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.
The Best Southern Pineapple Casserole
This delectable casserole is a friend and family favorite, 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.
Pineapple Casserole Ingredients
How do you make Pineapple Casserole?
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 hot while the cheese is melted and the casserole is heated through.
Can I use fresh pineapple in this recipe?
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 as there is some heat involved in the canning process that 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 Pineapple Casserole recipe. Trust me on this one.
Recipe add-ins
- 2/3 cup chopped roasted pecans or walnuts
- 2/3 cup sweetened flaked coconut
- 1/2 cup halved maraschino cherries
- 1/4 teaspoon fresh ground nutmeg
- Any combination of the above
Recipe Tips for the Best Pineapple Casserole
- This tasty casserole dish is delicious both as a side and a dessert.
- Grease the casserole dish for easier cleanup.
- Drain as much of the 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.
- Preheat the oven and bake for 30-40 minutes or until the cracker crumbs are golden brown and the casserole is heated through with the cheese melted.
Storage and Reheat
Store leftovers covered in the fridge for up to four days. It can be reheated in the microwave or covered with aluminum foil and heated at 350 degrees for 10-15 minutes.
More pineapple recipes
Pineapple Casserole Recipe
Ingredients
- 1/3 cup all purpose flour
- 1/2 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
- 1/4 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 of the 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.
- Preheat the oven and bake for 30-40 minutes or until the cracker crumbs are golden brown and the casserole is heated through with the cheese melted.
- Store leftovers covered in the fridge for up to four days. It can be reheated in the microwave or covered with aluminum foil and heated at 350 degrees for about 10-15 minutes.
Nutrition
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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.
Neely
This is my favorite pineapple casserole! We make it at least once a month. I love it with your ham steak recipe.
Clarice
Wow! This looks delicious.Very timely since my mom brought us some fresh pineapples. Thank you for sharing the recipe. Appreciate the tips. Planning to add some walnuts. 🙂
Beth Pierce
Walnuts would be delicious in the casserole!
Sally
This pineapple casserole recipe sounds amazing! I never would have thought to combine pineapple, cheddar cheese, and buttery cracker crumbs, but now I can’t wait to try it. It only takes 10 minutes to prep, which makes it even better. I can see why it’s such a popular dish for family gatherings – it’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser! Thanks for sharing this delicious recipe.
Beth Pierce
Thanks, Sally! The pleasure is all mine!
Mary
I love coconut, and this is a great combination. I am tired of making the usual cookies and cakes, and it is nice to have a recipe for something a little different.
Edgar
Hhhhmmm….this casserole is new to my eyes. I love pineapple; it should be a match-made in heaven! Look forwarding to trying it out.
Debbie
Wow! I love all the ingredients of this recipe. The southern Pineapple Casserole sounds like a must make pronto!
Richard
Looks so tasty. I’m not a big fan of pineapple, but I might make an exception for this.
Claudia
This will always be a favorite in the house for sure. I love all the ingredients included in this casserole.
pedja
Great recipe with high-quality ingredients like butter, cheddar, walnuts…Maybe honey instead of sugar?
Beth Pierce
You could certainly go with honey but cut it back to 1/4 cup since honey is sweeter than sugar.
Nyxie
We love this tasty southern pineapple casserole. It is an odd combination but it works well together. It is a must try.
Rami
This pineapple casserole is absolutely delicious! The combination of sweet pineapple, cheesy goodness, and buttery Ritz crackers is a match made in heaven. Thanks for sharing, Beth.
Rose
What a fun way to use the pineapple. We’re big fans of getting pineapple in any way we can, though we mostly just eat it fresh.
Karletta
Oh my goodness. Pineapple is one in my favourite fruits. Looks delicious and those add ins are temping me big time.
Stephanie
I love pineapple casserole! Cheddar cheese and pineapple seems so odd but it surprisingly works so well in this dish.
Beth Pierce
So true, Stephanie!
Monidipa
Your pineapple casserole recipe is a game-changer! The perfect blend of flavors and textures, it’s a delightful treat. Your clear instructions make cooking a breeze. Can’t wait to explore more of your culinary creations. Thanks for sharing this mouthwatering gem! 🍍🍽️
LUCRETIA WINIARZ
can you double and bake in 9 x 13 pan? If so, do u cook longer?
Beth Pierce
Yes, you can. Maybe just a couple more minutes longer. If the top browns too much, cover it with a loose piece of aluminum foil.
