Classic Southern Pineapple Casserole (Sweet + Savory)
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Pineapple Casserole
It’s been a busy week around here! Between fixing blog issues and working outside with my hubby on the chicken coop I haven’t had a chance to post much.
We’re almost done, and I’ll be sure to share some pictures soon!
In the meantime, I wanted to share a recipe that got some attention from our weekly menu plan—Pineapple Casserole.
There were lots of curious comments about this interesting dish.
I know, it might sound a little different, but it’s a sweet and savory Southern favorite made with juicy pineapple, Ritz crackers, and lots of melted cheese.
Trust me, y’all are gonna love it!
Why You’ll Love Pineapple Casserole
- Sweet and Savory: The pineapple flavor mixed with the sharp cheddar cheese creates a deliciously odd combination that just works.
- Perfect for Holidays: It’s a family favorite side dish at holiday dinners, from Easter ham to Thanksgiving turkey.
- Simple Ingredients: Made with simple pantry staples you may already have on hand at home.
Ingredients for Pineapple Casserole
- Drained Pineapple Chunks: Use canned pineapple chunks and save the reserved juice.
- White Sugar: Adds a little extra sweetness to balance out the sharp cheddar cheese.
- All-Purpose Flour: You’ll need a little flour to help thicken the mixture.
- Melted Butter: Gives the dish a rich, buttery flavor, and also used for the topping.
- Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Go with sharp cheddar cheese if you can.
- Crushed Ritz Crackers: Use a whole pouch of Ritz crackers, crushed into buttery cracker crumbs for the topping.
How to Make Pineapple Casserole
Preheat and Prep: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees. Grab a medium-size casserole dish (about 2 quarts) and coat it with melted butter to prevent sticking.
Mix the Filling: In a large bowl, combine some of the reserved pineapple juice, white sugar, all-purpose flour, and melted butter. Stir it all together until smooth.
Add Pineapple and Cheese: Toss in the drained pineapple chunks and a good handful of sharp cheddar cheese. Mix well.
Bake: Pour the mixture into your prepared casserole dish and spread it out evenly. Pop it in the oven and bake for 20 minutes.
Make the Topping: While it is baking, crush up one sleeve of Ritz crackers. Mix the crushed crackers with melted butter.
 Ways to Serve Pineapple Casserole
Serve this easy pineapple casserole alongside your favorite meats for a fun holiday side dish.
It also goes great with fried chicken and potato salad, for a Southern style dinner.
How to Store Leftovers
To store any leftover pineapple casserole, let it cool to room temperature first. Then scoop it into an airtight container or cover your prepared casserole dish with plastic wrap.
Pop it in the fridge, and it’ll stay fresh for about 3 to 4 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, just reheat until warm and bubbly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is pineapple casserole a dessert or a side dish?
It may sound like dessert, but it’s actually a savory side dish. It’s the perfect mix of sweet and salty.
Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned?
You could use fresh pineapple, but most folks stick with canned pineapple chunks or pineapple tidbits. They are much softer and sweeter, and you’ll need the extra juice for the filling.
What kind of cheese works best?
Sharp cheddar cheese is the classic pick for a bold, salty flavor that balances out the sweetness of the pineapple.
Can I make this pineapple casserole ahead of time?
Yes! The best thing about casseroles is that you can prep them ahead of time. Just cover it with plastic wrap, and keep it in the fridge. Just wait to add the buttery cracker topping until you’re ready to bake.
More Casserole Recipes
Pineapple Casserole
Ingredients
- 2 20oz cans Pineapple Chunks, juice reserved
- 1 cup white sugar
- 3 tablespoons all purpose flour
- 1/4 cup butter melted
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 single pouch of Ritz crackers crushed
- 1/4 cup butter melted (for the topping)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees, and butter a 2 quart casserole dish. Blend together 6 tablespoons of pineapple juice, sugar, flour, and melted butter in a mixing bowl.
- Add in the pineapple and cheese; mix well and pour into your casserole dish. Bake for 20 minutes.
- Remove from the oven. Mix the crushed crackers and melted butter together; sprinkle on top. Reduce the heat of the oven to 300 degrees, and bake the casserole for an additional 20 minutes.
- Let cool for 5 minutes before serving.
I’ve seen this recipe over the years but I haven’t been brave enough to try it. 🙂 Is the cheese flavor very strong?
The cheese flavor isn’t very strong at all. Somehow it all melds together so well, and makes such a tasty treat.
this sounds like a neat new recipe. I would never have thought to put pineapple and cheese together. what a fun new recipe
Can it be frozen?
I wouldn’t recommend freezing this one.
OMY I just saw this in the book I am reading and my son and I are making to take to Grandmas
You can cut the sugar way down, to about 5 – 6 tablespoons. The pineapple is sweet enough. I’ve also added 1 cup of chopped ham to make it more of a main dish & am thinking about adding some chopped green pepper.
Can this recipe be cut in half? There’s only 2 of us.
Yes, it can.
I have seen so many variations on this recipe through the years, but they’re all good! Thanks for sharing. It’s almost like a dessert.