Timeless Pineapple Bake

🕒 Prep: 15 min
🔥 Cook: 30 min
🍽 Serves: 8
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This Timeless Pineapple Bake brings a sweet and savory twist to your table, perfect for holiday gatherings or a unique weeknight treat. It's a delightful combination of juicy pineapple and rich cheddar cheese, topped with buttery crackers for a satisfying crunch.

Ingredients for Timeless Pineapple Bake

The star of this dish is definitely the pineapple chunks, bringing a burst of tropical sweetness. The granulated sugar enhances that sweetness, while the all-purpose flour helps to thicken the mixture, giving it a more cohesive texture. The shredded cheddar cheese adds a savory, creamy element that melts beautifully throughout the dish. Finally, the crushed butter crackers mixed with melted unsalted butter create a crunchy, buttery topping that contrasts wonderfully with the juicy filling.

Tips & Tricks

  • Drain the pineapple chunks well to prevent a watery casserole.
  • Use freshly shredded cheddar for better melting and flavor.
  • For a gluten-free option, substitute gluten-free crackers and flour.

Serving Suggestions

This dish pairs wonderfully with a fresh green salad or roasted vegetables for a balanced meal. For a holiday spread, consider serving it alongside roasted turkey or ham to complement the savory notes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned?
Yes, you can use fresh pineapple, but make sure to adjust the sugar depending on the sweetness of the fruit.
What type of crackers work best?
Butter crackers like Ritz work best for that classic buttery crunch.
How should I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Reheat in the oven for best results.

Timeless Pineapple Bake Recipe Walkthrough

First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it's hot and ready by the time you're done prepping. While that's heating up, grab a large mixing bowl and toss in your drained pineapple chunks, granulated sugar, and all-purpose flour. Give everything a good mix until the pineapple is nicely coated with the sugar and flour.

Next, stir in the shredded cheddar cheese. Don't be shy here — you want that cheese to be well integrated with the pineapple. Once mixed, transfer the whole thing into a greased 9x13 inch baking dish. Spread it out evenly so it cooks uniformly.

In another bowl, mix the crushed butter crackers with the melted unsalted butter. Make sure the crackers are fully coated to get that perfect golden crust. Sprinkle this mixture over the pineapple and cheese in the baking dish, spreading it as evenly as possible.

Pop your dish into the oven and let it bake for 25-30 minutes. You'll know it's ready when the top turns a lovely golden brown and you see the edges bubbling. Once done, take it out and let it cool slightly before serving. This will help the flavors meld together beautifully.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors.
  • Simple ingredients that are easy to find.
  • Quick to prepare, making it ideal for last-minute plans.
  • Comfort food that's a hit with kids and adults alike.

Ingredients

2 cans (20 oz each) pineapple chunks, drained
1 cup granulated sugar
6 tbsp all-purpose flour
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup crushed butter crackers
1/2 cup melted unsalted butter

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the drained pineapple chunks, granulated sugar, and all-purpose flour. Mix until the pineapple is evenly coated.
3. Add the shredded cheddar cheese to the pineapple mixture and stir until well combined.
4. Transfer the mixture to a greased 9x13 inch baking dish, spreading it evenly.
5. In a separate bowl, mix the crushed butter crackers with the melted unsalted butter until the crackers are well coated.
6. Sprinkle the buttery cracker mixture evenly over the top of the pineapple mixture in the baking dish.
7. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, until the top is golden brown and the casserole is bubbling.
8. Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving.

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