Tuesday, January 27, 2009

Pineapple Casserole...I must be thinking Hawaii and warmth!

Yesterday we had Jezebel Sauce, which had pineapple in it, and today's recipe is another favorite side with ham...Pineapple Casserole. A few years ago, my daughter saw Paula Deen make this. I love pineapple. They are a good source of Vitamin C and help to protect againt macular degeneration. Of course, I think this applies to fresh pineapple rather than this recipe! I have been finding pretty reasonably priced pineapples and we have been enjoying them since the summer.

I have used this side for Easter dinners and a Hawaiian theme party. I always double the recipe because once it gets tasted, it goes fast. It seems like an odd combination of ingredients, but it is soooo good! What is not to like? Cheese, butter...yum! Not exactly a dieter's delight, but it not a recipe you make that often. When you do, though.....it is a nice splurge!

Pineapple Casserole
8 servings
1 cup sugar
6 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 cups grated sharp cheddar
2 (20-ounce) cans pineapple chunks, drained, and 6 tablespoons pineapple juice reserved
1 cup cracker crumbs (recommended: Ritz)
8 tablespoons (1 stick) butter, melted, plus extra for greasing pan

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
Grease a medium-size casserole dish with butter.
In a large bowl, stir together the sugar and flour. Gradually stir in the cheese. Add the drained pineapple chunks, and stir until ingredients are well combined. Pour the mixture into the prepared casserole dish.
In another medium bowl, combine the cracker crumbs, melted butter, and reserved pineapple juice, stirring with a rubber spatula until evenly blended. Spread crumb mixture on top of pineapple mixture. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until golden brown.
Living in the northeast is definitely not nice in the winter. As I look out my window and see the snow, with the expectation that we will be getting about a foot of the white stuff before the day is over, I guess thinking of warm places helps me get through this. That and comfort food like a baked ham dinner!
Mid-week...YAHOO!

9 comments:

  1. Yeah, Its coming down good here now...the snow that is. ;o) I have never had pineapple casserole!

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  2. Linda, thanks for another delicious looking recipe.. I know hubby is going to "love" this one.. have a super day my friend. hugs ~lynne~

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  3. This DOES look good. I have always meant to ask you, what are the little hearts pictured on your home page made of? Have a good day, even with all the snow. It NEVER snows here. My kids have only seen it once in Oklahoma when we were visiting. Sad, huh? We had something in Houston they called snow, but it was more like drizzle!

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  4. I may just make this today. It's snowing and supposed to turn to ice. I have tasted a dessert pineapple casserole but never anything like this.
    Hugs,
    Sweetie

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  5. Oh, yeah! I've had this before and I love this stuff. My husband's Aunt usually makes it at Thanksgiving and I was surprised to learn that it was pineapple. Strange combo, but delicious results!

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  6. WOW...that looks great...almost a shell-less tart like. :)

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  7. Ohhh I have had this one and it is yummy!...Debbie

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  8. Pineapple casserole is a favorite of mine, but I never seem to make it enough. I only think of it during Easter time. I am definately putting your recipe on top of my "Recipes to try" pile.

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  9. Can this be made the day before, then cooked???

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