With your Easter ham, on a bridal shower buffet, at a funeral, or for your birthday dinner, this Pineapple Casserole is a Southern staple on just about any celebratory table. The sweet and savory combination of pineapple, cheese, and a buttery crumb topping makes this an absolutely irresistible easy side dish recipe!
If you're looking for a simple, quick-prep side that will knock the socks off of your guests, then this golden pineapple casserole recipe is just the ticket! It's sweet, salty, buttery, cheesy and oh-so-decadent!
What is Pineapple Casserole?
Grandma's Pineapple Casserole recipe is an addicting combination of canned pineapple, sharp cheddar cheese, and buttery Ritz cracker crumbs. It's a great option to pair with a holiday ham, a roast turkey, or just your casual Sunday night roast chicken!
Is Pineapple Casserole a dessert?
We serve this casserole as a side dish, but it's certainly sweet enough and rich enough to qualify as a dessert! It's a lot like a pineapple crisp, and would be delicious served warm and topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
How to make Pineapple Casserole:
First, you'll need 2 cups of crushed Ritz crackers.
Combine the cracker crumbs with 1 stick of melted butter, and your topping is ready. Set it aside while you prepare the casserole filling.
For the filling, you'll need two cans of pineapple. I like to use a combination of pineapple chunks and crushed pineapple, which gives the casserole a perfect texture.
Drain the pineapple over a bowl or measuring cup so that you can reserve some of the juice.
In a separate bowl, combine 6 tablespoons of the reserved pineapple juice with sugar and flour until you get a nice smooth mixture.
Stir in the grated cheddar and the drained pineapple.
Transfer the pineapple mixture to a square baking dish.
Sprinkle the buttered cracker crumbs over top, and then bake the casserole in a 350 degree F oven for 25-30 minutes.
Be sure to check it at about the 25 minute mark, because you don't want the crumb topping to burn. Pull it out when it's perfectly golden brown!
Storage and Preparation Tips:
- Prep ahead! To prepare the casserole in advance, simply assemble the filling and place it in the baking dish. Cover tightly and refrigerate until ready to bake.
- Prepare the crumb topping in advance as well, and leave it (covered) on your countertop. Sprinkle the topping over the casserole right before baking.
- Leftover casserole can be stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
- The leftover casserole can be frozen in an airtight container for up to 2 months.
- To reheat the casserole: Allow the dish to come to room temperature on the counter. Reheat the casserole in a 300 degree F oven, just until warmed through. If the topping starts to get too dark before the rest of the casserole is warm, loosely cover the top with foil to prevent additional browning.
What to serve with Pineapple Casserole:
There are a variety of entrees that go well with this casserole side dish. Here are a few suggestions to get you started:
- Virginia Brown Sugar Baked Ham
- Easy Citrus Glazed Baked Ham
- Easy Maple Glazed Roasted Turkey Breast
- Garlic and Herb Roast Turkey Breast
- Crispy Roast Chicken with Vegetables
Cook's Tips and Recipe Variations:
- Instead of enjoying this casserole as a side dish, try serving it for dessert -- like a pineapple crisp! It would be delicious with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream on top!
- Don't have Ritz crackers? While the Ritz are definitely my preference, you can also make a Pineapple Casserole with Cheez-Its or another favorite salty cracker!
- Instead of grated cheddar cheese, try making a Pineapple Casserole with cream cheese! Just use 8 ounces of diced, room temperature cream cheese in lieu of the cheddar.
- Make it an entree by preparing a Pineapple and Ham Casserole. Simply add a cup or two of diced, cooked ham to the filling.
Other easy side dish recipes that you might enjoy:
- Southern Collard Greens
- Southern Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecans
- Slow Cooker Southern Green Beans
- Southern Squash Casserole
- Southern Cornbread Stuffing
Southern Pineapple Casserole
Ingredients
- ½ cup (1 stick) butter, melted
- 2 cups crushed Ritz crackers (about 50 whole crackers)
- 1 (20 ounce) can crushed pineapple
- 1 (20 ounce) can pineapple chunks
- 1 cup sugar
- 6 tablespoons flour
- 2 cups (8 ounces) grated cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Spray an 8-inch or 9-inch square baking dish with cooking spray and set aside.
- In a large bowl, combine melted butter and cracker crumbs. Set aside.
- Drain the pineapple over a bowl to catch the juice.
- In a large bowl, combine sugar, flour and 6 tablespoons of the reserved pineapple juice until smooth. Stir in cheese and pineapple. Transfer mixture to the prepared baking dish.
- Sprinkle buttered cracker crumbs in an even layer on top. Bake, uncovered, for 25-30 minutes, or until top is golden brown.
Notes
- Instead of enjoying this casserole as a side dish, try serving it for dessert -- kind of like a pineapple crisp! It would be delicious with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream on top!
- Don't have Ritz crackers? While the Ritz are definitely my preference, you can also make a Pineapple Casserole with Cheez-Its or your other favorite salty cracker!
- Instead of grated cheddar cheese, try making a Pineapple Casserole with cream cheese! Just use 8 ounces of diced, room temperature cream cheese in lieu of the cheddar.
- Make it an entree by preparing a Pineapple and Ham Casserole. Simply add a cup or two of diced, cooked ham to the filling.
Linda Carroll
I have been making this dish for years and it is always a big hit! I use 2 cans of pineapple tidbits and 1/2 cup of sugar.
Karisa Teklu
Really nice post!
Lily
My Momo would make this. I was too young when she past away to appreciate collecting recipes. Thank you so much for posting!
Blair
That's wonderful, Lily. I'm so glad that you can have a "taste" of her through this recipe. Enjoy!