Tina Wilson
Should I use salted or unsalted butter? Planning to make this for a family dinner soon!
Beth Pierce
Unsalted butter please.
Cindy W
The pineapple and cheese bit were good, but there were FAR too many cracker crumbs on top and too little butter in the crumb mixture to make a crust. We wound up with a loose cracker crumb mixture. I may try it again, but with half the amount of crackers, but the same amount of butter.
Norm
It reminds me of Mock Apple Pie that is very simiilar and uses Ritz Crqckers too. Has anybody used peaches and cinnamon?
Beth
Would I add maraschino cherries to the pineapple cheese mixture?
Walnuts to the buttered cracker topping?
Beth Pierce
I have never tried either so I am unsure of the taste.
Susan
Can I make this ahead and add the toppings just before baking?
Beth Pierce
Yes you can.
Clo
Hi, looking forward to making this. You mention optional coconut add in. Do you suggest in the pineapple mixture or if n the cracker topping? Thank you. Cindy
Beth Pierce
In the pineapple mixture. Happy cooking!
Jennifer P
Delicious! Can leftovers be frozen?
Beth Pierce
So glad that you liked it. You can but the texture will change. The cracker topping will get kind of soggy1
Tara
Such a fun combination of flavors in this pineapple casserole! Love the contrast in texture with the crumbly topping too. Yum!
Tavo
the recipe was delicious! We added walnuts and it was a great combination!
Andrea
Oh does this casserole bring back memories. It looks and sounds perfect!!! Will be making ASAP!
Biana
This casserole looks great! A great side dish for the holidays.
Jenn
I’m a huge pineapple fan (my fav!!) so when I saw this, I had to make it! I loved it! The sweet and savory flavors pair so nicely together. Hubby wants to know when I’m making it again!
Beth Pierce
We love it too! It is amazing that those flavors pair so well together! So glad that you liked it.
Colleen
I must admit I was sceptical, but I made it because it seemed so simple, which it was, but also it was delicious! Everyone loved it and I will make it again! Thank you!
Emily Liao
Everyone loved this pineapple casserole! So easy, and a fun way to enjoy pineapple season 🙂
Cathleen
This recipe is so perfect for the summer! I have never heard of anyone doing a pineapple casserole, but I am sure I am going to go insane over this recipe because I love pineapple so much! Thank you so much for the recipe 🙂
Sharon
This recipe is sweet, savory, and so cheesy. If you make this, it will disappear fast!
Natasha
This pineapple casserole recipe is a hit! My family loved it and said that they want another batch again soon. Thank you for sharing another awesome recipe.
Betsy Carney
My kids love pineapple and this was a huge hit! Love this recipe!
Toni
Such a really amazing dessert! Always a hit at my house!
Jenny
This is one of those weird-but-amazingly good combos!
I used to take care of an old couple and this was a big favorite- Karl and Winnie P.- Ithink of them all the time! This is why I love recipes and foods!
Beth Pierce
I agree! Food can be so nostalgic and bring back such wonderful memories.
Beth Sachs
I love cheese and pineapple combo so this sounds like heaven to me!
Soniya
Wow.. this pineapple casserole looks amazing! Can’t wait to make it over the weekend
Jenn
We are pineapple freaks here so I had to try this dish. I was amazed at how good it was, and those crackers on top? Deeelish!
Erica
Such a fun twist, thanks for sharing!
Maria
This is a super creative use of pineapple! I love how you photographed the final dish too!
Jill
This casserole sounds both sweet and savory, which is my favorite combination. Pinning to try.
Kellie H
One of our favorite recipes for the holidays….we’ve been making this one for years. Love your version, it’s so easy!
Julia
It tastes like a pineapple crisp with a savoury twist and I love crisps!! Such a good idea.
Toni Dash
Everyone at my house really loved it! So delish and easy to make!
Christine Krantz
I have made this for years !! One of my favorites… however my recipe only has one can of pineapple tidbits instead of the two cans of two kinds !!
Laura Reese
I love that I had everything I needed to make this. The flavor was so delicious. Reminds me of my Grandma.
Anita
Wow. This casserole is so good, and it’s unbelievably easy to prepare with common pantry ingredients too. Thanks for sharing. 🙂
Lily
What a creative idea, I can not wait to make this as a dessert. It sounds like it has the perfect balance between crunchy and sweet. Thanks for a wonderful idea.