This cheesy Pineapple Casserole is a delectable classic Southern side dish that's most often served around the holidays. It's a surprising combination of flavors that form a delicious mash-up of sweet and salty. It's certain to make a stellar accompaniment to a glazed holiday ham.
Easy Pineapple Casserole Recipe with Cheese
This casserole is one that can be met with skepticism by those who haven't had it before. I totally understand, pairing cheese and pineapple isn't one that you would think works, but it does in the most delicious way. Pairing the saltiness of cheese with the sweetness of a fruit works incredibly well. It's a similar concept to pairing cheddar cheese with apples like in this recipe for apple cheddar pie from Sally's Baking Addiction. While pineapple casserole is most often served as a side dish, it's very cobbler-like and could be enjoyed as a dessert, too.
How to Make the Best Southern Pineapple Casserole Recipe
How do you serve Southern pineapple casserole? This casserole often makes an appearance around the holidays. It pairs beautifully with my recipe for baked Bourbon Pineapple Glazed Ham and Slow Cooked Pineapple Brown Sugar Glazed Ham recipes. While this sweet pineapple casserole isn't difficult to make, there are a few things of note.
- This pineapple casserole is often made using only pineapple chunks. My recipe reflects my own preference of using a combination of pineapple tidbits and crushed pineapple. I prefer the size of the tidbits over larger chunks, and find that including crushed pineapple lends a pleasing texture to the sauce overall.
- This casserole can be made with mild, medium or sharp cheddar cheese. Sharp cheddar holds up the best when combined with the bold flavor of pineapple.
- Please note: This casserole is designed to be sweet and salty in flavor. Due to your personal preference, light syrup or pineapple packed in it's own juice may work best. You can use pineapple packed in heavy syrup but it will be sweeter. Go with your personal preference.
- Can I use a different cracker for the topping in place of Ritz crackers? Ritz crackers are traditionally used but you could adapt using buttery Club crackers or even breadcrumbs if that's what you have on hand.
- Can I assemble this pineapple casserole in advance? This dish can be assembled in advance, covered and chilled. Bring to room temperature, then top with the buttered Ritz crackers just before baking.
- Reheat leftovers in the microwave in single servings. You can also reheat in a 350°F oven for 15-20 minutes or just until heated through. To prevent over browning lay a piece of foil on top.
- You can use fresh pineapple in the same amount as the tidbits called for in the recipe, if preferred.
- Pineapple casserole also goes well with Lemon Rosemary Roast Chicken and Mesquite Pork Tenderloin or this recipe for roasted Chili Rubbed Pork Roast.
More Easy Side Dish Recipes to Make
There are many easy side dishes that will take you from easy weekday meal with the family to special gatherings, potlucks and the holidays. More side dish recipes to try:
- Easy baby Lima Beans with bacon.
- Chunks of pineapple add a hint of sweetness to a Carrot-Raisin Salad Recipe.
- This recipe for Stewed Okra and Tomatoes is the only one you'll ever need.
- Easy Broccoli Casserole is always a winning side dish option.
- Easy Oven Roasted Potatoes are super simple to make.
- This vintage Grape Salad Recipe is a potluck rock star.
- Roasted Parsnips from Simply Recipes.
Thanks for visiting come back soon!
Disclosure ~ If a purchase is made using one of the affiliate links on this website we may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. Thank you!
Helpful Kitchen Items:
Pineapple Casserole
Ingredients
- 7 tablespoon butter 6 tablespoon melted, 1 tablespoon to butter dish
- 2 20 oz cans pineapple tidbits drained, reserve ⅓ cup juice
- 1 20 oz can crushed pineapple well drained
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 cups grated sharp cheddar cheese divided
- ⅓ cup all purpose flour, plus 1 Tbsp
- 1 sleeve round buttery crackers i.e. Ritz crushed
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Butter a 13 x 9 inch baking dish with 1 tablespoon butter. Set aside.
- Add pineapple tidbits, crushed pineapple and sugar to a large mixing bowl. In a separate bowl mix together reserved juice, flour and 1 cup cheese. Add to pineapple, mixing until fully combined.
