On Church Ladies and Shirley’s Pineapple Gratin
Once upon a time, another life ago, I encountered this recipe at a church pot-luck supper. I am not sure how many churches still do this tradition, an event where people sign up and gather together with covered dishes and casseroles…that somehow end up working even though they contain potentially ingredients that may or may not work with the dish it is sitting next to. It’s alway’s somewhat magical, or maybe miraculous loaves and fishes style…there is enough food and enough diversity for all to share and break bread together, figuratively and literally.
This isn’t a post about religion. It is however, a post about family. The family you choose and make your own. I’m drawn to and want to be all about authenticity. Even though I am no longer a member of that church from long ago – there are women in my life today that still own a place in my heart. They are the most authentic, loving individuals. When you meet someone like the lady who shared this recipe with me…it isn’t so much about the side dish as it is about those who’s dish it is.
This recipe is easy and pineapple-y but cheese and crunchy. I know, sounds weird, right? It isn’t.
Think ham dinner with pineapple and Au Gratin potatoes. You put them on your plate and they go. Well, this recipe takes out the potato part. Or those of us who live in New England and eat cheddar cheese on top of apple pie. It works. This recipe is also topped with a crunchy, crumbly, buttery, ritz topping. It is a simple side for an Easter dinner, which, in my world is the only time I bake a big ham.
This recipe basically combines pineapple tidbits, shredded cheddar cheese, crushed cracker topping. SIMPLE. It’s something I throw together in a deep dish pie plate, and adds to round out the sides of the meal. It isn’t too sweet, its a warm fruity option at the table. Truth be told, I make it because it reminds me of sitting along side strong women who lifted me up as a young minister’s wife long ago.
I am so thankful for those women, those pot-luck suppers, and the way my life was made better by sharing meals and recipes. They shaped me to be who I am today.
I hope you enjoy this recipe, and as always, thank you for coming to the table!
Chrissy
Click below for a printable recipe.
PrintShirley’s Pineapple Gratin
This side dish combines sweet pineapple tidbits with melty cheddar cheese and is topped with buttery crunchy Ritz crackers. It is the essential side dish for a ham dinner, and makes for a great potluck addition!
Ingredients
- 1 Can Pineapple Tidbits (you can also use crushed pineapple)
- 1 Cup White Sugar ( I have never tried light or dark brown sugar but I bet it would work well)
- 3 Tablespoons AP Flour
- 1 Cup Grated Sharp Cheddar Cheese
- 1/2 Sleeve Ritz crackers
- 4 Tablespoons Butter, melted
Instructions
- Drain pineapple, reserve juice.
- Combine sugar, flour, and pineapple.
- Mix in cheddar cheese and incorporate.
- Put in a baking dish. (I use a pie plate but it an be made in a bigger dish depending on if you double recipe)
- Crush Ritz crackers and sprinkle on top of mixture, and then pour melted butter over the top of the crackers.
- Bake at 350* for at least 30 minutes.