Pineapple Casserole is a uniquely Southern dish that blends the sweetness of pineapple with the salty crunch of buttery crackers and sharp cheddar cheese. It might sound like an unusual combination at first, but this casserole is a beloved comfort food known for its unexpected balance of flavors. It works well as a side dish for holiday dinners, potlucks, or Sunday meals, especially when served alongside baked ham or roasted meats.
At the heart of this dish are canned pineapple chunks or crushed pineapple, which bring natural sweetness and a juicy texture. The fruit is mixed with a bit of sugar and flour to create a slightly thickened, almost dessert-like filling. Then comes the surprising element: shredded sharp cheddar cheese. The cheese adds a tangy depth and richness that contrasts beautifully with the pineapple’s brightness, creating a flavor profile that’s both comforting and crave-worthy.
What really sets Pineapple Casserole apart is the topping. A mixture of crushed buttery crackers, like Ritz, and melted butter is sprinkled over the top before baking. As the casserole bakes, the crackers turn golden and crisp, forming a slightly salty, crunchy layer that adds texture and enhances the overall savory-sweet balance of the dish.
Pineapple Casserole is incredibly easy to prepare and comes together quickly with pantry staples. It’s also quite versatile — you can serve it warm or at room temperature, and it holds up well for leftovers. While traditionally enjoyed as a side dish, some fans of the recipe serve it as a light dessert or a sweet-savory snack.
Pair it with baked ham, roast turkey, or grilled pork chops to complement its flavor, or enjoy it on its own for a nostalgic, comforting bite. Pineapple Casserole may be unconventional, but once you try it, you’ll understand why it has remained a cherished Southern staple for generations.
Ingredients
- 1 cup sugar granulated
- 6 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese grated
- 2 cans pineapple chunks drained
- 1 sleeve Ritz crackers crushed
- 8 tablespoons butter melted
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, combine sugar and flour. Add cheese, and then gently fold in the drained pineapple chunks.
- Pour the mixture into a greased 2-quart baking dish.
- In a separate bowl, combine the crushed Ritz crackers with melted butter, mixing thoroughly.
- Spread the cracker mixture evenly over the top of the pineapple mixture.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes, until golden brown and bubbly.
Nutrition
This is such a unique recipe! I never would’ve thought to combine pineapple and cheese, but it actually works! My family devoured it!
Pineapple and cheese? Sounds weird but I trust you! Gonna try this soon. Thanks for sharing!
I don’t see how this could be good. Pineapple in a casserole? That sounds wack. No thanks.
Loved it!!! Will make again! But… is it supposed to be a side or dessert? LOL. Either way, it’s great!
Yummm! I added some nuts on top and it gave it a great crunch! Will make again for sure! 🍍🥘
Is cheddar really the best choice? Thought mozzarella would work better. 🤔
Yum! The Ritz crackers on top were a game changer. Gonna make this again!
Ewww, pineapple doesn’t belong in casseroles! I just don’t get it.
I totally disagree! Pineapple adds a nice sweetness to savory dishes. This casserole is delicious!
But like, who makes casseroles without creative ingredients? Give it a try before hating on it.
My grandma used to make something like this! Brings back memories. I used coconut instead of cheese tho.
Easy recipe, but I feel like it was a bit too sweet for my taste. Next time, less sugar! Still, everyone enjoyed it.
I guess pineapple casserole is a thing, but I don’t get it. Isn’t casserole supposed to be savory?
Not for me… it tasted way too sweet. Maybe I’ll try using less sugar next time.
I get that, it’s definitely on the sweet side! You could try adding some salt to balance it out too.
This is surprisingly good! I was skeptical at first but loved it! The cheese and pineapple combo is genius! 🧀🍍
I didn’t have any Ritz, so I used another kind of cracker. It was ok, but I think it’s best with Ritz. 3 stars.
Too many ingredients! Why does it need cheese with the pineapple? Just sounds weird to me.
I get where you’re coming from, but trust me, the cheese adds a nice flavor! It’s a classic dish in some places.
Cheese and pineapple go great together, just like ham and pineapple! Don’t knock it till you try it!
I made this last night and it was pretty easy actually! Kids ate it all, which is rare!
I used low-fat cheese cause that’s what I had. Still turned out nice. Easy to make, too!
