Sweet, salty, and a little bit savory, Pineapple Casserole is the quirky Southern side dish you never knew you needed. With juicy pineapple chunks, gooey cheddar, and a crisp Ritz cracker topping, it’s a delightful, crowd-pleasing recipe that’ll turn any meal into a celebration.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Unexpected Flavor Magic: Pineapple Casserole combines sweet and savory in the most delightful way, catching everyone by surprise with its unique (and irresistible!) taste profile.
- Minimal Ingredients, Maximum Comfort: With just a handful of pantry staples and a few fresh items, you get a buttery, bubbling casserole with essentially zero fuss.
- Perfect for Potlucks and Holidays: This casserole always disappears first at gatherings, making it the ultimate conversation starter and family-favorite side.
- Gooey, Crunchy, and Cheesy: Every bite delivers juicy pineapple and melty cheese under a crispy, golden Ritz cracker blanket—pure casserole bliss!
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of the best things about Pineapple Casserole is how simple—and reliable—the ingredient list is. Each component brings something special, whether it’s sweetness, crunch, or that magical layer of cheddar.
- Pineapple Chunks (2 cans, 20 oz. each): Use pineapple packed in juice for the best flavor, and don’t forget to reserve a little juice for extra tang.
- Sugar (1/3 cup): A touch of sugar highlights the pineapple’s natural sweetness—just enough to keep each bite bright.
- All-purpose Flour (5 Tbsp): Adds a gentle thickening power to keep the layers cohesive and creamy, without turning gloopy.
- Shredded Cheddar Cheese (1 cup): Sharp cheddar is classic here, but you can mix in mild or extra-sharp for a bold twist.
- Melted Butter (1/4 cup): Essential for that golden, buttery cracker topping—don’t skimp!
- Ritz Crackers (1 sleeve, crushed): Their rich, buttery crunch is what gives this casserole its signature southern finish.
Variations
Feel free to make Pineapple Casserole your own! This recipe is wonderfully adaptable, so you can switch things up to suit your mood, what’s in your pantry, or your guests’ dietary needs.
- Gluten-Free Version: Swap in your favorite gluten-free crackers and a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for a celiac-friendly casserole.
- Add Pecans: Stir a handful of chopped pecans into the cracker topping for a nutty crunch and even more Southern charm.
- Spice It Up: Try a sprinkle of cayenne or smoked paprika into the pineapple mixture for a gentle kick and depth of flavor.
- Cheese Lovers: Mix in some mozzarella or Monterey Jack for extra gooeyness, or try pepper jack for a little zing.
How to Make Pineapple Casserole
Step 1: Mix the Pineapple Base
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F—this gets you ready to bake as soon as your casserole is assembled. In a medium bowl, whisk together the sugar, flour, and the 6 tablespoons of reserved pineapple juice until smooth. Gently fold in the drained pineapple chunks to coat them evenly. Spoon this fruity mixture into an 8×8-inch casserole dish, then sprinkle the shredded cheese generously over the top.
Step 2: Prepare and Add the Topping
Crush a sleeve of Ritz crackers (a zip-top bag and a rolling pin work wonders for this!), then stir the crumbs together with the melted butter until evenly coated. Sprinkle this golden, buttery concoction all over the cheesy pineapple layer, making sure every inch gets a little cracker love.
Step 3: Bake Until Bubbling
Slide the casserole into your preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes, or until it’s hot, bubbly around the edges, and the topping is beautifully golden and crisp. Let it rest for a few minutes before serving—the hardest part is waiting to dig in!
Pro Tips for Making Pineapple Casserole
- Cheese Choice Counts: Use a sharp cheddar for the best flavor contrast to the pineapple’s sweetness—it keeps the dish from being overly sweet and gives it that signature tang.
- Keep That Juice: Only use 6 tablespoons of the reserved juice for the perfect consistency; any more and your casserole could turn soupy instead of creamy.
