Pineapple Casserole

 

 A traditional Southern side dish served with many holiday feasts is pineapple casserole. The most delicious side dish with ham is made of cheese, crackers, and pineapple! If this specific version of Southern Pineapple Casserole is unfamiliar to you.

 

Ingredients

1 cup water

1 cup sugar

3 Tablespoons pineapple Jell-O

3 Tablespoons corn starch

20 ounce can of pineapple tidbits or chunks in 100% juice

1 ½ sleeves (45) Ritz crackers crushed

½ stick salted butter 1/4 cup melted

½ cup reserved pineapple juice

1 cup finely shredded sharp cheddar cheese

 

Set the oven's temperature to 350F. Apply nonstick cooking spray to an 8-by-8-inch baking dish.

 

Mix 1 cup water, 1 cup sugar, 3 Tablespoons pineapple Jell-O, & 3 Tablespoons cornstarch in a medium saucepan over medium heat till thoroughly blended and the lumps are completely gone. Increase the heat to high and allow the mixture to boil until it thickens. Keep whisking. When thickened, remove from the heat. Thoroughly drain a 20-ounce can of pineapple chunks or nibbles with 100% juice, reserving 1/2 cup of the liquid. Stir the drained pineapple into the saucepan. Finely smash 1 1/2 sleeves (45) Ritz crackers in a large Ziploc bag. In a medium bowl, add the crumbled crackers, 1/4 cup melted salted butter, and 1/2 cup saved pineapple juice. Stir until well blended. Transfer 1 cup of finely crumbled sharp cheddar cheese into the pan with the cooled pineapple mixture. After that, transfer the mixture to the baking dish. Scatter the Ritz cracker topping over the combination of pineapple. Bake for around 30 to 35 minutes in the oven.