Pineapple Casserole

WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE?

I have a deep love for recipes that surprise you—and Pineapple Casserole is exactly that kind of dish. At first glance, it seems unusual: sweet pineapple, sharp cheddar cheese, and buttery crackers all layered into a bubbly, golden casserole. But take one bite, and you’re hooked. The combination is unexpectedly delicious—the tropical sweetness of pineapple, the saltiness of cheese, and the crispy savory topping all work together like magic.

The first time I served this, I watched every skeptical forkful turn into wide eyes and second helpings. It’s the kind of dish that makes people say, “Wait, what’s in this again?” It’s perfect as a side for ham, a quirky addition to a potluck, or even as a warm dessert. Whether you’re making it for a holiday or just out of curiosity, Pineapple Casserole brings comfort and conversation to the table.

---

Why You’ll Love This Pineapple Casserole

• It’s unexpected and unforgettable – the contrast of flavors is unlike anything else.
• Quick and easy – just a few simple ingredients and steps.
• Perfect for any occasion – holidays, family dinners, or Southern-inspired meals.
• Make-ahead friendly – prep it ahead of time and bake just before serving.
• Crowd-pleaser – even picky eaters fall in love after the first bite.

---

What Kind of Pineapple Works Best in Pineapple Casserole?

You can use either canned pineapple chunks or crushed pineapple, but I always go with canned pineapple chunks in juice. They offer a nice bite and balance the texture against the melty cheese and the buttery topping. Crushed pineapple can make the dish a bit too soft, almost soggy, while fresh pineapple can be too firm and not quite sweet enough unless it’s ultra-ripe. Draining the pineapple well is also crucial—too much liquid will water down the casserole and ruin the crispy top.

---

Options for Substitutions

Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar is traditional, but you can experiment with Monterey Jack or a mild Colby if you want something mellower. Avoid mozzarella—its stretchiness doesn’t quite fit here.

Butter Crackers: Ritz crackers are the go-to for their buttery flavor, but Club crackers or even crushed cornflakes can work in a pinch. Just make sure they’re not too salty if you’re already using salted butter.

Canned Pineapple: If you prefer to avoid canned goods, use very ripe fresh pineapple and lightly cook it in its own juice before adding it to the casserole.

Sugar: Some recipes call for added sugar, but honestly, I find the pineapple sweet enough on its own. If you’re using unsweetened pineapple, a tablespoon of brown sugar can help enhance the sweetness.

Butter: Salted or unsalted works here. If you’re using salted butter and salty crackers, consider reducing the cheese saltiness just a bit.

---

Ingredients for This Pineapple Casserole

Canned Pineapple Chunks (in juice, not syrup)
These are the heart of the casserole—sweet, juicy, and packed with tropical flavor. Make sure to drain them well so the dish doesn’t turn out watery.

Sharp Cheddar Cheese
The saltiness and richness of sharp cheddar contrast beautifully with the sweet pineapple. It melts into the fruit to create a creamy, tangy layer.

Ritz Crackers
These buttery crackers are crushed and used as a topping, adding a perfect golden crunch to the soft, juicy interior.

Butter
Melted and combined with the cracker crumbs, butter gives the topping that irresistible crispy, savory texture.

All-Purpose Flour
Just a touch is used to help slightly thicken the pineapple mixture and bind everything together as it bakes.

Granulated Sugar (optional)
If your pineapple isn’t sweet enough or you’re using unsweetened canned fruit, a small amount of sugar can brighten up the flavor.

Pineapple Juice (reserved from the can)
Used to bring a little moisture and help blend the filling. You only need a small splash to enhance the fruitiness.

---

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a medium-sized baking dish with butter or nonstick spray to prevent sticking.

---

Step 2: Drain the Pineapple

Open the cans of pineapple chunks and drain them well. Reserve a few tablespoons of the juice to mix into the filling. Excess moisture will make the casserole soggy, so press the pineapple lightly with a spoon if needed.

---

Step 3: Make the Filling

In a mixing bowl, combine the drained pineapple chunks, shredded sharp cheddar cheese, flour, and sugar (if using). Stir everything together until the fruit is well coated and the cheese is evenly distributed.

---

Step 4: Transfer to Baking Dish

Pour the pineapple mixture into your prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly with a spatula.

---

Step 5: Make the Topping

In a small bowl, mix the crushed Ritz crackers with melted butter until the crumbs are evenly coated. This buttery topping will turn golden and crisp as it bakes.

---

Step 6: Add the Cracker Topping

Sprinkle the cracker mixture evenly over the top of the pineapple and cheese layer. Make sure it covers the entire surface.

---

Step 7: Bake

Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the edges are bubbling slightly.

---

How Long to Cook the Pineapple Casserole

Bake the Pineapple Casserole at 350°F (175°C) for 25 to 30 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the edges are bubbly, the cheese is melted, and the cracker topping turns golden brown and crisp. Let it rest for 5–10 minutes before serving—it thickens slightly as it cools and is easier to scoop.

