If you grew up around Southern cooking, you’ve probably experienced some version of a pineapple-cheese casserole. Our Aunt Mabel introduced the family to this church cookbook classic decades ago, and Lolli has carried on the tradition ever since. She especially likes to serve it at Easter with country ham to create a delectable, savory-sweet combo. It’s called a “casserole,” but I think of this dish more as a delicious, warm chutney to complement salty meats and sides on the holiday menu. It’s a regular hit, not only at Easter, but we often enjoy it with Thanksgiving turkey and at Christmastime, too!
Pineapple is the symbol of “hospitality,” so making it a star ingredient when hosting family and friends is appropriate and meaningful! And, I don’t know about y’all, but I’m all for anything with “cheese” in the title. Best of all, with just seven simple ingredients, this delight is easy to throw together in a pinch:
Ingredients
2 cans crushed pineapple with juice
6 Tbsp flour
3/4 cup sugar
Pinch of salt
1 cup medium or sharp cheddar cheese (freshly grated)
1 roll crushed Ritz® original crackers
1 stick butter
Directions
Butter a 9″ x 13″ baking dish or similar. Stir together the pineapple, flour, sugar, salt, and cheese in a mixing bowl, then pour the mixture into your buttered dish and spread evenly. Crumble a roll of crushed Ritz® crackers on top (My “kitchen kids” love helping with this part!), and drizzle with 1 stick of melted butter. Bake at 375 degrees for 35-40 minutes, until cheese is melted.
Since this casserole is best served straight from the baking dish, here are some practical and presentable oven-to-table pieces you’ll enjoy time and time again:
VOILA, Y’ALL!™ Please let us know if Aunt Mabel’s Pineapple-Cheese Casserole makes it onto your Easter menu by tagging @lolliandme in any Instagram posts about your version of this sweet and savory, Southern recipe!
Featured photo by Spicy Southern Kitchen
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