1-First Step: Get the oven and 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 will release easily after baking. This small step helps the filling slide out cleanly and makes serving much easier later.

2-Second Step: Mix the pineapple filling Place the drained pineapple chunks in a large bowl. Add the reserved 2 tablespoons of pineapple juice, the sugar or brown sugar, and the flour. Stir until the fruit is well coated and the mixture starts to look slightly thickened.

3-Third Step: Add the cheese Next, stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until it is evenly spread through the pineapple mixture. Do not worry if it looks a little unusual at first. That sweet and savory combination is exactly what gives Pineapple Casserole its classic Southern charm.

4-Fourth Step: Transfer to the baking dish Spoon the pineapple and cheese mixture into the prepared baking dish. Spread it out in an even layer so the casserole bakes at the same rate throughout. A level surface also makes it easier to add the topping later.

5-Fifth Step: Make the buttery cracker topping In a separate bowl, mix the crushed buttery crackers, melted butter, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Stir until the crumbs are fully coated and look like wet sand. This mixture is what gives the casserole its crunchy, golden top.

6-Sixth Step: Top the casserole and bake Sprinkle the cracker mixture evenly over the pineapple filling. Try to cover the surface from edge to edge so every serving has some crunch. Then place the dish in the oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes.

7-Final Step: Rest and serve Remove the dish from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. This short rest helps the filling settle so it scoops more neatly. The casserole will still be warm, creamy, and full of flavor when it reaches the table.