If youโre looking for a unique and delicious side dish that will surprise your friends and family, you have to try my pineapple casserole. This delightful combination of sweet and savory flavors is a crowd-pleaser at any gathering. This recipe might sound a little strange to you, I mean pineapple plus cheese? But, honestly, youโre about to jump into a whole new world of flavors with this easy recipe. It’s truly a family favorite.
What is Pineapple Casserole?
Pineapple casserole is a sweet and savory dish that I often make for Thanksgiving dinner or Easter dinner. It’s a fairly simple dish, made with a few simple ingredients including pineapple, shredded sharp cheddar, a bit of sugar, and buttery cracker crumbs.
It pairs so wonderfully with holiday ham, which is why I make this southern dish any time a ham is on the menu.
Email This Recipe?
Get this recipe emailed to your inbox + all of our latest delivered straight to you!
Some people refer to this as pineapple casserole dessert, but, I wouldn’t exactly call this a dessert. This is a savory side dish with a touch of sweetness that will surely become your favorite new easy casserole.
How to Make Pineapple Casserole
Now, let’s get to the heart of the matter โ how to make the perfect Pineapple Casserole. Seriously, if this is a dish you have never tried, you have to give it a whirl. It’s really quite unique. Here are the ingredients you’ll need.
Pineapple Cheese Casserole Ingredients:
- ยพ cup granulated white sugar
- 6 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, grated or shredded very fine
- 1 (20 oz.) can pineapple chunks, drained
- 1 (20 oz.) can pineapple tidbits, drained
- 1 cup Ritz crackers (20 crackers), crushed
- 4 tablespoons butter, melted
I use a 2-quart casserole dish for this delicious recipe, but, if all you have is a 9×13 you can make that work as well. It will just be a bit shallow in the dish.
Instructions:
Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. This will ensure that your Pineapple Casserole bakes to perfection.
Combine Sugar and Flour: In a large bowl, combine ยพ cup of granulated sugar and 6 tablespoons of all-purpose flour. This mixture will form the sweet and savory base of your casserole.
Add Pineapple and Cheese: Stir in both the drained pineapple chunks and tidbits into the sugar and flour mixture. Along with the pineapple, add 2 cups of sharp cheddar cheese, grated or shredded very fine. This combination creates a harmonious blend of flavors. If you want, you could replace the canned pineapple chunks and tidbits with small-cut fresh pineapple pieces!
Spread in Baking Dish: Transfer the pineapple and cheese mixture into a 1 ยฝ-quart baking dish, ensuring an even distribution.
Prepare the Topping: In a separate medium bowl, combine 1 cup of crushed Ritz crackers with 4 tablespoons of melted butter. This buttery cracker topping will add a delightful crunch to your casserole.
Sprinkle the Topping: Sprinkle the buttery cracker mixture evenly over the top of the pineapple mixture in the baking dish. This is the crowning touch that will make your Pineapple Casserole irresistible.
Bake to Perfection: Place your casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the top turns a beautiful golden brown. Keep an eye on it to ensure it doesn’t overcook.
Serve Warm: Once your Pineapple Casserole is out of the oven, let it cool slightly, and then serve it warm. Watch as your family and friends savor every bite.
Storage Tips & Reheating
Store your pineapple casserole in an airtight container for up to 4 days. You can reheat small portions in the microwave, or, replace to a casserole dish, cover with aluminum foil, and reheat in the oven, making sure it is heated thoroughly.
To maintain the crunchy top, you might even want to add a few more ritz crackers before re-heating.
Baked Pineapple Casserole: A Versatile Side Dish
One of the great things about pineapple casserole is its versatility. It can be enjoyed in various settings, from holiday dinners to potluck parties. Here are a few occasions where this delightful casserole shines:
Holiday Meals
Pineapple casserole is a perfect addition to your holiday menu. Its sweet and savory notes complement traditional holiday dishes like ham and turkey beautifully. The golden, bubbling casserole also adds a vibrant pop of color to your holiday table. This southern classic is the perfect side dish to pair with Thanksgiving turkey, too! It really makes holiday meals special.
Potluck Parties
When you’re invited to a potluck, pineapple casserole is your go-to dish. It’s easy to transport, always a crowd-pleaser, and can be served as a side dish or even as a dessert. Plus, it’s an excellent conversation starter, as many people are curious to try it for the first time.
Weeknight Dinners
Surprise your family with a pineapple casserole on a regular weeknight. It’s a comforting dish that will bring smiles to your loved ones’ faces, and leftovers are just as tasty the next day.
BBQs and Picnics
Pineapple casserole pairs wonderfully with grilled meats at summer BBQs or as a unique addition to your picnic spread. The combination of flavors will have your guests asking for seconds.
Can You Make Pineapple Casserole Ahead of Time?
The answer is yes! pineapple casserole can be made ahead of time, which is especially handy for busy cooks or when you’re preparing for a special occasion. Here’s how you can do it:
- Prepare the Easy Pineapple Casserole: Follow the recipe instructions up to the point where you sprinkle the cracker topping over the pineapple mixture. Stop before baking.
- Cover and Refrigerate: Instead of baking, cover your pineapple casserole dish with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. You can refrigerate it for up to 24 hours in advance. This step allows you to do most of the prep work ahead of time.
- Bake When Ready: When it’s time to serve, remove the casserole from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Bake as Usual: Once the casserole has warmed slightly, place it in the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time since the dish is starting from a cooler temperature.
- Serve and Enjoy: Your pineapple casserole will be just as delicious as if you’d prepared it all at once. Serve it warm, and watch your guests savor every bite of this strange dish.
Pineapple casserole is a delightful dish that combines the sweetness of pineapple with the savory richness of cheese and the crunch of buttery crackers. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply looking for a comforting weeknight meal, this casserole fits the bill.
My Best Recipe Tips
- I use both pineapple chunks and tidbits, but if you only have one, either will work in the recipe. As I mentioned earlier, you can use fresh pineapple if you’d like. I suggest cutting the pieces to resemble what you would get in a can.
- While you can use other types of cheese, I do believe sharp cheddar does a nice job working against the sweetness of the pineapple to create a delicious flavor.
Looking for more easy side dishes? Try my Jiffy corn casserole, spaghetti salad, or green bean casserole.
Best Casserole Recipes
Pineapple Casserole
Ingredients
- ยพ cup granulated sugar
- 6 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese grated or shredded very fine
- 1 20 oz. can pineapple chunks, drained
- 1 20 oz. can pineapple tidbits, drained
- 1 cup Ritz crackers 20 crackers, crushed
- 4 tablespoons butter melted
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
- In a large bowl, combine the sugar and the flour, stir in the pineapple, and the cheese. Spread evenly into a 1 ยฝย quart baking dish.ย
- In a medium bowl, combine the crushed crackers and the melted butter until evenly coated.
- Sprinkle the crackers over the top of the pineapple mixture. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes or until golden brown.
Save This Recipe?
Enter your email and we’ll send it straight to you + get all our latest recipes.
Nutrition
Did you make this?
I would love to hear from you! Make sure to leave your review below and follow on Pinterest for more!
Where to next?
Dorito Casserole
John Wayne Casserole
Confetti Chicken Casserole
Mexican Spaghetti Casserole
Classic Egg Salad
Gluten Free Chicken Salad