If you’re looking for a delightful side that feels like a warm hug on a plate, this Pineapple Casserole Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s a nostalgic Southern-style dish that perfectly balances sweet, tangy pineapple with sharp cheddar cheese and a buttery cracker topping that bakes into golden perfection. Whether you’re serving it at a holiday feast or just craving something unique and comforting, this casserole brings together simple ingredients in a way that’s irresistibly tasty and sure to become a beloved classic in your recipe collection.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is key to nailing the perfect texture, flavor, and balance in this Pineapple Casserole Recipe. Each component has a special role—from the juicy pineapple chunks that keep it fresh, to the sharp cheddar that adds a savory punch, and the crunchy buttery cracker topping that finishes it all off beautifully.
- 1 (20 oz) can pineapple chunks, drained (reserve 2 tbsp juice): Adds natural sweetness and juicy texture, with reserved juice enhancing flavor and moisture.
- 1 (8 oz) can crushed pineapple, drained: Provides a smoother pineapple presence and helps distribute sweetness evenly.
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the casserole to balance the sharpness of the cheddar cheese.
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese: Brings savory depth and creaminess that contrasts deliciously with the pineapple.
- 1 tbsp all-purpose flour: Helps bind the pineapple mixture and thicken the casserole as it bakes.
- 1 tbsp reserved pineapple juice: Adds extra fruity flavor and moisture to the filling.
- 1 sleeve buttery round crackers (like Ritz), crushed: Creates a crunchy, golden topping packed with buttery goodness.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted: Binds the cracker topping while adding richness and helping it brown beautifully.
How to Make Pineapple Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and lightly greasing an 8×8-inch or similar-sized baking dish. This ensures your luscious casserole won’t stick and will come out clean and intact after baking.
Step 2: Mix the Pineapple Filling
In a large bowl, combine the drained pineapple chunks and crushed pineapple. Add the granulated sugar, all-purpose flour, and the reserved tablespoon of pineapple juice. Stir everything together until the sugar and flour have coated the fruit well. Then fold in the sharp cheddar cheese until it’s evenly distributed throughout the pineapple mixture. This blend gives the casserole its signature sweet and savory harmony.
Step 3: Assemble the Casserole Base
Transfer your pineapple and cheese mixture into the prepared baking dish. Spread it out evenly so every bite will be balanced and full of flavor. This ensures an even bake and a comforting texture with every scoop.
Step 4: Prepare and Add the Cracker Topping
In a separate bowl, mix the crushed buttery crackers with the melted butter. Stir until the crackers are fully coated. Then sprinkle this crunchy topping evenly over your pineapple filling. This topping is what gives the casserole that perfect golden brown crown that’s both crispy and buttery.
Step 5: Bake Until Bubbly and Golden
Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes. You’re aiming for the top to become beautifully golden and bubbly around the edges, signaling that it’s perfectly cooked. After removing it from the oven, let it cool slightly—this helps the flavors meld and makes serving a breeze.
How to Serve Pineapple Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a simple garnish like a sprig of fresh parsley or a light dusting of smoked paprika can elevate the look of your pineapple casserole, making it ready to impress guests. These small touches not only enhance visual appeal but can add subtle complementary flavors that highlight the dish’s sweet and savory notes.
Side Dishes
This Pineapple Casserole Recipe pairs wonderfully with roasted meats—think honey-glazed ham or perfectly seasoned turkey. It also complements southern-style green beans or a fresh garden salad, creating a balanced plate with layers of flavor.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the casserole in individual ramekins for a festive dinner party presentation, or spoon it into a pretty ceramic dish set in the center of the table for a cozy family-style experience. You can even layer it with cooked rice or quinoa for a hearty, standalone meal that adds a tropical twist to your weeknight dinner.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, cover any leftover pineapple casserole tightly with plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This keeps the flavors fresh and allows the casserole to remain moist without sogginess.
Freezing
You can freeze the unbaked mixture and cracker topping separately in airtight containers for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator, assemble, and bake as directed for a freshly baked taste even on a busy day.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in the oven at 325 degrees Fahrenheit for about 15 minutes or until warm throughout. This method helps restore the cracker topping’s crispness. Avoid microwave reheating if you want to keep that lovely crunch intact.
FAQs
Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned?
Absolutely! Fresh pineapple will give a brighter, juicier flavor, but be sure to drain it well and save some juice to keep the right moisture balance in the casserole.
Is the sharp cheddar cheese necessary?
Using sharp cheddar adds a wonderful tang and depth that balances the sweetness perfectly. Mild cheddar works too but the flavor won’t be as distinctive.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Simply substitute the buttery crackers with gluten-free crackers and ensure your flour and other ingredients are gluten-free friendly for a safe swap.
Can I double this recipe for a larger crowd?
Definitely. Just use a larger baking dish and increase baking time slightly, checking frequently for a golden bubbly top.
What’s the best way to crush crackers?
Place them in a sealed plastic bag and gently crush with a rolling pin or use a food processor for quick, uniform crumbs.
Final Thoughts
This Pineapple Casserole Recipe is one of those gems that brings a unique and joyful surprise to any meal. Its perfect mix of sweet pineapple, sharp cheddar, and buttery crunch is a delightful twist that’s sure to win over friends and family. I can’t wait for you to try it and add a little Southern charm to your table!
Print
Pineapple Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6–8 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Pineapple Casserole is a flavorful Southern side dish that combines sweet pineapple with sharp cheddar cheese and a buttery cracker topping. Baked to golden bubbly perfection, it pairs beautifully with ham or roasted meats, making it an ideal addition to holiday dinners or family gatherings.
Ingredients
Pineapple Mixture
- 1 (20 oz) can pineapple chunks (drained, reserve 2 tbsp juice)
- 1 (8 oz) can crushed pineapple (drained)
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1 tbsp reserved pineapple juice
Topping
- 1 sleeve buttery round crackers (like Ritz, crushed)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (melted)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F and lightly grease an 8×8-inch baking dish or similar size to prevent sticking.
- Mix Pineapple Base: In a large bowl, combine the drained pineapple chunks and crushed pineapple with sugar, flour, and the reserved pineapple juice. Stir well to blend all ingredients.
- Add Cheese: Incorporate the shredded sharp cheddar cheese into the pineapple mixture, stirring until evenly combined to achieve a rich, cheesy base.
- Assemble in Dish: Pour the pineapple and cheese mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly for uniform baking.
- Prepare Cracker Topping: In a separate bowl, mix the crushed buttery round crackers with the melted butter until the crumbs are well coated and clumpy.
- Top and Bake: Sprinkle the buttery cracker topping evenly over the pineapple mixture. Bake in the oven for 25–30 minutes until the topping is golden and the edges are bubbly.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the casserole to cool slightly before serving warm to enjoy the melded flavors and textures at their best.
Notes
- This Southern side pairs excellently with ham or roasted meats.
- Use sharp or extra-sharp cheddar for the best flavor contrast.
- Filling and topping can be prepped separately ahead of time, then assembled and baked just before serving.
