Pineapple Casserole
This Pineapple Casserole is the perfect balance of sweet and savory, with tangy pineapple, melted cheese, and a crunchy topping. Easy to make and always a crowd-pleaser!
Ingredients
Essential Ingredients
- 1 can (20 oz) of crushed pineapple, drained, or use 2 cups of fresh pineapple, chopped into small pieces.
- 1 1/2 cups of shredded sharp cheddar cheese for a rich tangy flavor. You can also use mild cheddar or a mix of cheeses if desired.
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) of unsalted butter, melted. This helps add richness and moisture to the casserole.
- 1 cup of granulated sugar to enhance the sweetness of the pineapple and balance the flavors.
- 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour which helps thicken the casserole and bind the ingredients together.
Optional Ingredients for Variations
- 1 1/2 cups of crushed cornflakes for a crunchy golden topping.
- 1 cup of mini marshmallows for extra sweetness and a gooey texture.
- 1/2 cup of shredded coconut for added tropical flavor.
- 1/2 cup of fresh breadcrumbs for a savory topping alternative to cornflakes.
- 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm spice flavor or a splash of vanilla extract for extra depth.
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Prepare the Pineapple: If you’re using canned pineapple, drain the liquid. If you’re using fresh pineapple, chop it into small pieces.
- Mix the Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the butter, sugar, and cheddar cheese. Stir until well mixed.
- Add the Dry Ingredients: Sprinkle in the flour and stir until everything is evenly coated.
- Combine Everything: Gently fold the pineapple into the mixture, ensuring all the pineapple pieces are coated with the cheesy batter.
- Prepare the Topping: For the topping, you can use cornflakes, marshmallows, or even coconut. If you’re using cornflakes, crush them lightly and sprinkle evenly over the casserole.
- Bake: Transfer the mixture to a greased casserole dish and bake for 30-40 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the top is golden brown.
- Serve: Let it cool slightly before serving. Enjoy your delicious pineapple casserole as a side dish or a sweet treat!
Baking the Casserole
- How to check for doneness: The casserole is done when the cheese is fully melted, the pineapple is bubbly, and the topping is golden brown and crispy.
- Tip: If the top starts browning too quickly, you can cover the casserole with aluminum foil for the first 20 minutes of baking, then uncover it for the last 10-15 minutes to get that crispy topping.
Notes
- Adjust the sweetness: If you prefer a sweeter casserole, increase the sugar or add more marshmallows.
- Try different cheeses: While cheddar is the most common, you can experiment with a mix of cheeses like monterey jack or cream cheese for a different flavor profile.
- Make it gluten-free: Substitute the flour with a gluten-free flour blend and use gluten-free cornflakes or breadcrumbs for the topping.