This highly popular southern Pineapple Casserole is made with sweet pineapple, tasty cheddar cheese, and buttery cracker crumbs. This amazingly easy and scrumptious dish perfectly blends sweet and savory flavors.
A Must-Have Southern Recipe
This delectable casserole is a favorite of friends and family, and once you try it, you will understand precisely why. I know what you are thinking! How good could pineapple, cheddar cheese, flour, and buttered crackers taste together? What an odd combination.
Well, let me tell you, it is the best! It only takes about ten minutes to prep, and it will knock your socks off. Quite literally!! Take it to the next family gathering and watch it disappear. It is just that good. I love to serve this with Oven Baked Ribs, Pan Fried Pork Chops, or Ham Steak with Honey Mustard Glaze.
Ingredients Notes and Substitutions
See the complete list of ingredients below on the recipe card.
- Pineapple: tidbits and crushed canned pineapple, well-drained
- Cheese: I use a combination of sharp cheddar and white cheddar, but I am sure any cheddar will work, including smoked cheddar
- Butter: I use unsalted, but salted will work as well
- Crackers: Ritz crackers or other buttery crackers
How To Make Pineapple Casserole
This is the summary version; see the recipe card below for the complete list of ingredients and the instructions.
Start by draining the pineapple well. Next, whisk together the flour and sugar in a large bowl. Now add the pineapple and both cheddar cheeses to the flour mixture. I like to use a combination of sharp cheddar and white cheddar, but you could use either. Next, spoon the pineapple mixture into a greased casserole dish.
Now combine the crushed crackers with the melted butter and sprinkle on the top of the dish. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until the cracker crumbs are golden brown. Finally, serve promptly; this dish is best served promptly.
Preparation Tips
- This tasty casserole dish is delicious both as a side and a dessert.
- Grease the casserole dish for easier cleanup.
- Drain as much juice off the crushed pineapple and pineapple tidbits as possible. I drain mine into a glass so my son can enjoy the pineapple juice.
- Canned pineapple is best for this pineapple casserole recipe. I use the pineapple packed in its own juice.
Storage and Reheat
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. To reheat, cover with foil and warm in a 350-degree oven for 15-20 minutes or until warm or reheat in the microwave for short intervals until warm.
I do not recommend freezing this dish as the texture and consistency will change.
Frequently Asked Questions
I do not recommend using fresh pineapple as it is not always as sweet as canned pineapple. The texture of fresh pineapple is a little stiffer. Heat is involved in the canning process, which softens the pineapple. Canned pineapple is also considerably juicier. Usually, I like to use the freshest ingredients possible, but canned pineapple works best for this recipe. Trust me on this one.
Yes, make the casserole up to and including step #2. Cover and store in the refrigerator for up to 48 hours. Remove the casserole from the fridge about 40 minutes before baking to bring to room temperature. Combine the crushed crackers with the melted butter and sprinkle on the top of the dish. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until the cracker crumbs are golden brown.
More pineapple recipes
Pineapple Casserole Recipe
Ingredients
- ⅓ cup all purpose flour
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 20 ounce can pineapple tidbits drained (see notes)
- 1 20 ounce can crushed pineapple drained (see notes)
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded white cheddar cheese
- ¼ cup unsalted butter melted
- 40-50 Ritz crackers crushed or other buttery crackers
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease a 9-inch square or 1 1/2 quart baking dish.
- Whisk together flour and sugar together. Stir in the pineapple and cheddar cheese. Spoon the contents into a prepared casserole dish.
- Combine the melted butter and crushed crackers. Sprinkle on the top of the dish. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until the cracker crumbs are golden brown and the casserole is heated through. Serve promptly.
Notes
- This tasty casserole dish is delicious both as a side and a dessert.
- Grease the casserole dish for easier cleanup.
- Drain as much juice off the crushed pineapple and pineapple tidbits as possible. I drain mine into a glass so my son can enjoy the pineapple juice.
- Canned pineapple is best for this pineapple casserole recipe. I use the pineapple packed in its own juice.
Nutrition
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Betsy Carney
My kids love pineapple and this was a huge hit! Love this recipe!
Toni
Such a really amazing dessert! Always a hit at my house!
Jenny
This is one of those weird-but-amazingly good combos!
I used to take care of an old couple and this was a big favorite- Karl and Winnie P.- Ithink of them all the time! This is why I love recipes and foods!
Beth Pierce
I agree! Food can be so nostalgic and bring back such wonderful memories.
Beth Sachs
I love cheese and pineapple combo so this sounds like heaven to me!
Soniya
Wow.. this pineapple casserole looks amazing! Can’t wait to make it over the weekend
Jenn
We are pineapple freaks here so I had to try this dish. I was amazed at how good it was, and those crackers on top? Deeelish!
Erica
Such a fun twist, thanks for sharing!
Maria
This is a super creative use of pineapple! I love how you photographed the final dish too!
Jill
This casserole sounds both sweet and savory, which is my favorite combination. Pinning to try.
Kellie H
One of our favorite recipes for the holidays….we’ve been making this one for years. Love your version, it’s so easy!
Julia
It tastes like a pineapple crisp with a savoury twist and I love crisps!! Such a good idea.
Toni Dash
Everyone at my house really loved it! So delish and easy to make!
Christine Krantz
I have made this for years !! One of my favorites… however my recipe only has one can of pineapple tidbits instead of the two cans of two kinds !!
Laura Reese
I love that I had everything I needed to make this. The flavor was so delicious. Reminds me of my Grandma.
Anita
Wow. This casserole is so good, and it’s unbelievably easy to prepare with common pantry ingredients too. Thanks for sharing. 🙂
Lily
What a creative idea, I can not wait to make this as a dessert. It sounds like it has the perfect balance between crunchy and sweet. Thanks for a wonderful idea.