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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https://www.smalltownwoman.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/Beth-1.pdf
Neely
This is my favorite pineapple casserole! We make it at least once a month. I love it with your ham steak recipe.
Clarice
Wow! This looks delicious.Very timely since my mom brought us some fresh pineapples. Thank you for sharing the recipe. Appreciate the tips. Planning to add some walnuts. 🙂
Beth Pierce
Walnuts would be delicious in the casserole!
Sally
This pineapple casserole recipe sounds amazing! I never would have thought to combine pineapple, cheddar cheese, and buttery cracker crumbs, but now I can’t wait to try it. It only takes 10 minutes to prep, which makes it even better. I can see why it’s such a popular dish for family gatherings – it’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser! Thanks for sharing this delicious recipe.
Beth Pierce
Thanks, Sally! The pleasure is all mine!
Mary
I love coconut, and this is a great combination. I am tired of making the usual cookies and cakes, and it is nice to have a recipe for something a little different.
Edgar
Hhhhmmm….this casserole is new to my eyes. I love pineapple; it should be a match-made in heaven! Look forwarding to trying it out.
Debbie
Wow! I love all the ingredients of this recipe. The southern Pineapple Casserole sounds like a must make pronto!
Richard
Looks so tasty. I’m not a big fan of pineapple, but I might make an exception for this.
Claudia
This will always be a favorite in the house for sure. I love all the ingredients included in this casserole.
pedja
Great recipe with high-quality ingredients like butter, cheddar, walnuts…Maybe honey instead of sugar?
Beth Pierce
You could certainly go with honey but cut it back to 1/4 cup since honey is sweeter than sugar.
Nyxie
We love this tasty southern pineapple casserole. It is an odd combination but it works well together. It is a must try.
Rami
This pineapple casserole is absolutely delicious! The combination of sweet pineapple, cheesy goodness, and buttery Ritz crackers is a match made in heaven. Thanks for sharing, Beth.
Rose
What a fun way to use the pineapple. We’re big fans of getting pineapple in any way we can, though we mostly just eat it fresh.
Karletta
Oh my goodness. Pineapple is one in my favourite fruits. Looks delicious and those add ins are temping me big time.
Stephanie
I love pineapple casserole! Cheddar cheese and pineapple seems so odd but it surprisingly works so well in this dish.
Beth Pierce
So true, Stephanie!
Monidipa
Your pineapple casserole recipe is a game-changer! The perfect blend of flavors and textures, it’s a delightful treat. Your clear instructions make cooking a breeze. Can’t wait to explore more of your culinary creations. Thanks for sharing this mouthwatering gem! 🍍🍽️
LUCRETIA WINIARZ
can you double and bake in 9 x 13 pan? If so, do u cook longer?
Beth Pierce
Yes, you can. Maybe just a couple more minutes longer. If the top browns too much, cover it with a loose piece of aluminum foil.