When I first heard about Pineapple Casserole, I had some QUESTIONS. Pineapple? In a casserole? WITH CHEESE? But let me tell you, this sweet and savory dish quickly became a family FAVORITE. My sister-in-law brought it to Easter dinner one year, and BAM it stole the show.
If you’re looking for something unexpected yet absolutely delicious, this recipe is for YOU. It’s perfect for holidays, potlucks, or even when you’re just feeling fancy on a regular Tuesday . I highly recommand to Make it fancy with our indulgent Steak Gorgonzola or Lipton Onion Soup Meatloaf .
In this post, I’ll walk you through the step-by-step recipe, share some tips, and answer FAQs to make sure you’re a pineapple casserole PRO.
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WHAT IS PINEAPPLE CASSEROLE?
Pineapple Casserole is a Southern staple that blends sweet pineapple chunks, buttery crackers, sharp cheddar cheese, and a lightly sweetened sauce. Baked until golden and bubbly, it delivers a perfect mix of crispy topping and gooey filling.
It might sound like an unusual combo, but TRUST ME one bite, and you’ll see why it’s a fan favorite. This dish hits every note: sweet, salty, tangy, and buttery all in one irresistible bite!
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WHY YOU’LL LOVE THIS PINEAPPLE CASSEROLE
- SUPER EASY: Takes just 10 minutes to prep!
- BUDGET-FRIENDLY: You only need a few pantry staples.
- SHOW-STOPPER: This casserole ALWAYS gets compliments.
- VERSATILE: Works as a side dish or dessert!
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INGREDIENTS YOU’LL NEED
To whip up this crowd-pleaser, here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 cup sugar
- 6 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 (20-ounce) cans of pineapple chunks, drained (save the juice!)
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup crushed buttery crackers (like Ritz)
- ½ cup melted butter
PRO TIP: Make sure to use SHARP cheddar for the best flavor contrast. Mild cheese just doesn’t hit the same.
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HOW TO MAKE PINEAPPLE CASSEROLE
This recipe is as easy as 1-2-3. Here’s the breakdown:
PREPARE THE BASE
- Preheat your oven to 350°F.
- In a mixing bowl, please whisk together the sugar and flour. Add the reserved pineapple juice and mix until smooth.
ADD THE GOOD STUFF
- In a casserole dish (I use a 9×13), layer the pineapple chunks. Pour the sugar-flour mixture evenly over the top.
- Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the pineapple. Yes, CHEESE—just trust the process!
MAKE THE CRISPY TOPPING
- Mix the crushed crackers butter (butter) until well coated. Spread this buttery topping evenly over the casserole.
BAKE TO PERFECTION
- Pop the dish into the oven and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
Let it cool for about 5 minutes before serving. The SMELL in your kitchen? UNREAL.
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SERVING TIPS
This dish works as both a side and a dessert! Pair it with:
- Ham: The saltiness of ham balances the sweetness of the casserole.
- Roast Chicken: A hearty main dish pairs well with this tropical flavor.
- Vanilla Ice Cream: Serve it warm with a scoop of ice cream .
LEFTOVER TIP
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, heat them up for breakfast. Yep, pineapple casserole for breakfast—it’s a thing now.
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VARIATIONS TO TRY
Want to switch things up? Here are a few fun tweaks:
- ADD PECANS: Sprinkle chopped pecans into the topping for extra crunch.
- GO GLUTEN-FREE: Use gluten-free crackers and flour.
- SPICY TWIST: You Add a dash of cayenne or a sprinkle of chili flakes for a sweet-and-spicy vibe.
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WHY PINEAPPLE AND CHEESE ACTUALLY WORK
Ever wonder why pineapple and cheese make such a perfect pair? Here’s the secret (and the magic):
- Sweet Meets Salty: The pineapple’s natural sweetness enhances the tangy, salty kick of the cheddar.
- Creamy vs. Juicy: The smooth, melted cheese plays off the pineapple’s juicy texture, creating a delicious contrast.
- Ultimate Comfort: The buttery cracker topping pulls everything together, making each bite feel cozy and satisfying.
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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT PINEAPPLE CASSEROLE
Absolutely! Just make sure to cut the pineapple into chunks and use about 2 cups. You’ll also need about ½ cup of pineapple juice for the base mixture.
Sharp cheddar is THE way to go. Its tangy flavor balances the NATURAL sweetness of the pineapple. Avoid mozzarella or mild cheeses—they don’t provide the same kick.
Yes! Assemble the casserole up to day in advance, cover it tightly, and refrigerate. Bake it fresh when you’re ready to serve.
It’s not ideal. The texture of the crackers can get soggy when thawed. If you do freeze it, reheat it in the oven for the best results.
It’s BOTH! Traditionally, it’s served as a side dish, but you can totally present it as a dessert.
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LAST BITE
Pineapple casserole is one of those dishes you HAVE to try to believe. It’s quirky, it’s unexpected, and it’s DELICIOUS. Whether you’re bringing it to a potluck or serving it at a family dinner, this dish is bound to be a hit.
Try it out and let me know what you think! If your family’s anything like mine, they’ll be asking for it EVERY holiday from now on.
Got questions? Drop them in the comments below I’m here to help.
