This Southern pineapple casserole is the perfect blend of sweet and savory! Chunks of pineapple, that bite of shredded cheddar cheese, and the buttery cracker topping make this one of those cherished old fashioned, southern classics!
This recipe is so easy to put together in 30 minutes or less and comes together with a few simple ingredients and zero prep work. This easy side dish will be a cherished favorite at your Southern table.
I’m so excited to share this quintessential Southern dish with y’all today! I love the combination of sweet and savory flavors that comes together with the sharp cheddar cheese and the sweetness of the pineapple chunks. While cheddar cheese and pineapple may seem like an odd combination, once you have your first bite, you’ll be going back for more. Contrary to what you might be thinking, this is not a dessert recipe!
Easy Pineapple Casserole
Pineapple casserole is a Southern classic, typically served at family gatherings and potlucks. It’s been a staple in Southern homes for decades — just like ambrosia and pear salad. Traditionally, this casserole is served during holiday meals but can be made any time of the year. It’s a wonderful addition to Thanksgiving Dinner, Easter Dinner, Christmas Dinner …and it goes really well with a baked ham or pork chops, too.
It might seem like a strange combination, but hear me out! It’s the sweet pineapple, savory cheddar cheese, and buttery cracker crumbs from the Ritz cracker topping that create the perfect balance of sweet and savory. Plus, it’s so easy to make! Just throw everything into a casserole dish and pop it into the oven. Once it’s done, the texture is soft and tender on the inside with a contrasting crunch of the topping.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Unique: The fusion of pineapple, cheddar cheese, and a crunchy topping is unexpected but incredibly delicious.
- Easy to make: With straightforward steps and pantry staple ingredients, pineapple casseroles are a breeze to put together.
- Crowd-pleaser: This dish has a way of wowing guests and sparking conversation.
- Comforting: The warm, sweet, and savory combination is heartwarming and comforting.
Ingredients & Substitutions
- Pineapple Chunks: Make sure to purchase the canned pineapple in the juice – not syrup. You’ll reserve a little juice to add into the casserole itself. You can also use pineapple tidbits, too. Fresh pineapple will not work with this recipe.
- Sugar, Butter, and Flour: These ingredients are combined to thicken the casserole and hold it all together. Self-rising flour and all-purpose flour will work for this recipe.
- Cheddar cheese: Adds a savory element to the casserole, giving it that extra bite! I recommend shredding a block of cheddar as pre-shredded cheese contains an anti-caking agent which will prevent it from melting.
- Butter and Ritz crackers: These two ingredients come together to for the salty, buttery, cracker topping that is my favorite! You could also try any brand of buttery crackers, including cornflakes.
How to Make a Cheesy Pineapple Casserole
Please see the recipe card below for the complete list of ingredients, measurements, and instructions.
Step 1: Prep
In a large bowl, combine the sugar, flour, and the pineapple juice saved from the can. Toss in your pineapple and give everything a good mix.
Step 2: Assemble
Spoon the pineapple mixture into a square baking dish, then sprinkle a generous layer of cheese on top. Mix crushed Ritz crackers with melted butter for the topping, then spread it evenly over the cheese layer.
Step 3: Bake
Now, all that’s left is to bake it! Pop the casserole in the oven at 350F and bake it until it’s golden brown and bubbly. The flour will thicken up the pineapple juice as it bakes and cools, resulting in a jammy filling with a perfectly toasty and crispy topping.
Allow the dish to rest at room temperature for about 5 minutes before serving.
What to Serve with Pineapple Casserole
The unique flavor of this pineapple casserole pairs well with savory dishes like a spiral holiday ham, crockpot turkey breast, or prime rib. Pair it alongside other holiday classics like Southern cornbread dressing, green bean casserole, and mashed potatoes for a complete holiday dinner.
Tips For The Best Recipe
- Melt the butter: Use melted butter for the topping to ensure it coats the crushed Ritz crackers evenly.
- Baking: Bake the casserole until it’s golden and bubbly for the best texture and flavor.
- Have patience: Let your pineapple casserole cool for a few minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together and the filling to thicken.
- Don’t overmix: Try not to overmix the pineapple with the sugar and flour mixture to maintain the pineapple’s texture.
- Use the right cheese: Pre-shredded cheese can be convenient, but shredding your own gives a fresher flavor.
What To Do With Leftovers
If you have any leftover pineapple casserole, follow these simple storage tips:
- Fridge: Any leftovers can be kept in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Just make sure to keep them in an airtight container or the casserole dish with a lid.
- Freezer: I don’t recommend freezing this recipe since it will turn soggy once it thaws.
- Reheating: To reheat your pineapple cheese casserole, warm it in the oven at 350F until heated through to your liking.
More Old Fashioned Recipes
If you enjoyed this pineapple casserole, you have to check out a few more old fashioned recipes like these:
Southern Pineapple Casserole Recipe
Equipment
- 1 8×8 inch casserole dish
Ingredients
- 40 ounces canned pineapple chunks in juice drained (reserve 6 Tbsp. juice)
- ⅓ cups sugar
- 5 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 cup Cheddar cheese freshly shredded
- ¼ cup butter melted
- 1 sleeve Ritz crackers crushed
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F. In a medium size bowl, combine sugar, flour, and reserved pineapple juice. Add pineapple chunks and toss well to combine. Spoon pineapple mixture into a greased 8×8-inch casserole dish, and top with shredded cheese.
- Combine crushed Ritz crackers and melted butter. Spread Ritz cracker topping evenly on top of pineapple mixture.
- Bake at 350°F for 30 minutes, or until bubbly.
Tuesday 7th of May 2024
So good!