Pineapple Casserole Recipe: A Sweet and Savory Southern Favorite

Estimated reading time: 10 minutes

Introduction

I’ve always had a soft spot for anything that merges sweet and savory flavors into one bite of bliss. My family teases me because I keep jars of fruit spreads on the kitchen counter next to salt and pepper shakers. So, when I tell you I’m head over heels for this pineapple casserole recipe, you’d better believe it’s a genuine love affair of sweet, savory, and downright delightful vibes. If you’ve never tried pineapple casserole before, you’re in for a fun experience: tangy pineapple chunks, cheddar cheese, and a buttery cracker topping that’s sure to catch everyone by surprise.

I first stumbled upon this dish in a worn cookbook my grandma kept on a shelf above her avocado-green stove. Growing up, I remember her sweet voice bragging that pineapple casserole always added a little sunshine to our dinner table. Many years later, I’m doing my best to pass that tradition on to my own kiddos. Gather ‘round, and let’s get this pineapple train rolling!

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Why I Love a Southern Pineapple Casserole

I’ve worn many aprons in my life, and none has gotten as much love as the one splattered with pineapple juice and cheese sauce from countless runs at this casserole. Sure, it’s got pineapple, cheddar cheese, and crushed crackers all melding into a magical dish, but there’s also the charm it brings to the table. We Southerners often embrace odd-yet-harmonious flavor combos—think chicken and waffles, honey butter with cornbread, or peanut butter pie topped with bacon bits. Pineapple casserole belongs in the same realm.

This southern pineapple casserole is easy to put together for any holiday meal. A few pantry staples, a can or two of pineapple, maybe some fresh chunks if you’re feeling adventurous, plus your favorite cheese and a sleeve of buttery crackers—voilà, you have a crowd-pleaser. My kids roll their eyes until they take that first bite. Then I watch them do that wide-eyed, “Oh, wow” expression that every home cook lives for. There’s a bit of personal satisfaction in that moment.

And let’s not forget the cheddar cheese. Pineapple with cheddar might feel unusual at first, but once baked, it forms a slightly crispy top and a gooey center. The combo of sweet pineapple bits with tangy cheddar brings an element of comfort you can’t quite describe. It’s cozy, it’s bright, and it’s always welcoming.

But enough about me swooning over pineapple casserole. Let’s talk details.

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Pineapple Casserole Recipe (Step by Step)

I’ve made my share of pineapple cheese casseroles in all shapes and sizes—dump everything in the dish, carefully layer the ingredients, or assemble by toasting the crackers first. This approach is the friendliest method for me. I think you’ll enjoy how straightforward it is. Let’s gather our supplies and get cooking!

Ingredients for Pineapple Casserole Recipe

Here’s what you’ll need for this pineapple casserole recipe (makes about 8 servings):

1. Pineapple Chunks: Two 20-ounce cans of pineapple chunks, drained (reserve about ½ cup of the juice for the casserole).
2. Sugar: ¾ cup granulated sugar.
3. All-Purpose Flour: 3 tablespoons.
4. Shredded Cheddar Cheese: 2 cups of medium or sharp cheddar cheese.
5. Ritz Crackers (or other buttery crackers): About 1 sleeve, crushed into coarse crumbs (around 30 crackers).
6. Butter: ½ cup (1 stick) of unsalted butter, melted.
7. Salt (Optional): A small pinch if you’d like more savory flavor. I usually go by taste.

Ingredient Notes:

• Fresh Pineapple: You can absolutely sub the canned pineapple with fresh pineapple if you have time to dice up the fruit. Just remember to keep a little pineapple juice or use store-bought juice if the fruit itself doesn’t yield enough liquid.
• Cheese Choices: Sharp cheddar cheese is my go-to because it stands up to the sweetness of the pineapple. But mild cheddar or a mix of cheddar and Monterey Jack will also create a fun twist.
• Cracker Topping: Ritz is the classic choice, but any buttery cracker or even buttery breadcrumbs can work. Some folks use pretzels for a salty spin.

Equipment You’ll Need

• Medium mixing bowl
• 2-quart baking dish (9×9-inch works well)
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Wooden spoon or spatula for mixing
• Small bowl for mixing melted butter and cracker crumbs

If you’re making this for a potluck, you can use an aluminum pan for easy transportation. But I prefer a trusty ceramic or glass baking dish because it gives me that nice homey feel.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Let’s do this nice and simple:

1. Preheat the Oven: Heat your oven to 350°F (175°C). I like to do this first so it’s nice and toasty by the time I’m done mixing.
2. Combine Pineapple, Flour, and Sugar: In a medium bowl, whisk together the sugar and flour. Stir in the drained pineapple chunks along with that reserved ½ cup of pineapple juice. Make sure everything is coated well.
3. Add the Cheese: Gently fold in 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese until it’s evenly distributed. This is the part where you’ll second-guess if pineapple and cheese really belong together. Trust me—they do!
4. Transfer to Baking Dish: Grease your 2-quart baking dish lightly (cooking spray or a little butter). Spoon the pineapple-cheese mixture into the dish, spreading it evenly.
5. Top with Cracker Crumbs: In a separate small bowl, mix the crushed crackers with melted butter. Scatter this crumbly mixture over the pineapple and cheese. Press lightly so it sets into place.
6. Bake: Slide the dish into your preheated oven and bake for about 25-30 minutes. The top should turn golden brown and bubbly around the edges.
7. Cool Slightly and Serve: Let the casserole cool for about 5 minutes before digging in. Serve warm.

