish that mixes sweet and savory flavors. This easy recipe takes just 10 minutes to prep and serves 8 people. It’s perfect for potlucks or family gatherings.
You’ll love how the gooey cheese blends with juicy pineapple chunks and crunchy Ritz crackers. The casserole bakes up warm and bubbly in only 35 minutes. Get ready for a unique and yummy side dish that will have everyone asking for the recipe!
Exact Ingredients List
Here’s what you’ll need to make this yummy pineapple cheese casserole:
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cans (20 ounces each) pineapple chunks
- 1 sleeve Ritz crackers (about 30 crackers)
- 1/4 cup (1/2 stick) butter, melted
Make sure to drain the pineapple chunks well, but save 1/3 cup of the juice for the recipe. You’ll use this juice to add extra flavor to the casserole.
Don’t forget to split the cheese! You’ll use 1 cup in the filling and save the other cup for topping. This helps create a gooey, cheesy layer on top.
For the Ritz crackers, crush them into small pieces. You can do this by putting them in a plastic bag and using a rolling pin. It’s a fun task for kids to help with!
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8×8-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray.
Mix 1 cup of cheddar cheese, sugar, and flour in a large bowl. Drain the pineapple chunks, saving 1/3 cup of juice. Pat the fruit dry with paper towels.
Add the pineapple and saved juice to the cheese mixture. Stir until everything is well combined.
Pour this tasty filling into your greased baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining cup of cheese on top.
In a separate bowl, mix the crushed Ritz crackers with melted butter. Make sure all the crumbs are coated. Spread this topping over your casserole.
Bake for 30-35 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the top is golden brown and the filling is bubbling.
Let your casserole cool for 10 minutes before serving. This helps the flavors settle and makes it easier to portion. Enjoy your warm, gooey creation!
Possible Substitutes List
Want to switch things up? Here are some tasty swaps you can try in your pineapple cheese casserole:
Cheese Options:
- Mild cheddar for a softer flavor
- Monterey Jack for a creamy twist
- Pepper Jack to add a spicy kick
Fruit Alternatives:
- Canned peaches for a peachy spin
- Mandarin oranges for citrus zest
- Fresh mango chunks for a tropical touch
Cracker Swaps:
- Graham crackers for extra sweetness
- Saltines for a salty crunch
- Corn flakes for a crispy topping
You can also try coconut sugar instead of white sugar for a hint of coconut flavor. For a gluten-free version, use almond flour and gluten-free crackers.
Don’t have butter? Try using coconut oil for a tropical twist. You can also use margarine if you prefer.
Remember, these swaps might change the taste and texture a bit. But that’s the fun of cooking – you get to make it your own!
How To Make It Diabetes-Friendly
To make this pineapple cheese casserole more diabetes-friendly, you can try a few simple swaps. Use a sugar substitute like Splenda instead of regular sugar. This cuts down on carbs while keeping the sweet taste.
Pick reduced-fat cheddar cheese to lower the saturated fat. Go for whole wheat crackers instead of Ritz to add more fiber. You can also use less crackers overall.
Try these ingredient changes:
- 1/2 cup Splenda instead of sugar
- 2 cups reduced-fat cheddar cheese
- 1 cup whole wheat crackers, crushed
- 2 tbsp olive oil instead of butter
Cut the casserole into smaller portions. This helps control serving sizes. You can pair it with a side salad for a balanced meal.
Remember to check your blood sugar after eating. New recipes may affect your levels differently. Talk to your doctor about fitting this dish into your meal plan.
With these tweaks, you can still enjoy this tasty casserole while managing your diabetes. The warm, cheesy goodness remains – just with less sugar and more nutrition.
