Name: Pineapple Casserole: The Sweet Dish That Wins Every Crowd
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cans of pineapple chunks (20 ounces each), drained—reserve ½ cup of the juice.; 1 cup of granulated sugar (you can adjust this if you want it less sweet).; 6 tablespoons of all-purpose flour.; 2 cups of shredded sharp cheddar cheese—don’t skimp on the sharpness here!; 1 sleeve of Ritz crackers, crushed into crumbs.; 1 stick of unsalted butter, melted.

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If you’ve never heard of pineapple casserole, you might be raising an eyebrow right now. I mean, pineapple… in a casserole? With cheese and crackers? It sounds like a potluck experiment gone wrong. But stick with me here, because pineapple casserole isn’t just a dish—it’s a Southern treasure.

Such an example of a beguiling little casserole is imbued with the spirit of the idea that quite often the best recipes come through surprising combinations. Pineapple in sweetness paired up with cheddar cheese, all put together into buttery crackers, and flavored with just a touch of sugar in a way that simply feels magical. Bite into it sweet with saltiness, acidity, and crispy texture, and it is just as easy to make ridiculous.

So, if you’re looking for a new side dish to shake up your family dinners or wow guests at your next holiday gathering, pineapple casserole is here to steal the show. Let’s dive into what makes this dish so beloved—and how you can whip it up like a pro.

What is Pineapple Casserole?

All right, let’s talk nuts and bolts. Pineapple casserole is a side that is eaten in Southern homes during large gathering occasions like Easter, Thanksgiving, or Christmas. The dish has few ingredients: canned pineapple, cheddar cheese, Ritz crackers, sugar, and butter.
I know, I know, pineapple and cheese combinations may sound crazy. But once you taste the combination, it works. The sweetness of the pineapple complements the sharp flavor of the cheese, culminating in a deliciously crunchy buttery cracker topping.

Think of it as a side dish that doubles as comfort food. It’s rich but not heavy, sweet but not overpowering. It’s also surprisingly versatile, pairing beautifully with ham, turkey, roasted chicken, or even a nice pork tenderloin. And honestly, it’s one of those dishes that gets people talking—because once you’ve tried it, you can’t stop.

A Bit of History: Why Southerners Love It

If you’ve spent any time in the South, you know we’re all about comfort food. But Southerners are also pros at turning humble ingredients into something extraordinary. Pineapple casserole is a great example of that.

Back in the day, canned pineapple was a pantry staple, and Ritz crackers were pretty much in every household. Combine those with some cheese and butter—two Southern essentials—and boom, you’ve got a dish that feels both practical and indulgent.

The recipe started popping up in Southern cookbooks in the mid-20th century, but no one’s quite sure who invented it. What we do know is that it quickly became a potluck favorite, especially in the Carolinas and Georgia. Today, it’s a beloved holiday tradition for many families, though it’s still a bit of a hidden gem outside the South.

Slice of pineapple casserole served on a white plate with a fork.

Why Pineapple Casserole is a Must-Try

If you’re still on the fence about pineapple casserole, let me break it down for you. Here’s why this dish deserves a spot at your next dinner table:

it’s Easy to Make: No fancy techniques, no expensive ingredients—just mix, bake, and enjoy.
It Feels Special: A pineapple casserole has its own thing going on in that it has something to it that makes it feel a little more avant-garde than the average between-meal dish: distinctive but not overly elaborate.
It’s a Crowd-Pleaser: Whether you’re serving picky kids or adventurous foodies, this dish hits the sweet spot.
It Pairs with Everything: Ham, turkey, chicken, you name it. It’s also great as part of a brunch spread or even as a dessert.

The Ingredients You’ll Need

One of the best things about pineapple casserole is how simple the ingredients are. You might already have most of them in your pantry! Here’s what you’ll need:

Ingredients for pineapple casserole: crushed crackers, butter, pineapple, flour, sugar, and pineapple juice.

2 cans of pineapple chunks (20 ounces each), drained—reserve ½ cup of the juice.
1 cup of granulated sugar (you can adjust this if you want it less sweet).
6 tablespoons of all-purpose flour.
2 cups of shredded sharp cheddar cheese—don’t skimp on the sharpness here!
1 sleeve of Ritz crackers, crushed into crumbs.
1 stick of unsalted butter, melted.

That’s it! No hard-to-pronounce ingredients, no extra steps. Just a handful of pantry staples that come together beautifully.

Pineapple casserole: Step-by-Step

Ready to make this Southern classic? Here’s how you do it:

1. Preheat Your Oven

Set your oven to 350°F. This is casserole territory, and we’re keeping things classic.

2. Mix the Filling

Into a big mixing bowl, add sugar and flour, pour in the leftover juice from the canned pineapple and stir until smooth. Add the drained pineapple chunks and shredded cheddar cheese and mix everything together until well coated.