Flavor Variations and Fun Twists

I’m all about personalizing recipes. Here are a few ideas:

• Ham and Pineapple Bake: If you want to channel a ham-and-pineapple pizza vibe, add diced ham or leftover holiday ham cubes.
• Jalapeño Pineapple: Toss in a few pickled jalapeños for a sweet and spicy combination. I know it sounds shocking, but the tang and warmth work wonders.
• Brown Sugar and Cinnamon: If you crave even more sweetness, sprinkle a bit of brown sugar and cinnamon on top of the buttery crackers.
• Gluten-Free Option: Swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free baking blend and choose a GF-friendly cracker. Double-check your cheese brand too, just in case.

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Serving Suggestions

My favorite part about pineapple casserole is its versatility. It easily sits next to a Sunday roast, a Thanksgiving turkey, or even a backyard barbecue spread. Here’s how I like to serve it:

• Holiday Main Dish Pairing: Think Easter ham or Thanksgiving turkey. The sweet tang of pineapple matches so nicely with salty meats.
• Potluck Star: It’s the one dish that always stands out on a potluck table. People will pause and say, “Wait, pineapple and cheese?” Then watch them come back for seconds.
• Brunch: You bet. Serve it alongside scrambled eggs, bacon, or a morning casserole. The sweet notes work well in a brunch lineup.

Side Dish Pairings

• Honey Butter Skillet Corn – Another sweet treat that rounds out the table.
• Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad – Adds a bit of zest to offset the sweetness of the pineapple.
• Green Beans or Collard Greens – For a savory side that might cut through the sweetness a bit.
• Maple Bacon Magic – Because who wouldn’t love a swirl of smoky bacon next to pineapple?

These combos all work well for gatherings or big family dinners. Serve everything up with some iced tea or lemonade for the perfect Southern spread.

Holiday Meals and Gatherings

We often see pineapple casserole for Easter in many Southern households. In my kitchen, it’s practically a tradition to place it on the buffet line right next to the Easter ham. But don’t be shy about including it for other special occasions, like Thanksgiving or Christmas. I’ve even served it for a summer cookout, and it was a conversation starter.

If you’re planning a full spread, you might also check out something hearty like Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe to balance the sweet vibe of this dish. And for the bold folks among us, try setting out a basket of Cheesy Gordita Crunch for a little Tex-Mex spin on your gathering. Pineapple casserole pairs surprisingly well with spicy dishes because it cools the palate.

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Storing and Reheating Tips

Let’s talk about leftovers—my kids usually make sure there’s not much left, but on those rare occasions, here’s how to keep everything yummy:

1. Refrigerate: Wrap the dish tightly with plastic wrap or transfer to an airtight container. Keep it in the fridge for up to 3 days.
2. Reheat: Warm individual portions in the microwave or cover the entire casserole dish with foil and bake at 350°F for about 15 minutes until heated through. The cracker topping won’t be as crispy as the first day, but the flavors remain top-notch.
3. Freeze: While you can freeze pineapple casserole, the texture may shift a bit once thawed, especially the cracker topping. If you do freeze it, try storing the crumb topping separately.

Make-Ahead Tip: You can prepare the pineapple mixture a day in advance and store it in the fridge. Right before baking, mix and sprinkle the cracker crumbs over the top. Then bake as directed. That way, you keep the topping nice and crunchy.

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FAQs About Pineapple Casserole Recipe

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Additional Pineapple Casserole Recipe Tips and Tricks

• Don’t Overbake: If you bake it for too long, the cracker topping might become harder. Keep an eye on the dish at the 25-minute mark to catch that perfect golden top.
• Check for Sweetness: Different pineapple brands vary in sweetness. If your pineapple is extra sweet, feel free to reduce the sugar a bit.
• Try Different Cheeses: Cheddar is classic, but a cheddar-mozzarella combo gives a lovely stretch, while pepper jack adds mild heat.
• Experiment with Spices: A small dash of nutmeg or cinnamon can add an intriguing warmth to the dish.
• Health Benefits: Curious about the health benefits of pineapple? It’s not just tasty—it’s packed with vitamin C and bromelain. Read more about pineapple nutrition.

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Conclusion

There you have it—a tried-and-true pineapple casserole recipe that’s bound to bring a whole lot of smiles and second helpings to your dinner table. It’s a classic Southern tradition that combines tangy fruit, creamy cheese, and a crunchy top layer. If you’ve never made it before, I encourage you to give it a shot. Let this dish remind you of the fun in trying new combos and savoring the simple joys in the kitchen.

Let me know how your version turns out! Drop a comment or shoot me a message. Did you sneak in some jalapeños, swap in ham, or try a different cheese blend? I’d love to hear what worked best for you.

And hey, if you’re feeling extra sweet and savory, try pairing your pineapple casserole with a drizzle of Honey Butter Skillet Corn or a scoop of that Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad. I promise you’ll be pulling up a chair with a big grin on your face in no time.