Pineapple Casserole
A Classic Recipe Made New Again
Pineapple Casserole is a old fashioned recipe that needs to be revived. It is the perfect, unique side dish to your ham dinner. Made with canned pineapple, cheddar cheese and the spice of Tajin. This bakes up in thirty minutes or less. An easy and tasty side for the holidays.
I saw this recipe for Pineapple Casserole in an old church cookbook I got at a thrift store years ago. I decided to give it a try, unsure of how it would be, and the verdict is in. It was awesome. I made this a few weeks ago when I made a ham dinner for friends and family. It was the perfect side.
The combination of salty and sweet was right up my alley. I made a few of my own modifications to the recipe I saw in the cookbook. I used a much sharper cheddar cheese and I tried Tajin Seasoning in the casserole. The Tajin was a great addition.
This side dish can be serve with ham, pork chops or even some grilled sausages. Add it into your holiday menu. Your guests will be asking you for the recipe.
What Is Tajin?
This may be a new ingredient for some of you. This is basically like a chili powder, lime and salt seasoning. It adds zing to fruits and vegetables. I see this sold most everywhere. It is also sold on Amazon. You can also order it online from the company. If you cannot find this seasoning, you can add some lime zest, sea salt and chili powder to this recipe as a substitute.
Cheddar Is Better
Nine times out of ten, I prefer to shred my own cheddar for most recipes. This recipe is no exception. I use the EXTRA sharp cheddar in this recipe. It pairs really well with the sweetness of the pineapple. Try to shred this yourself, it will just melt up better and have extra flavor in this little cassrole.
Buttery Crackers
The butter in this recipe is plentiful. The butter mixed into the buttery crackers is even better. I love a good ritz cracker. I even have a special Ritz Cracker recipe that I made that I call Cracker Snackers. They are addicting. The crackers on this pineapple casserole adds a great buttery flavor and texture.
Pineapple Casserole
Pineapple Casserole is a classic recipe and this version is a take on the old classic with a modern day twist. Pineapple, sharp cheddar cheese, tajin seasoning all baked up with flour, and a buttery Ritz cracker topping. An ideal side for ham.
Ingredients
- 1 can of crushed pineapple (20 ounces)
- 1 can of pineapple chunks (20 ounces)
- 3 cups of super sharp or extra sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup of brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons of maple syrup
- 1/3 cup of all purpose flour
- About 40 Ritz Crackers
- 1/2 cup of butter melted
- 1/2 tablespoon of Tajin seasoning *pictured in the post before the recipe card **or to taste
Instructions
- Reserve 1/4 cup of the juice from the can of pineapple, discard the rest or save for something else * I use the juice to mix with the ham glaze packet that comes with the ham
- Shred the cheddar cheese by hand if possible.
- In a bowl combine both cans of pineapple, flour, brown sugar, maple syrup , then fold in all the cheese.
- Use a 1 1/2 quart casserole dish with non stick spray or butter.
- Add the mixture to the casserole dish and spread evenly. Sprinkle the whole top generously with Tajin seasoning.
- Crush the Ritz crackers and toss with the melted butter as well as the Tajin seasoning. I like to use a lot, you can taste and adjust.
- Bake at 350° for 25 to 30 minutes, or until golden brown. Keep an eye on this the first time you bake this, as all ovens are different and bake differently.
- Serve as a side to ham or grilled sausages or even pork.
- Another topping idea after this is baked is crumbled, cooked bacon and green onions or chives.