- Pour evenly into baking dish. Sprinkle reserved 1 cup cheese on top.
- In a separate bowl, toss together melted butter with crushed crackers until fully moistened. Sprinkle over cheese.
- Bake for 35-45 minutes until bubbly and golden.
- Let stand 5 minutes then serve.
Nutrition
Joyce
I made this for Easter it was a big hit. Absolutely delicious. Definitely making this offen. Thank you for sharing.
Libby Wingo
This casserole goes together quickly with just a few ingredients and the family loved it! We had a smoked brisket and it was good with that. The leftovers are great, too!
Melissa
Thank you!
Kimberly
If I wanted to make this early, how would I go about reheating? Do you think putting it back in the oven would
dry it out?
Melissa
You could reheat it, but just until heated through don't overbake it or it will dry out, yes.
Amy Walker
Does it matter how the pineapple comes sweetened in the can? Do you use "in it's own juice", light or heavy syrup?
Melissa
For this recipe you can use any of those. Just consider, pineapple in heavy syrup will be sweeter. This casserole is naturally sweet and salty but depending on your own preference, a lighter syrup may work best.
Tawny
Can you make this with crushed pineapple? I have some picky eaters who won't like chunks.
Looks nummy
Melissa
Sure, you can use crushed pineapple.
Donna
If you. Double the recipe. How long you cook it for
Melissa
I would be guessing but, likely 10 minutes or so. Test the center to see if it's warmed all the way through and adjust from there. It would also depend heavily on the size, depth and shape of the dish.
Grace
I have made this recipe every time I have ham at least 4x’s since I found it absolutely delicious. Thanks!
Melissa
Thanks Grace, I'm so happy you're loving it!
Loretta
This looks really good, can't wait to make it...I'll be heading over to my daughter and son-in-laws home for Christmas Dinner, I will be taking my famous devilled eggs, and I'll be making your awesome recipe as well.....thanks for sharing...Merry Christmas to you and yours, and Happy New Year too.....
Hugs...Loretta
Melissa
This goes perfectly with ham or turkey. Thanks so much and Merry Christmas to you and your family.
Billie
I have loved this for years! Everyone should have this in their recipe box!! It is a desert in my house!
Melissa
We love it too, thanks!
Faith
I was wondering if it could be done without the added sugar to make it less sweet. The pineapple seems like it would make it sweet enough
Melissa
The sugar is part of creating the sauce for the casserole so, it's not optional.
John
If I use fresh pineapple for the "tidbits" portion of pineapple in the delicious sounding recipe, about how much do I need. (Trying to guess by weight is thrown off because I'm not sure how much of the canned version is water.)
Thanks for the help!
Melissa
Hi John, probably around 3-4 cups. Keep in mind, the juice from the canned pineapple is also used in the recipe.
John
Presumably that 1/3 C. juice could come from the can of crushed pineapple?
Melissa
I'm not sure if there would be that much but, you do need juice for the casserole as well.
Caroline
I’ve made the same recipe except instead of Ritz crackers it was with crushed Cheez It crackers. It’s phenomenal!
Michele
How many cups would 1 sleeve of the crackers be? I have to use gluten free crackers and they do not come in a sleeve.
Melissa
You'll need around 1 1/2 cups.
J Seibel
Great dish! I added diced green & red bell pepper for holiday color contrast, and a minced jalapeno pepper for zing.
Melissa
Sounds great, thanks!
Karen Boutilier
this is an awesome recipe, I love the mixture of pineapple and cheese
Melissa
Same here, thanks so much!
Brenda Tekell
I'm so excited to try this with our Christmas Ham! Thank you for sharing.
Also was admiring the beautiful dish. Could you possible share info on it? Thank you and Merry Christmas!
Melissa
This casserole is perfect with holiday ham. The baking dish is one of a myriad I have. If memory serves, I bought it at Christmas Tree Shops some time ago. I have a 13 x 9 inch, also.
CThomas
Oh My!!! I first tried this a quilt retreat I went to. It was surprisingly good. I had lost the recipe, so glad I got this email today. Making this for the holidays.
Melissa
Wonderful, perfect for holiday ham, enjoy!