Buttery Ritz crackers, sweet pineapple and sharp cheddar cheese all come together in an easy but decadent pineapple casserole recipe that will be a hit with the entire family.
Casseroles are always popular during the holidays. It’s the one time of year you’re likely to find, at most all holiday feasts, classic casseroles we know and love, like Sweet Potato Casserole, Corn Casserole and Green Bean Casserole. But, I have to admit, the first time I heard about this southern pineapple casserole with cheese recipe, I was a bit skeptical.
After all, how in the world does cheddar cheese and pineapple even belong in the same sentence, much less the same casserole? So, I decided to take a leap of faith and give it a try. After the first bite, I was in love. That sticky sweet filling combined with a slight hint of saltiness from the cheese and oh, that the crispy cracker topping! It is insanely delicious!
Pineapple and Cheese Casserole
Another one of my favorite things about this casserole is how versatile it is. It can be served warm, room temperature or even cold. It can be served as an easy side dish or a dessert.
This unique casserole has become one of my favorite dishes for potlucks or family gatherings. It always gets rave reviews from even some of the pickiest eaters. After you taste it, you will completely understand why!
You’ll also love our pineapple bread casserole.
Ingredients in Southern Pineapple Casserole Recipe
- 2- 7 oz. cans crushed pineapple
- 1 ½ cup sharp cheddar cheese, grated (grate from a block)
- 6 tablespoons flour ( I use all purpose flour)
- ¾ cup sugar
- 1 package Ritz crackers, crushed
- 1 stick melted butter, unsalted
How to Make the Pineapple Cheese Casserole
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees
- Drain pineapple in a small bowl, reserving the juice
- In a large bowl mix together the flour and sugar, add the juice and stir
- Heat the flour mixture over low heat, stirring occasionally, until slightly thick
- Next, place pineapple in prepared casserole dish in a even layer
- Using a rubber spatula, spread the cooked mixture over pineapple
- Sprinkle the cheddar cheese over pineapple mixture
- Melt butter and pour it into a medium bowl and mix in the crushed Ritz crackers
- Sprinkle salty crackers mixture on top of pineapple and cheese mixture
- Bake at 350 for 20 minutes or until the top is nice and golden brown
What Main Dish Goes with Easy Pineapple Casserole?
This southern classic started out being served at Easter with the traditional baked ham dinner, but because it has gained so much popularity, people are making this quick and easy side any time of the year.
It’s a decadent dish that can be served as a dessert. However, as a side, this pineapple casserole pairs really well with simple main dishes. It’s the perfect side dish for Sunday pot roast and Christmas or Thanksgiving turkey.
Because it’s such an easy casserole to put together, its wonderful with just about any weeknight meal. We also love it in the summer time when we are grilling chicken or pork tenderloin.
Can I Make this Casserole in Advance?
This casserole is best when it is served freshly baked because you want to have that crispy topping from the buttery crackers. If you’re looking for a time saving tip, you can make the filling the night before and place it in the fridge until you’re ready to make the topping.
When ready to bake, place the casserole dish in the preheated oven for about 10 minutes or until it’s heated through. Remove it from the oven, add the topping and finish baking until the top is a nice golden brown.
Tips and Substitutions for the Best Pineapple Casserole
- Prepared baking dish: To keep the pineapple and sugar mixture from sticking to the side of your casserole dish, be sure to butter or use non-stick cooking spray to prepare the bottom and sides of the casserole dish. (I use a 1 1/2-quart or a 2-quart casserole dish)
- Pineapple: The recipe calls for crushed pineapple, but you can use pineapple tidbits or drained pineapple chunks. Because the juice in canned pineapple helps make the sticky filling, fresh pineapple isn’t recommended.
- Ritz crackers: Buttery cracker crumbs is what makes the topping so good. If you can’t find Ritz crackers, you can also use Original Club Crackers.
- Brown sugar version: Brown sugar always gives an extra depth of flavor. To make this version, use 1/2 cup sugar with 1/4 cup brown sugar, in place of the 3/4 cup white sugar this recipe calls for.
Want More Side Dishes?
- 18 Thanksgiving Side Dishes
- Best Cranberry Sauce
- Scalloped Potatoes
- Carrot Soufflé
- Easy Broccoli Salad
- Funeral Potatoes
- Grape Salad
- Brown Sugar Glazed Carrots
Pineapple Cheese Casserole
Ingredients
- 14 oz. cans crushed pineapple 2- 7 oz. cans
- 1 ½ cup sharp cheddar cheese grated
- 6 Tbsp flour
- ¾ cup sugar
- 1 package Ritz crackers crushed
- 8 Tbsp melted butter unsalted (1 stick)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees
- Drain pineapple in a small bowl, reserving the juice
- In a large bowl mix together the flour and sugar, add the juice and stir
- Heat the flour mixture over low heat, stirring occasionally, until slightly thick
- Next, place pineapple in prepared casserole dish in a even layer
- Using a rubber spatula, spread the cooked mixture over pineapple Sprinkle the cheddar cheese over pineapple mixture
- Melt butter and pour it into a medium bowl and mix in the crushed Ritz crackers
- Sprinkle salty crackers mixture on top of pineapple and cheese mixture
- Bake at 350 for 20 minutes or until the top is nice and golden brown
Nutrition
Did You Make This Recipe?
Don’t forget to share it with me on @thebalancingmom and follow on Tiktok @balancingmotherhood and Pinterest @thebalancingmom for more!
What's For Dinner?
Find a recipe for dinner tonight! Get our Top 10 Most Popular recipes ebook sent right to your email.
Leave a Review!