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 noodle kugel, Southern cornbread dressing, and this super easy pineapple casserole.
If you haven’t tried pineapple casserole, you are totally missing out. The combination of sweet and juicy pineapple, 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.
How do you make pineapple casserole?
Place canned pineapple chunks, flour, 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. Bake until golden brown. Add a sprinkle of parsley if desired, then serve and enjoy.
Tips for the perfect dish
- 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.
- You can use a 9 inch square baking pan, a pie plate or a 2 quart ceramic baking dish for this recipe.
- I typically use a buttery cracker such as Ritz crackers. Any buttery style cracker will work just fine.
- Skip the pre-shredded bags of cheese and grate your own instead. Store bought shredded cheese is often coated in preservatives and anti caking agents and does not melt well.
- This casserole is best when served immediately, as the crackers can soften over time.
- I add a little parsley on top for a bit of color and fresh flavor, but this is optional.
- Pineapple casserole is great when paired with ham, and is a classic holiday dish in the South.
- 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.
Make ahead instructions
This 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.
Pineapple casserole flavor variations
This dish is fabulous as-is, but you can use other ingredients to customize the flavors to suit your tastes.
- Pineapple: You can use 1 can of crushed pineapple 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.
- Topping: Swap out the buttery crackers for crushed cornflakes for a different flavor and texture.
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
Pineapple Casserole Video
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.
Cora says
Something different that we ended up really loving!
Jacque says
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!
Shannon says
This was so tasty and, best of all, EASY!
Anjali says
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!
Andrea says
This southern classic is going to become a staple in my house. I love everything about this casserole.
Saif says
I havent heard of this dish. But this pineapple casserole looks delicious. I will definitely make it this weekend.
Eden Westbrook says
Wow, this was absolutely AMAZING! The whole family loved it, including my picky 8 year old! A keeper for sure.
Beth says
Side dish – not at our home! This will be a breakfast, snack, lunch, or dinner dish!! Yum!
Katherine says
I love the sweet-meets-savory flavors in this casserole! Yum!
Tavo says
I love this idea! All flavors I love! I will be making this soon!
Emily Flint says
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!