This unusual but delicious conglomeration of tangy, sweet pineapple pieces, sharp cheddar cheese and buttery cracker crumbs satisfies a sweet-and-salty craving to perfection. It’s a great complement to an Easter ham, a Thanksgiving feast or a regular weeknight supper.

Allow the casserole to rest 10 minutes and thicken before serving. (Stacey Little / Southern Bite)

Pineapple Cheese Casserole

Prep time: 20 minutes

Cook time: 30 minutes

Resting time: 10 minutes

Serves: 6

Ingredients

• 2 (20-ounce) cans pineapple chunks, drained, with juice reserved
• 1 cup sugar
• 6 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1 sleeve buttery round crackers, crushed (about 1 3/4 cups crushed; I use Ritz)
• ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees and spray a 2-quart baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
2. Drain the pineapple very well and reserve 6 tablespoons of the juice for the recipe.
3. In a large bowl, stir together the sugar, flour and the 6 tablespoons of juice.
4. Add the pineapple and mix well.
5. Pour it into the prepared dish.
6. Sprinkle the cheese over the top.
7. In a medium bowl, add the melted butter to the crushed cracker crumbs and stir to coat.
8. Sprinkle the cracker crumbs evenly over the cheese.
9. Bake for about 30 minutes and then allow the casserole to rest and thicken for about 10 minutes before serving.

This recipe originally appeared on SouthernBite.com. For more great recipes, visit the website or check out ”The Southern Bite Cookbook.”