The Best Pineapple Casserole
When I want to surprise my friends, I make this six-ingredient pineapple casserole, which is a delicious combination of sweet and savory flavors and different textures. A classic Southern dish made with brown sugar, pineapple, cheddar cheese, and a buttery Ritz crackers topping that takes just 30 minutes to make from start to finish.
Another great thing about this recipe is its budget-friendly nature. Most of the ingredients are probably already in your pantry. This makes a perfect potluck side dish for Thanksgiving or Christmas. I also suggest trying my Scalloped Potatoes and Corn Casserole, which are frugal, delicious choices, for special occasions.
Table of contents
Southern Pineapple Casserole is such an unusual and delicious dish that I fell in love with it after the first bite. If you like pineapple in savory recipes, you have to try this very easy vegetarian casserole. The tropical mixture is topped with shredded cheddar cheese and crushed Ritz crackers mixed with melted butter. The result is nothing short of amazing.
My secret to making this easy casserole is to add a few simple ingredients that will take it up a notch. I add brown, as it caramelizes and complements the pineapple flavor. I also add a bit of freshly grated nutmeg, which adds just the right cozy warmth without overpowering the dish. If you are looking for an elevated classic or just something different, I highly suggest giving this recipe a try!
Why you will love this recipe
- Very cheap to make: You probably already have most of the ingredients. This recipe won’t break the bank, but it tastes like you hit the gastronomical jackpot.
- Only takes 30 minutes: Get it done fast so you can relax and enjoy it. I love it that all I have to do is mix, layer, and bake it. This casserole takes just a few minutes to prep and about 25 minutes to bake.
- Versatile: I love recipes that I can tweak to my needs, such as by leaving out the sugar and adding more cheese to make them more savory. Or on the other hand, top it with marshmallows and serve it with candied pecans for a sweeter side dish,
- Great for family get-togethers: Bring to the park, to church, potlucks, office parties, or serve at home on a weeknight. I adore it since I can quickly fix it for a lazy dinner, but it’s so good that it’s an idea for special occasions and celebrations.
What you will need
- Sweetener – I add both white sugar and brown sugar to enhance the flavor and add a boost of rich caramel flavor.
- Binder – all-purpose flour works like a binder, but if you prefer a more gooey, thicker texture, I suggest cornstarch.
- Spices – Sweet and nutty nutmeg for subtle hints of clove and citrus.
- Pineapple – This dish can be made with fresh, ripe pineapple, but I prefer it with pineapple tidbits or crushed pineapple, too. I also add a bit of pineapple juice.
- Surprise ingredient – Cheddar cheese – it may sound weird, but trust me, you’ll love it!
- Topping – a delicious mix of crushed Ritz crackers and melted butter.
How to make
Combining the ingredients: In a large bowl, I combine granulated sugar, all-purpose flour, and nutmeg. Then, I add 2 cups of cheddar cheese. I add the drained pineapple pieces and juice.
Spread it: Next, I spread the pineapple mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish and sprinkle the remaining shredded cheddar cheese on top, creating an even layer. I also mix the crushed Ritz crackers with melted butter and spread the mixture on top.
Bake it: I bake the casserole in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the casserole is heated through.
Let it rest: I remove the pineapple casserole from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving. If desired, garnish with maraschino cherries before serving for a pop of color.
Serve: I enjoy it as a side dish alongside a variety of main meals.
Expert tip
Avoiding a watery casserole
The secret to a perfectly balanced casserole is to make sure you drain the pineapple tidbits really well. After draining, lay them on paper towels to absorb extra moisture. Also, I would recommend slightly toasting the crackers to make sure they stay crunchy and don’t get soggy.
More tips to consider
- Grate or shred the cheese yourself for the best flavor.
- Crush the cracker crumbs in a Ziploc baggie. Then, save on dishes by adding the melted butter to the bag and mixing it with your hands.
- You can use maple syrup or honey instead of sugar if you like.
- Use canned pineapples rather than fresh ones because they are softer and easier to prepare.
- Make sure to drain your pineapples well and save the juice, as you’ll need some of it for the recipe.
- Mix the butter and crackers in a bowl instead of pouring them separately on top of the casserole for a buttery, delicious crust.
Recipe variations and add-ins:
- Add fruit: Besides pineapple, sometimes I like to add other fruits like maraschino cherries, apples, or mandarin oranges. They pair well with both sweet and savory recipes, like this one.
- Make it creamy: Chop up a block of cream cheese and add it to your casserole to create a rich, creamy sauce.
