Baked Pineapple Casserole
Baked Pineapple Casserole Recipe
A Sweet and Savory Southern Classic That’s Perfect for Any Holiday Table
This Baked Pineapple Casserole is one of those surprising recipes that turns simple pantry staples into an unforgettable dish. Sweet, buttery pineapple is layered with sharp cheddar cheese and a golden cracker topping, creating the perfect balance of sweet, salty, and savory.
It’s a Southern comfort food classic that works beautifully as a holiday side dish, potluck favorite, or even a brunch treat!
Whether you’re serving it alongside baked ham, Easter dinner, or just looking for something unique to share at your next gathering, this pineapple cheese casserole is always a hit.
Ingredients
- 1 (20 oz) can pineapple chunks in juice, drained
- 1 (20 oz) can crushed pineapple, drained
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 6 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 sleeve Ritz crackers (about 30), crushed
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) butter, melted
Instructions
1. Preheat & prep
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 baking dish or medium casserole dish.
2. Mix the pineapple base
In a large bowl, combine the drained pineapple chunks and crushed pineapple. Add the sugar and flour and stir until well mixed. Fold in the shredded cheddar cheese.
3. Pour into baking dish
Spread the pineapple mixture evenly into the prepared dish.
4. Make the topping
In a small bowl, combine the crushed Ritz crackers and melted butter. Stir until the crumbs are coated.
5. Top & bake
Sprinkle the buttery cracker topping over the pineapple mixture. Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until golden brown and bubbly.
6. Cool slightly before serving
Let sit for 10 minutes before serving warm. It also tastes great at room temperature!
Recipe Notes
- You can use fresh pineapple, but make sure it’s finely chopped and well-drained.
- Want less sweetness? Cut the sugar to 1/2 cup.
- This pairs beautifully with Glazed Ham or Southern Green Beans.
What to Serve With Pineapple Casserole
This dish is often served at Easter, Thanksgiving, or Christmas dinners, and it goes especially well with:
What makes this Southern pineapple casserole recipe so special is its unexpected blend of flavors. The juicy, slightly tart pineapple pairs surprisingly well with the bold sharp cheddar cheese, while the buttery Ritz cracker topping adds a crave-worthy crunch. It’s that perfect balance of sweet and savory that keeps guests coming back for seconds. If you’ve never had fruit in a casserole before, don’t be intimidated—this one will win you over instantly.
Make-Ahead and Storage Tips
This dish is also a winner when it comes to convenience. You can assemble it the night before and store it in the fridge, then just pop it in the oven when you’re ready to bake. It reheats beautifully too, making it ideal for holiday leftovers or meal prepping during the busy season. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just warm it up in the oven or microwave and enjoy that rich, comforting flavor all over again!
More Holiday-Worthy Casseroles:
- Hashbrown Casserole with Cornflakes
- Creamy Corn Casserole
- Loaded Mashed Potato Casserole
- Chicken and Stuffing Bake
Explore even more comforting ideas on the Family Casserole Recipes Hub »
