Baked Pineapple Casserole
Have you ever tried a dish that’s sweet, cheesy, and crunchy all at the same time? Let me introduce you to my favorite baked pineapple casserole.
It’s a classic Southern side dish that shows up at all our family gatherings, from holiday dinners to summer potlucks. It sounds a little different, but trust me, one bite and you’ll be hooked! This simple dish is a real crowd-pleaser and is surprisingly easy to whip up.
Why You’ll Love This Pineapple Casserole
I think you’re going to fall head over heels for this recipe! It’s the perfect sidekick for a holiday ham or a potluck superstar. The sweet pineapple pairs beautifully with the sharp, salty cheddar cheese, creating a flavor combination that is just out of this world.
And that buttery, crunchy Ritz cracker topping? PURE MAGIC. It comes together in a snap, using simple pantry staples you probably already have. It’s a fantastic dish for when you need something quick but impressive.
If you love more southern-style casseroles like this, try Southern Corn Casserole or this delicious Southern Squash Casserole.
Ingredients for Baked Pineapple Casserole
Here’s what you’ll need to make this tasty casserole. For the exact measurements, check out the recipe card below!
- Crushed pineapple: This brings the sweet and tangy tropical flavor to the party.
- Pineapple tidbits: These add a lovely texture and little bursts of juicy goodness.
- Granulated sugar: Just a bit to enhance the pineapple’s natural sweetness.
- All-purpose flour: This helps thicken the pineapple mixture into a perfect consistency.
- Shredded sharp cheddar cheese: The salty, cheesy goodness perfectly balances the sweet pineapple.
- Butter: Melted butter brings everything together for that rich, delicious flavor.
- Ritz crackers: These create that signature crunchy, buttery, and irresistible topping.
How to Make Pineapple Casserole
This dish is a piece of cake to put together! Just follow these simple steps for a perfect casserole every time.
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Dish
First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it’s heating up, go ahead and lightly grease your 8×8-inch baking dish with some butter or non-stick spray to prevent any sticking.
Step 2: Mix the Pineapple Filling
In your mixing bowl, combine drained crushed pineapple and the pineapple tidbits. Add ½ cup granulated sugar, 6 tablespoons all-purpose flour, and ⅓ cup of the reserved pineapple juice.
Step 3: Add the Cheese
Now for the cheesy part! Gently stir in 1 ½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese until it’s all mixed together. Pour this entire mixture into your prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly.
Step 4: Prepare the Topping
In a separate small bowl, mix 1 ½ cups crushed Ritz crackers and ½ cup melted butter. Stir them until all the cracker crumbs are nicely coated in that buttery goodness.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Sprinkle the buttery cracker topping evenly over the pineapple and cheese mixture in the baking dish. Pop it into your preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
Tips for the Best Pineapple Casserole
Here are a few of my tried-and-true tricks to make sure your casserole turns out perfectly every single time.
- Drain Pineapple Well. Make sure you drain the pineapple thoroughly to avoid a watery casserole.
- Use Sharp Cheddar. The strong flavor of sharp cheddar cheese really cuts through the sweetness.
- Don’t Overmix. Gently fold the ingredients together just until they are combined for the best texture.
- Freshly Shredded Cheese. Shredding your own cheese from a block melts much better than pre-shredded.
- Watch the Topping. Keep an eye on it while baking so the cracker topping doesn’t burn.
- Let It Rest. Let the casserole sit for about 10 minutes before serving to help it set.
Variations and Substitutions
Want to mix things up a bit? Here are some fun ideas to make this recipe your own.
- Add a Kick. Mix in a pinch of cayenne pepper or some diced jalapeños for a spicy twist.
- Try Different Crackers. Use crushed butter crackers like Town House or even breadcrumbs for the topping.
- Go Nuts. Add ½ cup of chopped pecans or walnuts to the topping for extra crunch and flavor.
- Cheese Please. Swap the cheddar for Monterey Jack, Colby, or even a blend of cheeses.
- Make it Creamy. For a creamier texture, you can stir in ¼ cup of sour cream or Greek yogurt.
Make-Ahead and Storage Tips
This baked pineapple casserole is a fantastic make-ahead dish, which is a lifesaver for holiday planning!
You can assemble the entire casserole a day in advance, but hold off on adding the cracker topping. Just cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap and keep it in the fridge. When you’re ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature for about 20 minutes, then add the fresh topping and bake as directed.
If you have leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The topping might lose some of its crunch, but it will still be delicious!
Recipe FAQs
Can I use fresh pineapple?
Definitely! Just make sure to chop it into small pieces. You’ll need about 4 cups of fresh pineapple for this recipe.
What is the best way to crush Ritz crackers?
The easiest way is to place them in a zip-top bag and crush them with a rolling pin. For a finer crumb, you can also pulse them a few times in a food processor.
Can I double this recipe?
Absolutely! Just double all the ingredients and bake them in a larger 9×13-inch baking dish. You might need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
Can I freeze this casserole?
I don’t recommend freezing this casserole, as the texture of the pineapple and the cracker topping can become soggy once thawed.
Why is my casserole watery?
This usually happens if the pineapple isn’t drained well enough. Make sure to press out as much juice as possible before mixing the ingredients.
Can I use a different kind of cheese?
For sure! While sharp cheddar is classic, feel free to experiment with Monterey Jack, Colby, or even a spicy pepper jack for a different flavor.
Is this dish served hot or cold?
This casserole is best served warm, straight from the oven. That’s when the cheese is melty and the topping is perfectly crunchy.
Can I make this recipe with less sugar?
You can reduce the sugar to ¼ cup if you prefer a less sweet dish. The pineapple already adds a lot of natural sweetness.
Can I use unsalted butter?
Yes, unsalted butter works just fine. If you use it, you might want to add a small pinch of salt to the cracker topping to balance the flavors.
What to serve with pineapple casserole?
It’s a fantastic side dish for baked ham, roasted turkey, or pulled pork. It also pairs well with other Southern classics like Southern Green Beans or Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes.
Baked Pineapple Casserole
Ingredients
- 1 can (20 ounce) crushed pineapple in 100% juice, drained
- 1 can (20 ounce) pineapple tidbits in 100% juice, drained, reserving ⅓ cup of juice
- 6 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 ½ cups shredded sharp Cheddar cheese
- ½ cup salted butter (melted)
- 30 Ritz crackers (crushed)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease an 8×8 inch baking dish.
- Mix Filling: In a large bowl, combine the drained crushed pineapple, drained pineapple tidbits, sugar, flour, and the reserved ⅓ cup of pineapple juice.
- Add Cheese: Gently stir in the shredded sharp cheddar cheese until it is evenly distributed throughout the pineapple mixture.
- Assemble Casserole: Pour the mixture into your prepared baking dish and spread it out into an even layer.
- Make Topping: In a separate bowl, mix the crushed Ritz crackers with the melted butter until the crumbs are fully coated.
- Bake: Sprinkle the cracker topping evenly over the casserole and bake for 25-30 minutes, until it's golden brown and bubbly.
Notes
- Make sure to drain the pineapple very well to prevent the casserole from being too watery.
- For the best flavor and melt, I recommend shredding your own cheese from a block.
- Let the casserole rest for about 10 minutes before serving. This allows it to set up properly.
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- This dish is best served warm to enjoy the melty cheese and crispy topping.
