A classic side dish made of fruit? Well, this Fresh Pineapple Bake delivers and then some! The pineapple is tender and juicy, while its tropical tangy sweetness is enhanced with a sprinkling of brown sugar. Thanks to the hard work of crunchy almonds and a sprinkling of sharp cheddar, Fresh Pineapple Bake becomes a satisfying and refreshing side dish (or dessert!), fit to accompany any main course! It’s amazing what a few simple ingredient changes can create!
Ingredients
- 2 fresh pineapples, peeled and cored
- 1/4 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 3 tablespoons cornstarch
- 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 1/2 cups aged white cheddar cheese, shredded, divided
- 1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese, cut into small cubes
- 26 buttery crackers, coarsely crushed
- 1 cup almonds, sliced
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary leaves, chopped
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
Directions
Step 1 –Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
Step 2 –Lightly coat a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
Step 3 –Halve the pineapples lengthwise.
Step 4 –Slice the pineapple halves crosswise into 1/2-inch-thick half-moons.
Step 5 –Place the pineapple slices onto several layers of paper towels and gently pat them dry.
Step 6 –Shingle the pineapple slices lengthwise in 2 rows, curved sides up, in the prepared baking dish.
Step 7 –In a small bowl, add the brown sugar, the cornstarch, and the lemon juice and whisk to combine.
Step 8 –Pour the brown sugar mixture evenly over the pineapple slices.
Step 9 –Sprinkle 3/4 cup of the cheddar over the pineapple slices.
Step 10 –Scatter the cream cheese cubes evenly over the surface of the pineapple slices.
Step 11 –In a medium bowl, add the crackers, the almonds, and the rosemary and mix to combine.
Step 12 –Drizzle the cracker mixture with the butter and toss to coat.
Step 13 –Add the remaining cheddar to the cracker mixture and stir to combine.
Step 14 –Sprinkle the cracker mixture evenly over the casserole.
Step 15 –Bake the casserole until the topping is golden-brown and the slices are tender, about 30-35 minutes.
Step 16 –Serve.