- Crunchy Topping, Every Time: Don’t be tempted to assemble the casserole too far ahead or the cracker topping may lose its crisp texture before baking.
- Let It Rest: Give your Pineapple Casserole a 5-minute breather after baking—this helps everything set up nicely and makes it easier to serve in beautiful, intact squares.
How to Serve Pineapple Casserole
Garnishes
Pineapple Casserole shines with a simple finish: a few fresh thyme leaves or thinly sliced green onions sprinkled on top just before serving can add color and a little herbal lift. For a fun Southern twist, try extra shredded cheddar or a pinch of toasted coconut, especially if you want a touch of tropical flair.
Side Dishes
This sweet-and-savory casserole was practically made to accompany baked ham, fried chicken, or roast turkey. It’s also delicious with barbecue, pulled pork, or as a quirky potluck side to balance out spicy, smoky, or salty mains.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, serve Pineapple Casserole in individual ramekins—everyone gets their own perfectly crunchy topping. You can also cut leftovers into bite-sized squares for a holiday brunch buffet or set out as a sweet-savory appetizer at your next potluck.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Pineapple Casserole in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors meld even more overnight, but the cracker topping will soften a bit—still delicious, though!
Freezing
Freezing isn’t ideal if you want to preserve the cracker topping’s crunch, but you can freeze the unbaked filling (no topping) for up to 2 months. When ready to bake, add a fresh cracker and butter mixture over the thawed base before popping it in the oven.
Reheating
To reheat, cover the casserole loosely with foil and warm in a 325°F oven until hot throughout (about 15–20 minutes). If you want to revive the crispness, uncover for the last 5 minutes so the topping gets golden again.
FAQs
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Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned?
Absolutely! Just chop fresh pineapple into bite-sized chunks and use about 4 cups. Add a splash of pineapple or orange juice to replace the canned juice if needed for the filling.
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Why does the Pineapple Casserole have cheese?
It may sound unusual, but sharp cheddar cheese perfectly balances the sweet pineapple and creates that crave-worthy savory contrast—this sweet-salty combo is what makes the casserole so special!
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What can I use instead of Ritz crackers?
Club crackers, buttery round crackers, or even panko breadcrumbs with extra melted butter work well as substitutes. Each offers a slightly different texture, but all will give you that beloved crisp topping.
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Can I double the recipe for a crowd?
Yes, Pineapple Casserole is easy to double (or even triple) for gatherings. Use a 9×13-inch baking dish and adjust baking time as needed—just be sure the topping is golden and the filling is bubbling before serving.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving something a little different, don’t hesitate—give Pineapple Casserole a whirl! It’s warm, welcoming, and sure to spark smiles around your table. I can’t wait for you to fall in love with this Southern classic, just like I did.
Print
Pineapple Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6–8 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A delightful and easy-to-make Pineapple Casserole that strikes the perfect balance between sweet and savory. This comforting dish features juicy pineapple chunks, a hint of sugar, creamy Cheddar cheese, and a buttery Ritz cracker topping.
Ingredients
Casserole Ingredients:
- 2 (20-oz.) cans pineapple chunks in juice, drained (reserve 6 Tbsp. juice)
- 1/3 cups sugar
- 5 Tbsp. flour
- 1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese
Cracker Topping:
- 1/4 cup butter, melted
- 1 sleeve Ritz crackers, crushed
Instructions
- Combine casserole ingredients: Preheat oven to 350°F. In a medium-size bowl, combine sugar, flour, and reserved pineapple juice. Add pineapple chunks and toss well to combine. Spoon pineapple mixture into an 8×8-inch casserole dish, and top with shredded cheese.
- Add cracker topping: Combine crushed Ritz crackers and melted butter. Spread Ritz cracker topping evenly on top of pineapple mixture.
- Bake casserole: Bake at 350°F for 30 minutes, or until bubbly.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 25g
- Sodium: 380mg
- Fat: 17g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