---

Tips for Perfect Pineapple Casserole

• Drain the pineapple well. Excess juice can turn the casserole soupy and ruin the crispy topping.
• Use sharp cheddar. The bold flavor balances the sweetness and doesn’t get lost in the mix.
• Don’t overbake. Once the topping is golden and the edges bubble, it’s ready—overbaking can dry it out.
• Crush the crackers by hand. You want small crumbles, not fine dust, for the perfect texture.
• Melt the butter fully. This ensures the topping toasts evenly and clumps into that perfect, crispy crust.
• Let it rest. A short resting period after baking helps the casserole firm up and makes serving easier.

---

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

• Using pineapple in syrup instead of juice – It adds too much sweetness and throws off the balance of the dish.
• Skipping the draining step – Undrained pineapple will add excess liquid and make the casserole soggy.
• Using pre-shredded cheese – It often contains anti-caking agents that prevent smooth melting. Shred your own for best results.
• Adding too much flour – Only a little is needed. Overdoing it can make the filling pasty instead of creamy.
• Over-crushing the crackers – You want a crumbly texture, not fine sand, for that crunchy topping.
• Using low-fat cheese – It doesn’t melt as nicely and lacks the rich flavor that sharp cheddar brings.
• Forgetting to taste-test – Especially if you’re tweaking sugar levels or using alternative ingredients.

---

What to Serve With Pineapple Casserole?

Glazed Ham

This sweet and savory casserole was practically made to sit beside a smoky, juicy glazed ham. A holiday favorite.

Fried or Baked Chicken

The tangy pineapple and cheese combo pairs beautifully with crispy fried chicken or oven-roasted thighs.

Collard Greens or Green Beans

Add a bite of earthy, garlicky greens to offset the sweetness of the casserole.

Cornbread or Dinner Rolls

For scooping or savoring with each bite, soft breads make a perfect pairing.

Fresh Garden Salad

Light and crisp greens with a tangy vinaigrette help balance out the richness.

Macaroni and Cheese

Yes, cheese on cheese. It’s comfort food heaven, and surprisingly, the flavor profiles don’t clash.

Mashed Potatoes or Scalloped Potatoes

Creamy potatoes complement the texture of the casserole and round out a Southern-style meal.

Pork Tenderloin

Mild, juicy pork works well with the bold sweet-and-savory contrast of the pineapple dish.

---

Storage Instructions

Pineapple Casserole stores beautifully, making it great for prepping ahead or saving leftovers.

• Refrigerator: Let the casserole cool completely, then cover tightly with foil or transfer to an airtight container. It will keep in the fridge for up to 4 days.
• Reheating: Warm individual portions in the microwave, or reheat the entire dish in a 325°F (165°C) oven for 15–20 minutes. For a crispy topping, pop it under the broiler for a minute or two at the end.
• Freezing: Not recommended. The pineapple and cheese tend to change texture, and the crackers lose their crunch when thawed.

---

Estimated Nutrition

Here’s a rough estimate based on a standard serving size (makes about 6 servings):

• Calories: 310
• Total Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 9g
• Cholesterol: 45mg
• Sodium: 410mg
• Carbohydrates: 32g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugars: 14g
• Protein: 7g

These numbers will vary depending on your ingredients, particularly if you opt for low-fat cheese or reduced-sugar pineapple.

---

Frequently Asked Questions

How sweet is Pineapple Casserole supposed to be?

It has a gentle sweetness from the pineapple, but it’s not overly sugary. If you’re using pineapple packed in juice and sharp cheddar, the balance should be just right.

Can I make Pineapple Casserole ahead of time?

Yes! You can assemble it up to a day in advance. Just store it covered in the fridge and add the cracker topping right before baking.

What kind of cheese works best?

Sharp cheddar is ideal for flavor contrast. Mild cheddar, Colby, or a blend of cheddar and Monterey Jack also work well.

Do I need to add sugar?

Only if your pineapple isn’t sweet enough. I usually skip it unless I’m using unsweetened or fresh pineapple.

Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned?

You can, but make sure it’s very ripe and chopped into small chunks. You’ll also need to cook it slightly and drain off any extra juice.

Is it served hot or cold?

Serve it warm, straight out of the oven. The cheese is melty, the topping is crisp, and the flavor is at its best.

Can I double the recipe for a crowd?

Absolutely. Just use a larger baking dish and increase the baking time by about 10 minutes, keeping an eye on the topping so it doesn’t overbrown.

Is this a dessert or a side dish?

Technically it’s a side dish, often served with ham or pork. But many people love it so much, they eat it as a sweet-savory dessert!

---

Conclusion

Pineapple Casserole is a bold and beautiful twist on Southern comfort food—equal parts quirky, cozy, and utterly crave-worthy. It’s one of those dishes that feels nostalgic the first time you try it and keeps you coming back for more. Whether you’re adding it to a holiday table, Sunday dinner, or just curious to try something new, this dish brings surprising joy to any occasion. Sweet pineapple, melty cheese, and that buttery cracker topping… it just works.

---

Print