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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Tina Wilson
Should I use salted or unsalted butter? Planning to make this for a family dinner soon!
Beth Pierce
Unsalted butter please.
Cindy W
The pineapple and cheese bit were good, but there were FAR too many cracker crumbs on top and too little butter in the crumb mixture to make a crust. We wound up with a loose cracker crumb mixture. I may try it again, but with half the amount of crackers, but the same amount of butter.
Norm
It reminds me of Mock Apple Pie that is very simiilar and uses Ritz Crqckers too. Has anybody used peaches and cinnamon?
Beth
Would I add maraschino cherries to the pineapple cheese mixture?
Walnuts to the buttered cracker topping?
Beth Pierce
I have never tried either so I am unsure of the taste.
Susan
Can I make this ahead and add the toppings just before baking?
Beth Pierce
Yes you can.
Clo
Hi, looking forward to making this. You mention optional coconut add in. Do you suggest in the pineapple mixture or if n the cracker topping? Thank you. Cindy
Beth Pierce
In the pineapple mixture. Happy cooking!
Jennifer P
Delicious! Can leftovers be frozen?
Beth Pierce
So glad that you liked it. You can but the texture will change. The cracker topping will get kind of soggy1
Tara
Such a fun combination of flavors in this pineapple casserole! Love the contrast in texture with the crumbly topping too. Yum!
Tavo
the recipe was delicious! We added walnuts and it was a great combination!
Andrea
Oh does this casserole bring back memories. It looks and sounds perfect!!! Will be making ASAP!
Biana
This casserole looks great! A great side dish for the holidays.
Jenn
I’m a huge pineapple fan (my fav!!) so when I saw this, I had to make it! I loved it! The sweet and savory flavors pair so nicely together. Hubby wants to know when I’m making it again!
Beth Pierce
We love it too! It is amazing that those flavors pair so well together! So glad that you liked it.
Colleen
I must admit I was sceptical, but I made it because it seemed so simple, which it was, but also it was delicious! Everyone loved it and I will make it again! Thank you!
Emily Liao
Everyone loved this pineapple casserole! So easy, and a fun way to enjoy pineapple season 🙂
Cathleen
This recipe is so perfect for the summer! I have never heard of anyone doing a pineapple casserole, but I am sure I am going to go insane over this recipe because I love pineapple so much! Thank you so much for the recipe 🙂
Sharon
This recipe is sweet, savory, and so cheesy. If you make this, it will disappear fast!
Natasha
This pineapple casserole recipe is a hit! My family loved it and said that they want another batch again soon. Thank you for sharing another awesome recipe.