Pineapple Casserole

This classic Southern Pineapple Casserole is the perfect mix of sweet and savory, with an irresistibly buttery topping that’s addicting. Often served with baked ham during the holidays, this family-favorite side dish is a must-have at gatherings.

If you haven’t enjoyed trying pineapple casserole, you’re in for a delightful surprise! Pineapple, cheese, and crackers may seem like an unusual mix, but pineapple casserole is a surprisingly delicious dish. This unexpected fusion of salty, sweet, and savory flavors is a cherished tradition at Easter dinners in many Southern regions. The pineapple’s tangy sweetness complements ham, lamb, and pork roasts.

This delicious casserole is sure to become a family favorite. It is easy to make and the perfect addition to any holiday meal. Pineapple Casserole is a crowd-pleaser that works well with several different mains. Whether serving it with your holiday ham, thanksgiving turkey, or even as a side during a weeknight dinner, it will quickly become one of your new favorite things to make. 

Why You’ll Love Pineapple Casserole

• Easy to Make: This recipe is super easy to put together. It requires only a few simple ingredients and a little bit of time. You can make this Pineapple Casserole rather quickly. The best part? It’s delicious. 
• Versatile: This easy casserole is extremely versatile. It compliments various dishes and is perfect for your easter ham, thanksgiving dinner, and so much more. 
• Crowd-pleaser: If you want something delicious to make for your next gathering or bring to a potluck, this dish is a crowd-pleaser. It is the perfect side dish for several dishes, making it fun and exciting for any occasion. 
• Unique Flavor Profile: Pineapple casserole offers a unique combination of flavors, with the sweet and tangy pineapple contrasting with the savory cheese and buttery crackers. This unusual blend creates a delightful taste experience.

Ingredients 

The full printable recipe card with measurements and instructions is found at the bottom of the post.

• Pineapple tidbits
• Granulated sugar
• Melted unsalted butter
• All-purpose flour 
• Grated sharp cheddar cheese
• Crushed Buttery Ritz Crackers 
• Pineapple juice 

How to Make Pineapple Casserole

• Step One: Preheat your oven to 350°F.
• Step Two: In a medium bowl, combine the crushed Ritz crackers, melted butter, and pineapple juice. Mix them until the cracker crumbs are evenly coated with the butter and pineapple juice.
• Step Three: In your baking dish, mix the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, and grated sharp cheddar cheese.

• Step Four: Combine the drained sweet pineapple tidbits with the flour, sugar, and cheese.
• Step Five: Cover the pineapple mixture with the buttery cracker mixture and bake the pineapple casserole in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the casserole is heated through and the cracker topping is golden brown and crispy.
• Step Six: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving.

Equipment Needed

Get our FREE
e-cookbook

I want it!

We respect your privacy. Unsubscribe at anytime.

This post contains affiliate links.

• Mixing bowl 
• 9×9 casserole dish 
• Baking sheet

What to Serve with Pineapple Casserole

This delicious dish is perfect, with several different accompaniments. 

• Sunday Meatloaf
• Roast Turkey
• Dill Pickle Roast Beef
• Roast Chicken
• Christmas Ham

Variations and Substitutions

• Cracker Variations: Change the crackers you use to give your casserole a different crunch and flavor. Try buttery or buttery-flavored crackers for a unique twist.
• Cheese Options: Pick a different kind of cheese to alter the taste of your casserole. Instead of sharp cheddar, use Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or Swiss cheese for their distinct flavors.
• Savory Twist: If you prefer a less sweet casserole, use less sugar. Add ingredients like sautéed onions or bacon bits to make it more savory for a delightful contrast.
• Add Nuts: Add a layer of chopped nuts like almonds or pecans to your pineapple casserole. This can give your casserole a great crunch and nutty flavor.

Storage Instructions

The chance of you having leftovers of this delicious pineapple cheese casserole is very slim. However, if you need to store it, you must only follow a few simple steps. Allow your casserole to cool before placing it in an airtight container. Place the container in the fridge. It can be kept for 3-4 days. 

Can I Freeze?

Yes, you can. Leftovers can be kept in a freezer-safe, airtight container in the freezer. It will remain suitable for up to 2 months. 

Recipe Tips and Tricks

• Drain the Pineapple: When using canned pineapple, drain it well to remove excess liquid. This prevents your casserole from becoming too watery.
• Grate the Cheese: You will want to grate your cheese fresh off the block for the best results. Storebought, pre-shredded cheese often contains additives that can change the flavor. It also doesn’t melt as well as freshly grated cheese. 
• Create a Crunchy Topping: Make sure that you coat the cracker mixture with the melted butter and pineapple juice. This will ensure a crispy and delicious topping for your classic pineapple casserole. 
• Keep an Eye on it: Keep an eye on your casserole towards the end of the baking time to prevent over-browning. It should be heated through, and the topping should be golden brown and crispy.

What is Pineapple Casserole?

Pineapple Casserole is a beloved Southern dish that blends sweet canned pineapple with savory cheddar cheese and buttery Ritz crackers. It’s a delightful mix of sweet and salty with a crispy topping. This casserole is often served at holiday gatherings and special occasions. 

Can I Use Fresh Pineapple?

Yes! You can use fresh pineapple in pineapple casserole for a brighter and more vibrant flavor. Simply prepare the fresh pineapple by peeling, coring, and cutting it into small pieces or tidbits. Then, replace the canned pineapple in the recipe with the fresh pineapple. Remember that fresh pineapple may be less sweet than canned so you can adjust the sugar to your liking. Drain excess juice from the fresh pineapple to prevent your casserole from becoming too watery. Fresh pineapple can add a delightful freshness to your pineapple casserole, enhancing its overall flavor.

Is It a Dessert or a Side Dish?

Pineapple casserole is usually a side dish, not a dessert. It combines sweet and savory flavors and pairs well with main courses, often at Easter and Thanksgiving holidays. This casserole’s unique taste complements your meal nicely.

Add-Ins

• Bacon
• Onions
• Chopped Nuts
• Dried Fruit
• Fresh Herbs
• Spices
• Different cheeses

Can I Make Ahead?

You can make this delicious and easy pineapple casserole recipe ahead of time. Simply gather your filling ingredients, mix them, and pop them into the casserole dish. Cover the dish with plastic wrap or foil and store it in the fridge. When you are ready to bake your casserole, you will want to make the cracker topping. This will ensure that the topping is crispy when it’s done baking. When you are ready to bake the casserole, simply stick it in the oven and cook it according to the instructions. 

How to Reheat Leftovers

Reheating the leftovers of this popular dish doesn’t have to be complicated. Allow the dish to sit at room temperature for a while. When ready to reheat, pop the casserole in a 350°F oven until warm. If the top of the casserole begins to brown too much before it is fully heated, simply cover the top loosely with foil to prevent further browning.

Pineapple Recipes

• The Best Pineapple Dip
• Pineapple Teriyaki Chicken
• Pineapple Tarts
• BBQ Chicken & Pineapple Quesadillas
• Pineapple Cheese Bread

FAQ

Casserole Recipes

• Twice Baked Potato Casserole
• Taco Casserole Recipe
• Sweet Potato Casserole
• Baked Bean Casserole
• Bacon and Egg Biscuit Casserole

Follow me on Instagram @simplystacieblog, Facebook at Simply Stacie, TikTok @simplystacierecipes or Pinterest at @simplystacie and let me know how you liked this recipe and my other recipes.