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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Jupiter H.
I love pineapple but I had never tried this casserole. It is amazing how well this combination tastes. This is a must try for all pineapple lovers!
Beth Pierce
I agree, Jupiter!
April
I was super curious about this, not sure I would like it – but it’s quite delicious! The flavors all work so well together! I’m really looking forward to making it again.
Beth Pierce
Thank you, April!
Sandra H
This made a good side dish for dinner last night! It was my first time making this pineapple casserole and we enjoyed it!
Catalina White
I tried your pineapple casserole and it was amazing! The flavors blended perfectly, and it was such a comforting dish. It was a great side for our ham dinner.
Beth Pierce
Thank you, Catalia! I am so glad that you liked it!
Amanda B
Sweet and crispy things are my favorite combination. This recipe hits the spot!
Beth Pierce
Thanks, Amanda! I am glad that you like it!
Kendra J
I wasn’t sure about this, but I REALLY liked it. The sweet and savory flavors a true treat for the tastebuds.
Angie
I crave this…. I am Southern, my parents and grandparents, Southern… It was last Thanksgiving old before I ever had this dish. My cousin’s wife made it and now, I am obsessed with it! it’s delicious with just about anything as a side, and quite frankly, could also be served as dessert. LOVE IT!
Beth Pierce
I hear ya, Angie! I am obsessed with it too! It is just that good!
Angie
My cousins wife also does this w/apples and it’s equally as good. She told me that her great-uncle shared w/her after her great-aunt had passed that she “never used fresh apples anymore, instead, she used the canned apple pie filling” lol! i’ve had it, and it’s good!
Beth Pierce
Thanks for the tip, Angie! I will try it!
Laura Levitan
I have never heard of this dish in my life and I’ve lived in the South for 20+ years! This is such an amazing and delicious recipe if you are a pineapple lover. I can’t wait to try my hand at your pineapple upside down cake next.
Beth Pierce
Thanks, Laura! Enjoy!
Carolyn C
Great casserole. Reminds me of a dish my aunt used to make. She was from Georgia. I bet this is close to the same recipe. Thank you!
Beth Pierce
You are most welcome, Carolyn!
Barbara R
Oh my, this Southern Pineapple Casserole was amazing! I love pineapple, and then the cheese – this was so darn tasty! Served it with your ham steak recipe! It was the best meal ever.
Beth Pierce
That is so sweet! Thank you, Barbara!
Rhett Roman
Wow, this was so tasty. With all of your wonderful recipes I have started enjoying cooking. It really is so relaxing, except for the dishes.
Beth Pierce
LOL! I don’t like the dishes either!
Emilie Gunther
Oh my goodness, this was so yummy! I love a good casserole, and the combination of ingredients really tasted well together just like you said! Thank you for sharing. 🙂
Beth Pierce
Thank you, Emilie!
Crystal D
When I read pineapple casserole, I was not expecting cheese and Ritz crackers. This sounds like a unique and delicious recipe. I may have to try it for a church function this weekend.
Beth Pierce
Thanks, Crystal! I hope they enjoy it!
Jessica Venable
This odd combination is as good as people say it is! If you have not tried it I encourage you to do so! I was so pleasantly surprised. We loved it so much that it is going on our Easter menu.
Beth Pierce
Thanks, Jessica! It is going on mine too!
Bentley
This is fully awesome! The sweetness of the pineapple is perfect with that crispy topping. I love this.
Rich
This recipe is so good. I love to serve it with ham and your southern green bean recipe.