3. Assemble the Casserole

Pour the pineapple mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly.

4. Add the Topping

In a separate bowl, combine the crushed Ritz crackers with the melted butter. Stir until the crumbs are evenly coated, then sprinkle the mixture over the pineapple filling.

Pineapple casserole topped with crushed crackers ready for baking

5. Bake

Bake the casserole for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly. The smell coming out of your oven? Pure heaven.

6. Cool Slightly and Serve

Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. It’s best enjoyed warm, but trust me, it’s still tasty at room temperature.

Pro Tips for Perfect Pineapple Casserole

Want to take your pineapple casserole to the next level? Here are a few tips and tricks:

Use fresh pineapple: If you have the time, cutting up a fresh pineapple adds an extra burst of flavor. Just soak the chunks in pineapple juice for a few minutes to keep things juicy.
Cut back on sugar: If you’re not into super sweet dishes, feel free to use ¾ cup of sugar instead of a full cup. It won’t compromise the flavor.
Experiment with crackers: Ritz crackers are the classic choice, but buttery club crackers or even crushed pretzels work great too.
Add a dash of spice: And warming them up is much ado with a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg-they’re good finishers for such dishes.
Make it ahead of time: Casserole can be put together a day ahead and baked just before serving.

Baked pineapple casserole with a golden topping of crushed crackers, ready to serve.

When to Serve Pineapple Casserole

The beauty of pineapple casserole is that it works for so many occasions. Here are just a few ideas:

Holiday Dinners: It’s a classic side dish for Easter, Thanksgiving, and Christmas. (Pro tip: It pairs especially well with glazed ham!)
Potlucks and Cookouts: Bring this to your next gathering, and watch it disappear in minutes.
Brunch: Pineapple casserole adds a fun, unexpected twist to a brunch spread. It’s especially good with quiche or a savory breakfast casserole.
Weeknight Dinners: Feeling bored with your usual sides? This casserole is a great way to change things up without spending hours in the kitchen.

Fun Variations to Try

Feeling creative? Here are a few ways to put your own spin on pineapple casserole:

Pineapple and Coconut: Add a handful of shredded coconut to the filling for a tropical vibe.
Spicy-Sweet: Mix a little cayenne pepper or chili powder into the cracker topping for a hint of heat.
Dessert Style: Serve the casserole warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for a dessert that’ll blow people away.
Add Protein: Toss in some cooked, crumbled bacon for a sweet-and-savory combo that’s next-level delicious.

Pineapple casserole: The Secret to Its Popularity

You might be asking yourself why a recipe like pineapple casserole is hanging around after all these years. Well, it’s simple: it brings people together. Indeed, there’s something about this intrguingly incongruous flavor profile that captures attention and conversation right away.

Moreover, it’s got that old-school charm that instantly makes you think of family gatherings and cozy Sunday dinners. In today’s world of trendy recipes and complicated cooking techniques, pineapple casserole stands out as a reminder that sometimes the simplest dishes are the most memorable—and, of course, the most loved.

FAQs about Pineapple casserole

What Kind of Cheese Goes with Pineapple?

Sharp Cheddar: The classic choice, especially for savory dishes like pineapple casserole.
Gruyère: Adds a nutty, creamy flavor.
Cream Cheese: Great for desserts or spreads.
Blue Cheese: Bold and tangy for adventurous pairings.

For most recipes, sharp cheddar is your go-to!

Can Canned Pineapple Be Used Instead of Fresh?

Yes! Canned pineapple works perfectly in most recipes and is often preferred for its consistency and convenience. You can use fresh pineapple too, but you may need to adjust the sweetness.

How Many Pineapple Chunks Are in a Can?

A 20-ounce can typically contains 20-30 chunks, while a 15-ounce can has about 15-25 chunks.

Can You Leave Pineapple in the Can?

No, it’s best to transfer leftovers to an airtight container. Leaving it in the can can cause metallic flavors and spoilage. Refrigerated pineapple lasts 3-5 days.

If you’ve never tried pineapple casserole, now is the perfect time to jump in. Not only is it easy to make, but it’s also endlessly versatile and almost always guaranteed to be a hit with just about everyone.

So, the next time you’re planning a meal—whether it’s for a holiday feast, a casual weeknight dinner, or even a potluck—be sure to give pineapple casserole a spot on the table. Trust me, it’ll leave people asking for the recipe. And honestly, if they’re skeptical at first, just wait until they take that first bite—it’s a total game-changer.

Have you made pineapple casserole before? Or maybe you’ve tried a unique variation or have a fun family tradition around this dish? If so, drop your thoughts in the comments—I’d love to hear how you make it your own!