1-First Step: Preheat and get your baking dish ready Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Lightly coat a 3-quart baking dish with cooking spray so the casserole does not stick. This small step makes serving easier and helps cleanup go faster, which is great for busy parents and working professionals.

2-Second Step: Mix the pineapple filling In a large bowl, combine the drained pineapple chunks, the 2 tablespoons of reserved juice, the sugar or brown sugar, and the flour. Stir everything together until the flour is dissolved and the pineapple looks evenly coated. The reserved juice helps the filling stay moist, while the flour starts thickening the mixture before baking.

3-Third Step: Add the cheese Next, fold in the 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese. Stir until the cheese is evenly spread through the pineapple mixture. This is where the dish starts to become a true Pineapple Cheese Casserole, with that sweet and savory contrast people remember.

4-Fourth Step: Transfer to the baking dish Spoon the mixture into the prepared 3-quart baking dish. Spread it out so the casserole bakes evenly. If you want to make the dish ahead, you can stop here, cover it, and refrigerate it overnight. Just wait to add the topping until baking time.

5-Fifth Step: Make the buttery cracker topping In a separate bowl, mix the crushed crackers, melted butter, ground cinnamon, and ground nutmeg. Stir until all the crumbs are coated. The butter helps the topping crisp and brown, while the cinnamon and nutmeg give the dish a warm finish. If you want a little extra texture, use a slightly chunkier cracker crumb instead of a very fine crush.

6-Sixth Step: Sprinkle the topping and bake Scatter the cracker mixture evenly over the pineapple filling. Place the dish in the oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the casserole is bubbling around the edges. If your oven runs hot, start checking near the 25-minute mark so the topping does not over-brown.

7-Final Step: Rest and serve Once baked, let the Pineapple Casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving. This short rest helps the filling settle a little, so each scoop holds together better. Serve warm alongside holiday ham, Thanksgiving turkey, or Easter ham, or pair it with green beans and potatoes for a full Southern-style meal.