Sweet and Savory Pineapple Bake Casserole Recipe

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Lightly grease a 9×9-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray to prevent sticking.

In a medium mixing bowl, combine the drained crushed pineapple and pineapple chunks.
Add the granulated sugar and flour, then mix well to ensure the flour is evenly distributed. The flour helps thicken the mixture while it bakes, creating a custard-like consistency.
Add the reserved 1/4 cup of pineapple juice for added flavor and moisture, then stir well.

If you want a richer casserole, add 1/4 cup of melted butter and 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese to the pineapple mixture. The cheddar cheese brings a savory element, enhancing the flavor.
Stir well until everything is evenly combined, and then pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish.

In a separate bowl, combine the crushed Ritz crackers (or breadcrumbs), brown sugar, and melted butter. Mix well until the crackers are fully coated with the butter, creating a slightly crumbly texture.
Evenly sprinkle the cracker mixture over the pineapple mixture in the baking dish. This will create a crunchy, golden topping after baking.

Place the casserole dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 30-35 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and crispy.
The pineapple mixture should be bubbly around the edges, indicating it’s ready.

Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. This allows the pineapple mixture to set slightly and enhances the flavors.
Serve warm as a side dish or dessert. This casserole pairs especially well with ham, pork, or roasted meats, but can also be enjoyed on its own.

Drain the Pineapple Well: Make sure to drain the canned pineapple thoroughly. Excess liquid can make the casserole too soupy.
Adjust the Sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet dish, you can reduce the sugar to 1/4 cup or use a sugar substitute.
Add Texture with Nuts: For a nutty crunch, consider adding a handful of chopped pecans or walnuts to the topping mixture.
Experiment with Cheese: While cheddar is commonly used for a savory touch, you can substitute it with gouda or mozzarella for a different flavor profile.
Make Ahead: You can prepare the pineapple mixture and topping separately, then store them in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake.

This Pineapple Bake Casserole is versatile and can be served as a side dish or dessert. Here are some serving ideas:

As a Side Dish: Serve alongside savory meats like glazed ham, roasted turkey, or baked pork chops for a holiday meal or Sunday dinner.
As a Dessert: This sweet casserole can be topped with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent treat.
Breakfast Casserole: Leftovers can make a great breakfast option; the mix of pineapple and crumbs goes well with eggs and bacon.

Refrigerate: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freeze: This casserole can be frozen for up to 2 months. Wrap it tightly in foil or place it in a freezer-safe container.
Reheat: To reheat, place the casserole in a preheated 350°F oven for about 15 minutes, or until warmed through. If frozen, let it thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.