Pineapple Casserole (Best Recipe)

The next time you’re invited to a cookout, bring this sensational pineapple casserole! It’s a yummy Southern dish that everyone will love! 

This mouthwatering casserole features juicy pineapples smothered in gooey melted cheese and a crispy Ritz cracker topping. 

Now, I know what you might be thinking. Pineapple and cheese? In a casserole?

It might sound unconventional, but it’s a match made in Heaven. Pineapple casserole is where it’s at!

Pineapple Casserole

Pineapple casserole is an iconic dish that’s graced Southern tables for generations. If you’ve never tried it, you’re in for a treat.

It’s loaded with pineapple chunks, ooey-gooey cheese, and buttery crackers.

It’s a sweet and savory dish perfect for feeding a crowd. Plus, it’s somewhat unexpected, so it’ll stand out in the sea of potato salads and baked beans.

Serve it as a side dish, dessert, or main course with some added protein. Either way, it’ll be a hit.

Ingredients

Here’s what you need to make pineapple casserole: 

• Pineapple chunks. Sweet chunks of pineapple are the star of this casserole. Whether you use fresh or canned pineapple, it adds a tropical twist to this classic dish.

• Crushed pineapple. This helps to add more pineapple flavor to the casserole and helps hold it together. Be sure to drain the juice. 

• Cheese. Cheese lovers, rejoice! The sharp cheddar in this recipe adds a tangy, savory flavor to balance out the pineapple’s sweetness.

• Sugar. Add some sugar to the recipe to bring out the sweetness of the pineapple. Feel free to adjust the amount to your liking, depending on how sweet you like your desserts.

• Flour. To help bind the casserole together and give it a thicker, creamier texture. Go for all-purpose flour.

• Buttery round crackers. For a crunchy, buttery topping, use crushed buttery round crackers, like Ritz. They perfectly complement the creamy, sweet pineapple filling.

• Butter. Adding melted butter to the crushed crackers helps bind them together and create that crunchy topping. Yum!

How to Make Pineapple Casserole

1. Heat the oven.

Start by preheating the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. This will ensure the casserole bakes evenly.

2. Drain the pineapple chunks.

Grab a can of pineapple chunks and drain the juice into a measuring cup. You’ll need to reserve about 1/4 cup of the juice, so don’t throw it away! 

Transfer the pineapple chunks and reserved juice into a large mixing bowl.

3. Mix, mix, mix. Add the crushed pineapple, cheese, sugar, and flour to the mixing bowl with the pineapple chunks and juice.

Use a spatula or spoon to mix everything together until it’s well combined.

4. Pour the mixture into a casserole dish.

Next, we’ll need to transfer the mixture to a 1 1/2-quart casserole dish. Be sure to spread it out evenly so it cooks uniformly.

5. Add the crushed crackers.

In a small bowl, mix the crushed crackers (like Ritz) and melted butter together until combined.

Sprinkle the mixture over the top of the pineapple mixture in the casserole dish.

6. Bake.

Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and crispy.

7. Enjoy!

Once your pineapple casserole is done baking, take it out of the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. 

Then, serve it up and enjoy the sweet, buttery, and creamy goodness of this classic Southern dish.

Tips for the Best Casserole

Follow these tips and variations to make the best pineapple casserole possible: 

• Use canned pineapple with juice. Reserve some of the juice to add to the cracker topping for added flavor.

• Use pineapple tidbits. If using larger chunks, you can cut them into smaller pieces.

• Add chopped ham or bacon. This’ll add a savory twist to this sweet casserole.

• Use different types of cheese. Try Gouda or Monterey Jack for a different flavor profile.

• Sprinkle cinnamon over the topping. This’ll give it a little extra warmth and depth of flavor.

• Swap out crackers for cornflakes or breadcrumbs. For a different texture and taste.

• Add toppings. Chopped nuts would add a nutty flavor and crunch. Shredded coconut and coconut flakes pair beautifully with pineapple. You could even drizzle honey or maple syrup on top for sweetness.

• Don’t overmix the filling. This can make it too dense and heavy.

• Serve the casserole hot. It tastes best fresh out of the oven.

• Experiment with ingredient ratios. Customize the recipe to your taste!

How to Store and Reheat

Here are storage and reheating instructions for pineapple casserole:

• To store. Put a lid on the casserole dish, or transfer leftovers to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 4 days.

• To reheat. Microwave individual portions in 10-second intervals until heated through. Or reheat all the leftovers at once in the oven. Bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about 10 minutes.