The Casserole Nobody Sees Coming
I know pineapple casserole can raise an eyebrow if you’ve never had it before. Pineapple, cheese, and crackers baked together don’t exactly sound like the most obvious combination. But here in the South, this kind of dish has been showing up on Easter, Thanksgiving, and Christmas tables for good reason.
What makes it work is that perfect mix of sweet and savory, which is why my husband, Rob, is crazy for this dish. The pineapple stays juicy, the cheddar melts right into it, and the buttery cracker topping gives it that little bit of crunch that pulls the whole dish together. It’s simple, a little old-fashioned, and one of those recipes that gets people talking the minute they take a bite.
Enjoy, Y’all!
Why Pineapple and Cheese Work So Well Together
This is the part that makes people pause, but it’s also what makes the recipe memorable. The pineapple brings sweetness and a little brightness, while the sharp cheddar adds richness and a salty bite. Then you finish it with buttery cracker crumbs, which gives the casserole texture and helps balance all that softness underneath. It may sound unusual at first, but once you taste it, it makes perfect sense.
Donya’s Tips For The Best Pineapple Casserole
- Grate the cheddar cheese yourself for the best flavor and texture. It melts better and gives the casserole a creamier finish.
- Drain the pineapple well, but be sure to save a little of the juice for the filling.
- Crush the crackers lightly so the topping keeps some texture and bakes up crisp and golden.
- Don’t over-crush the topping. You want buttery cracker crumbs, not fine dust.
- Save a bowl by pouring the melted butter right into the bag of crushed crackers and mixing it there.
What You’ll Need
- Canned Pineapple – crushed pineapple or pineapple tidbits can be used. You’ll use the drained pineapple, but save the juice.
- Granulated Sugar
- Sharp Cheddar Cheese – grate it yourself for the best flavor and texture.
- Ritz Crackers – any brand of butter cracker works.
- All Purpose Flour and Butter
How To Make Southern Pineapple Casserole
- Make the pineapple filling. Combine drained pineapple, reserved juice, sugar, flour, and shredded cheddar cheese in a bowl.
- Transfer to the dish. Spoon the pineapple casserole mixture into an 8×8 baking dish.
- Top with buttery crackers. Mix crushed crackers with melted butter and sprinkle evenly over the casserole.
- Bake and serve. Bake at 350 degrees for 25 to 30 minutes until the pineapple casserole is bubbly and the topping is golden brown.
Can You Make Pineapple Casserole Ahead?
You can assemble the pineapple filling ahead of time and keep it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake. And to make things easy, I usually make the topping but store it separately, then add it just before it goes into the oven so it stays crisp.
How To Store and Reheat Leftovers
If you have leftovers, cover the casserole and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm individual portions in the microwave until heated through.
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Ingredients
- 2 20 oz cans pineapple chunks – drained with ¼ cup juice reserved
- ¾ cup sugar
- 6 tablespoons flour
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese – shredded
- 2 cups (about 40 crackers) Ritz crackers – crushed
- ½ cup butter – melted
Instructions
- Heat oven to 350 degrees. In a medium size bowl, combine pineapple, sugar, flour, cheese and reserved juice. Mix together and pour into an 8×8 casserole dish.
- In a bowl, mix together crackers and butter. Sprinkle evenly over pineapple mixture. Place in oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes until top of casserole is golden brown. Serve warm and enjoy!
Video
Notes
- If you are lucky enough to have leftovers, store the baking dish or container covered in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- To reheat, place in a microwave-safe dish and heat until warmed through.
Nutrition
Questions About Southern Pineapple Casserole
Southern Pineapple Casserole is a baked side dish made with pineapple, cheddar cheese, sugar, flour, and a buttery cracker topping. It’s sweet, savory, and especially popular for any holiday and family gatherings.
Yes, you can, and even a combination of both. Just make sure you drain it and reserve some juice for the casserole.
I recommend it. Freshly grated cheddar melts better and gives the casserole a smoother texture.
It can honestly go either way, but most people serve it as a Southern side dish, especially with ham or turkey.
Yes you can. Double the ingredients and bake in a 9×13 pan.
Serving Suggestions and Pairing with Other Southern Side Dishes
My family’s favorites are glazed baked ham, turkey breast, roasted chicken, and pork tenderloin. Add a few sides like skillet green beans, air fryer baby potatoes, or cheesy grits casserole, and you’ve got a meal that everyone will remember!
If you tried this Southern Pineapple Casserole Recipe or any other recipe, please leave a star rating and let me know how it went in the comments below. Thanks!
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Hello, would this turn out nice if premade and set in frig for next day? could I assemble it all and set in frig till next day? or would the Ritz get too soggy?
Great question! You absolutely can prepare this a day ahead. However, do not add the Ritz on top until you are ready to bake! Should turn out perfectly. Good luck! ~Donya
Hi my name is Kim and I live in South Carolina but from Alabama and of course the country restaurants here know nothing about pineapple casserole so I am so happy to share your recipe with a lady who loves to cook and loves better that you enjoy eating her country cooking. May God continue to bless you in all you and your affiliates do🙏
You just made my day! Thank you for sharing my recipe, that means more than you know! I’m here for all the country cooking, and I’m glad you’re here with me. Enjoy! ~Donya
Can I double the recipe and bake in a 9×13 pan? Would baking time be the same?
Yes you can! Enjoy! ~Donya
Delicious casserole. My only regret is that it was gone before I went back for seconds 😊
Wonderful! Thanks so much.
~Donya
GREAT CASSEROLE DANYA, I CUT THE SUGAR TO 1/2 BECAUSE I THOUGHT IT WOULD BE TOOO SWEET WITH THE PINEAPPLE AND ALL. DIDN’T THINK IT WOULD COME OUT OKAY WITH THE CHEESE ADDED. WELL IT DID, BOY DID IT. IN LESS THAN A HOUR THE PAN WAS EMPTY. I HAD TO MAKE MY OWN PERSONAL PAN AND HIDE IT . LOLOL. IT CAME OUT GREAT THANKS DANYA.
You are so welcome!
~Donya
Everyone loved it and asked for the recie! Sooo easy and delicious
Can I double the recipe by Maki in a 9by13 pan?
Yes you can! Enjoy! ~Donya
Made this for Christmas Eve buffet. Delicious. Like a pineapple cobbler.
Do I put this in a greased or ungreased casserole dish?
I haven’t made this recipe yet but will for thanksgiving. I have made one before and it is soooooo good !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Everyone who ate it loved it too.
I’m not Southern. I’m not even American and have never visited your country, just across the pond, and i dont celebrate thanksgiving, but I’d love to try this. I don’t know if anybody
will join me. Is the juice syrup or is that top heavy?
I have always used pineapple in it’s own juice however if you were to use pineapple canned in heavy syrup you might want to readjust the amount of sugar or to your taste.