This is an oldie, but goodie right out of the grandma archive of recipes. I bet most of you have the ingredients right in your pantry. The pineapple cooks up through the cracker crumbs and bonds with the cheese creating a ‘stuffing’ like texture.
BAKED PINEAPPLE CASSEROLE
2 large cans crushed pineapple DO NOT DRAIN
1 cup sugar
2 1/2 cups Ritz cracker crumbs* (see note)
6 tablespoons butter, melted
2 cups grated cheddar cheese
1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts, optional
- Preheat oven to 350°.
- In a small saucepan combine pineapple, juice and sugar, whisking until sugar is dissolved and pineapple is heated through. Remove from heat. Set aside.
- In a small mixing bowl use a fork to combine cracker crumbs and melted butter until well combined. Set aside.
- In baking dish or individual ramekins evenly layer the pineapple mixture.
- Top that with an even layer of the cracker crumb mixture.
- Evenly top with shredded cheese.
- Top with nuts, if using.
- Bake uncovered 20 minutes until bubbly and golden brown.
*NOTE: Keebler club crackers can be substituted, but it does alter the flavor a bit. You do need a cracker with a bit of a buttery flavor to them.
I have another olide but goodie that we call tropical yum that is a cold jello salad that uses cheddar cheese. we love it! https://chasingmylife.com/2018/01/04/tropical-yum-3/ 😀
This reminds me a bit of a dish my mom used to make for every main fall/winter holiday. It was called Sofie’s salad and a cold jello dish but it had a pineapple layer and she also covered half the dish in shredded cheddar cheese (I think that’s the way it’s supposed to be but not all of the family enjoyed the cheese). Not sure either dish would fly with my picky family but your casserole sounds good to me.