- Other cheeses: Other cheeses that go well with pineapple include white cheddar, Gouda, feta, Swiss, and Gruyère.
- More herbs: Add your favorite herbs to make it even more flavorful, such as rosemary, ginger, cinnamon, basil, and thyme.
- No sugar: Trying to cut back on sugar? No problem. Use coconut sugar, monkfruit, or erythritol instead.
Serving suggestions:
This is a delish, sweet, and savory side dish that I always serve warm, and it pairs with so many mains. For instance, if I make it for Thanksgiving or Christmas, I serve it alongside brown sugar ham or roasted turkey and grilled vegetables with creamy mashed potatoes on the side.
On usual weeknights, I serve them with garlic lime pork tenderloin. The pineapple and tangy lime meld well together, and the pork basted with maple syrup brings it all together. I also enjoy it with pulled pork sandwiches, Instant Pot Mississippi pot roast, and apple cider pork chops. Any Riesling wine pairs well with this pineapple dish, as its acidity balances out the sweetness.
How to store leftovers:
- Refrigerate: Your leftovers will stay fresh in the fridge for up to four days in an airtight container.
- Freezing: You can also freeze your casserole leftovers in a freezer-safe container for up to four months.
- Defrost: Always thaw it the night before for the best results.
- Reheating: To reheat, place the item in the oven at 350 degrees F for 15 to 20 minutes, or microwave for one to two minutes.
Frequently asked questions
Some recipes call for adding the crackers to the top of the casserole at the end and then pouring the butter on top of it or even adding some pats of butter all over the place. But if you ask me, that just is not enough. Why not mix everything first, like you would with a pie crust? That is what my recipe calls for. Mix all the ingredients in a bowl before sprinkling them on top of the casserole—that way every piece of cracker is coated with butter. Just make sure to spread the crumbs evenly, not in thick clumps.
You do not have to use a specific cracker, but I think Ritz crackers work the best. They have a nice buttery flavor, and they crush so easily and smoothly. This does not mean that you cannot use generic Ritz crackers. They probably taste just as good. That is up to you. But if the choice is between saltines and round buttery crackers, I would choose the round buttery ones any day!
I would generally say yes, as I prefer using fresh ingredients. This is a fast and easy recipe, but fresh pineapples can be tricky to work with. The flesh is not always soft enough, and it takes too much time and work to achieve the desired texture. It’s much easier to buy canned, organic pineapples. But make sure you get the ones that are packed in juice instead of syrup and drain the juice first (But save the juice). Otherwise, you end up with a thick and syrupy casserole that is overly sweet.
More casseroles to try:
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Southern Pineapple Casserole
Ingredients
- 1/3 cup white granulated sugar
- 1/3 cup brown sugar packed
- 6 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon grated nutmeg optional
- 3 cups sharp cheddar grated and divided
- 2 cans (20 oz each) pineapple chunks drained
- 6 tablespoons pineapple juice reserved from the can
- 1 1/2 cups cracker crumbs I used Ritz crackers
- 8 tablespoons (1 stick) unsalted butter melted
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter for greasing the pan
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
- Use one tablespoon of butter to grease a medium-sized casserole dish. My casserole dish is 12.25 x 2.5 inches.
- In a large bowl, stir together the white sugar, brown sugar, flour, and nutmeg. Gradually stir in 2 cups of cheddar cheese.
- Add the well-drained pineapple chunks and reserved pineapple juice, stirring until well combined. Pour the mixture into the prepared casserole dish.
- Top with the remaining 1 cup of grated cheddar cheese.
- Combine cracker crumbs with melted butter in a medium bowl until well blended. Spread the crumb mixture on top of the casserole.
- Bake for 25 to 30 minutes in the oven or until golden brown.
Video
Notes
Avoiding a watery casserole
The secret to a perfectly balanced casserole is to make sure you drain the pineapple tidbits really well. After draining, lay them on paper towels to absorb extra moisture. Also, I would recommend slightly toasting the crackers to make sure they stay crunchy and don’t get soggy.More tips to consider
- Grate or shred the cheese yourself for the best flavor.
- Crush the cracker crumbs in a Ziploc baggie. Then, save on dishes by adding the melted butter to the bag and mixing it with your hands.
- You can use maple syrup or honey instead of sugar if you like.
- Use canned pineapples rather than fresh ones because they are softer and easier to prepare.
- Make sure to drain your pineapples well and save the juice, as you’ll need some of it for the recipe.
- Mix the butter and crackers in a bowl instead of pouring them separately on top of the casserole for a buttery, delicious crust.