Pineapple casserole is a delightful Southern dish that perfectly balances sweet and savory flavors. The combination of tangy pineapple, sharp cheddar cheese, and buttery crackers makes for a unique casserole that pairs wonderfully with ham, turkey, or pork. This dish is often served during holidays or family gatherings, but it’s simple enough to make any time you crave a comforting, flavorful side.
You’ll Love This Pineapple Casserole
Pineapple casserole offers a delicious mix of flavors that will surprise you. The sweetness of the pineapple, combined with the saltiness of the cheese and the crunchy, buttery cracker topping, creates a memorable side dish that complements both savory and sweet meals. Whether you serve it at Thanksgiving, Christmas, or as a weeknight dinner side, this pineapple casserole is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 cup sugar
- 6 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 2 (20-ounce) cans of pineapple chunks, drained
- 1 cup crushed Ritz crackers
- 1/2 cup melted butter
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Mix the sugar and flour in a medium bowl. This will be the base that thickens the casserole.
- Add the pineapple chunks to the sugar and flour mixture, ensuring they are evenly coated.
- Fold in the shredded cheddar cheese. Stir until the pineapple and cheese are well mixed, creating the perfect sweet-and-savory base.
- Transfer the mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
- Prepare the topping by combining the crushed Ritz crackers with the melted butter in a separate bowl. Mix until the crackers are well coated in butter.
- Sprinkle the cracker topping evenly over the pineapple and cheese mixture.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
- Let it cool slightly before serving, allowing the casserole to set.
Serving Suggestions
Pineapple casserole is a versatile side dish that pairs perfectly with roasted meats like ham, turkey, or pork. For a Southern-style meal, serve it alongside collard greens, cornbread, and mashed potatoes. You can also enjoy it as a dessert-style casserole, served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a sweet treat. If you want a little extra crunch, you can add chopped pecans or walnuts to the topping before baking.
How to Store Pineapple Casserole
To store pineapple casserole, allow it to cool completely before covering it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. You can keep it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When ready to serve again, reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, about 15-20 minutes. Freezing is not recommended as the texture of the pineapple may become too mushy.
MORE RECIPES: Blueberry Cinnamon Rolls & Pumpkin Snickerdoodle Cookies
Additional Tips for Pineapple Casserole
- Substitutions: If you’re looking for a slightly healthier option, you can substitute part of the butter with olive oil or use whole-wheat crackers. You can also try reducing the sugar to 3/4 cup if you prefer a less sweet casserole.
- Cheese options: While sharp cheddar is the traditional choice, you can experiment with other cheeses like Gruyère or mozzarella for a different flavor profile.
- Troubleshooting: If your casserole is too runny, try draining the pineapple chunks more thoroughly or adding a bit more flour to the sugar mixture to thicken it.
Pineapple Casserole
Equipment
- 9×13-inch baking dish
- Mixing bowls
- spatula
Ingredients
- 1 cup sugar
- 6 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 2 20-ounce cans pineapple chunks, drained
- 1 cup crushed Ritz crackers
- 1/2 cup melted butter
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Mix sugar and flour in a bowl. Add pineapple chunks, coating them well.
- Fold in shredded cheddar cheese. Spread the mixture evenly in the baking dish.
- Combine crushed Ritz crackers with melted butter. Spread over the pineapple mixture.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the topping is golden and bubbly.
- Let it cool slightly before serving.
