This Southern pineapple casserole is pineapple, cheese and buttery crackers, all baked together to create a sweet and savory side dish. A unique and unexpected accompaniment to turkey, ham or chicken, and it always gets rave reviews.
I like to serve up an assortment of side dishes when I’m entertaining, including sour cream mashed potatoes, mustard greens, Southern cornbread dressing and this super easy pineapple casserole.
If you haven’t tried pineapple casserole, you are totally missing out. The combination of the sweetness of the juicy pineapple and the savory flavor of the cheddar cheese and crackers just can’t be beat! Best of all, this takes just minutes to put together and can be prepared ahead of time for a special occasion.
When I want a good casserole side dish recipe, I love to make this dish and some other favorites like noodle kugel, savory squash casserole and this fantastic cornbread casserole.
Table of Contents
Pineapple Casserole Ingredients
When you make pineapple casserole you will need canned pineapple chunks, granulated sugar, brown sugar, flour, cheddar cheese, buttery crackers, butter and parsley.
How Do You Make Pineapple Casserole?
Place canned pineapple chunks, flour, reserved pineapple juice, brown sugar, granulated sugar and cheddar cheese in a bowl. Stir until well combined. Pour the pineapple mixture in an even layer in a baking dish. Mix melted butter with crushed crackers. Sprinkle the crackers over the pineapple mixture to make a crumb topping. Bake until golden brown. Add a sprinkle of parsley if desired, then serve and enjoy.
Tips For The Perfect Dish
- I mostly use a buttery cracker such as Ritz crackers. Any buttery style cracker will work just fine.
- You can use a 9 inch square baking pan, a pie plate or a 2 quart ceramic casserole dish for this recipe.
- Skip the pre-shredded bags of cheese and grate your own cheese instead. Store bought shredded cheese is often coated in preservatives and anti caking agents and does not melt well.
- This dish is best when served immediately, as the crackers can soften over time.
- Pineapple casserole is great when paired with grilled turkey breast, honey glazed ham or crock pot ham, and is a classic holiday dish in the South. If you make this for Easter, be sure to plan a whole meal with my hand picked Easter recipes.
Quick Tip
Be sure to use pineapple packed in juice, not heavy syrup. You will need to reserve some of the juice from the cans to use in the recipe.
Recipe FAQs
Yes, this pineapple casserole can be assembled up to 8 hours before you plan to bake it. Stir together the pineapple mixture and place it in the baking dish. Crush the crackers and store them separately from the pineapple base. Right before baking, mix the crackers with butter and place them on top of the casserole.
Typically, people choose a mild cheddar cheese to go with pineapple. This casserole features mild cheddar cheese. However, you can also try other mild cheeses like Monterey jack or mozzarella.
While the origins of pineapple casserole are mysterious, the dish originated in the South. Southerners see the pineapple as a symbol of hospitality and they make casseroles for feeding a crowd. Put them together and you have a recipe that shows hospitality for crowds. People make this casserole for parties, holidays and even funerals.
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Flavor Variations
This dish is fabulous as-is, but you can change up the flavors to suit your tastes.
- Pineapple: You can use 1 can of crushed pineapple or pineapple tidbits and 1 can of pineapple chunks if you prefer.
- Cheese: Instead of cheddar, try a different type of mild cheese that melts well, such as Monterey Jack or even mozzarella. You could even try a sharp cheddar cheese, but be careful as sharp cheddar may not melt as well.
- Topping: Swap out the buttery crackers for crushed cornflakes for a different flavor and texture.
- Granulated Sugar: I like the combination of brown and white sugar mixed together, but you can also use all white sugar if you prefer for a milder flavor.
- Dessert: If you want to serve the dish as a dessert, try adding some chopped pecans to the cracker topping or enjoy this dish with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Once you try this pineapple casserole, you’ll find yourself making it on a regular basis. It’s just that good!
More Side Dishes To Try
Candied Yams Recipe
55 mins
Stovetop Mac and Cheese
25 mins
Mashed Sweet Potatoes
1 hr 20 mins
Creamed Corn Recipe
35 mins
Pineapple Casserole Video
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Pineapple Casserole
Ingredients
- 2 20 ounce cans pineapple chunks drain and reserve 1/4 cup juice
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup light brown sugar
- 6 tablespoons all purpose flour
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 40 buttery crackers such as Ritz, crumbled
- 1/2 cup butter melted
- 1 tablespoon parsley chopped, optional
- cooking spray
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Coat a 9 inch square pan or 2 quart baking dish with cooking spray.
- Place the pineapple, 1/4 cup pineapple juice, granulated sugar, brown sugar, flour and cheese in a large bowl. Stir to combine.
- Pour the pineapple mixture into the pan and spread into an even layer.
- In a small bowl, mix together the crackers and butter.
- Sprinkle the crackers over the pineapple mixture.
- Bake for 25 to 30 minutes or until topping is golden brown. Add parsley if desired, then serve.
Notes
- Be sure to use pineapple packed in juice, not heavy syrup. You will need to reserve some of the juice from the cans to use in the recipe.
- I typically use a buttery cracker such as Ritz crackers. Any buttery style cracker will work just fine.
- This casserole is best when served immediately, as the crackers can soften over time.
Something different that we ended up really loving!
I never knew how much I would love the combination of pineapple, cheese and cracker! This was so fun and unexpected; my whole family loved it!
This was so tasty and, best of all, EASY!
I had actually never heard of pineapple casserole before I came across your recipe but I’m so glad I did!! I think this would be a huge hit with my family and friends at this dinner party we’re throwing this weekend! Can’t wait to try it soon!
This southern classic is going to become a staple in my house. I love everything about this casserole.
I havent heard of this dish. But this pineapple casserole looks delicious. I will definitely make it this weekend.
Wow, this was absolutely AMAZING! The whole family loved it, including my picky 8 year old! A keeper for sure.
Side dish – not at our home! This will be a breakfast, snack, lunch, or dinner dish!! Yum!
I love the sweet-meets-savory flavors in this casserole! Yum!
I love this idea! All flavors I love! I will be making this soon!
I always know a dish from the south is going to be good! The combination of sweet and savory in this dish is perfection. I am already getting requests for the next event!