Tropical Pineapple Delight Casserole

🕒 Prep: 15 min
🔥 Cook: 30 min
🍽 Serves: 6
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This Tropical Pineapple Delight Casserole is a sweet and savory twist on a traditional dessert, perfect for any occasion. With layers of juicy pineapple, melted cheddar, and a crispy coconut cracker topping, it’s an unexpected treat that will transport your taste buds straight to a sunny beach.

Ingredients for Tropical Pineapple Delight Casserole

Pineapple chunks are the star of this dish, providing natural sweetness and a juicy bite. Brown sugar adds a rich, caramel-like sweetness that complements the tartness of the pineapple. Shredded cheddar cheese might seem unusual here, but it lends a creamy, savory element that balances the sweet. Sweetened shredded coconut adds texture and a tropical flair. Crushed butter crackers bring a buttery crunch to the topping. Unsalted butter, when melted, helps bind the topping ingredients together. All-purpose flour thickens the pineapple mixture slightly, creating a cohesive dish. Ground cinnamon and nutmeg provide warmth and depth, while a pinch of salt enhances all the flavors.

Tips & Tricks

  • For a deeper flavor, try using dark brown sugar instead of light.
  • If your coconut is unsweetened, you might want to add a bit more sugar to the pineapple mixture.
  • Make sure to drain the pineapple well to avoid a soggy casserole.
  • Crush the crackers in a sealed bag using a rolling pin for easy cleanup.

Serving Suggestions

This casserole pairs beautifully with vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an indulgent dessert. If you're serving it as a side dish, try pairing it with grilled chicken or pork chops for a delicious contrast.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned?
Yes, just ensure you cut it into small chunks and consider adding a bit more sugar if your pineapple isn't very sweet.
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
You can assemble it a few hours in advance and keep it in the fridge. Just bake it right before serving for the best texture.
Is there a substitute for butter crackers?
You can use any crunchy, buttery cracker, or even panko breadcrumbs for a different texture.

Tropical Pineapple Delight Casserole Recipe Walkthrough

First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step ensures your casserole will bake evenly. While the oven is heating, grab a large bowl and combine your drained pineapple chunks with brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Give it a good mix until the pineapple is nicely coated. This mixture will form the base of your casserole.

Next, take a greased 9x13-inch baking dish and spread the pineapple mixture evenly across the bottom. Make sure it's distributed well so every bite has the perfect combination of flavors. Now, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the pineapple layer. Trust me, the cheese might sound odd, but it’s a game-changer!

In a separate bowl, mix together the crushed butter crackers and shredded coconut. Pour the melted butter over this blend, stirring until everything is well combined. This concoction will form the crispy topping. Spread it evenly over the cheese layer, ensuring full coverage.

Pop the dish into your preheated oven and let it bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and crispy. Once baked, let it cool for about 5 minutes before serving. This short wait allows everything to set a bit and makes serving easier.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • A unique combination of sweet and savory flavors that surprises and delights.
  • Easy to prepare with common pantry ingredients.
  • Perfect for potlucks, family gatherings, or any time you want a tropical escape.

Ingredients

2 cans (20 oz each) pineapple chunks, drained
1 cup brown sugar
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup sweetened shredded coconut
1 cup crushed butter crackers
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
1/4 tsp salt

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine the drained pineapple chunks, brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Mix well to coat the pineapple evenly.
3. Transfer the pineapple mixture into a greased 9x13-inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
4. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the pineapple mixture.
5. In a separate bowl, combine the crushed butter crackers and shredded coconut. Drizzle the melted butter over this mixture and stir until well combined.
6. Spread the cracker and coconut mixture evenly over the cheese layer.
7. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and crispy.
8. Allow the casserole to cool for 5 minutes before serving.

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