Great to hear! I always keep low-fat cheese on hand. Gonna try that next time now! Thanks for sharing!
Low-fat cheese? Really? I don’t think that’ll ever taste the same as the full-fat version. But if you liked it, that’s what matters!
I was skeptical about the cheese in a casserole with pineapple, but it turned out amazing! So cheesy!
I don’t know about this… pineapple and cheese? 🤢 I don’t think I’ll be trying this one.
Wow, this recipe is somethin’ else. Not really my taste, but I can see why people like it.
Yuck! Pineapple in a casserole? No thank you! But to each their own, I guess.
I totally get that! Pineapple doesn’t always sit right with everyone. But this dish is a classic for a reason!
My grandma used to make this, but it wasn’t this sweet! Hers had more pineapple. Still not bad though.
Too much sugar can ruin it! Pineapple is sweet enough on its own. Maybe I’ll try it with less sugar next time.
I bet your grandma’s version was delicious! I think adding more pineapple would definitely make it more tangy, just the way I like it.
This recipe is mind-blowing! Who knew pineapple could go savory? 5 stars!
This was surprisingly good! Sweet and savory for sure. My family loved it!
This is my nanna’s recipe, and it brings back memories. Love it! 5 stars for nostalgia.
Pineapple? Eww! I don’t like fruit in my dinner. No thanks. 😖
Give it a chance! It’s surprisingly good! The sweetness with the cheese is a game-changer! 🍍❤️
Never tried something like this before. It was alright, but pineapple and cheese? Kinda odd, to be honest. 2 stars.
Yummm! Made this for a potluck and it was a hit! People kept asking for the recipe!
I don’t know… pineapple and cheese? Sounds weird. I tried it and it was okay, but not my favorite. Just wasn’t for me.
I totally get it! Pineapple and cheese sounds off, but I ended up loving it! It’s like a sweet surprise. 🍍🧀
It’s just Ritz crackers and butter on top, isn’t it? Smh. 2 stars.
I think it’s actually a great combo! The sweetness of pineapple with the richness of cheese is delicious! 🤤
Looks easy enough, but I don’t trust the combo. Cheese and pineapple? Hmm…
Not really a fan of this dish. The pineapple and cheese together? Kinda weird if you ask me. I prefer my pineapple in fruit salad.
I dunno about pineapples in casseroles… seems weird to me. 2 stars.
I dont even like pineapple but I love this dish. Go figure! 5 stars.
Made it for dinner and my kids devoured it! Never thought they’d eat pineapple this way! 5 stars!!!
Wow, that sounds amazing! I’m so glad your kids loved it! Pineapple in savory dishes is so underrated. I’m definitely trying this!
Crackers on pineapples? Can’t even. Feels wrong but somehow it worked. 3 stars.
Yum! I used less sugar ’cause I’m on a diet, still turned out great. 4 stars!
Why would anyone put cheese in a dessert? This doesn’t make sense at all. I won’t be making this again.
I totally get where you’re coming from! Cheese in dessert sounds weird at first, but it’s surprisingly good. You might wanna give it another chance!
This was surprisingly delicious! The combo of pineapple and cheese is genius! 5 stars!
It clouds my mind thinking about smothering pineapples in cheese, but I gave it a shot. Never doing that again! Sorry, but 1 star.
Pretty good but next time I might use a different cheese. Just saying, cheddar is a bit strong. Also, I want more crackers on top!
Pineapple, cheese, and crackers, sounds like a party! I’m in! 4 stars!
Did everyone forget that cheese and pineapple are not a thing? I can’t even…
So tasty! I was skeptical but tried it anyway. Never thought I’d like cheese and pineapple, but here we are! Yum!
Cheese and pineapple? That’s wild! I’m still not sure about it, but glad it worked for you!
Really simple to make! I added some cinnamon to the mixture and it turned out delicious! Kids loved it.
Cinnamon? That’s a wild twist! Never thought about adding that to a casserole. Glad your kids liked it!
I substituted the sugar with honey, and it turned out better than expected! 4 stars.
Substituting sugar? That sounds like a risky move. Not sure if honey would really taste better…
Honey? That’s interesting! I never thought of that. I usually stick to plain sugar. Might try it!
This casserole is just amazing! I love the sweet and salty combo of pineapple and cheese. It was a hit at the potluck!
I totally agree! Pineapple and cheese is such a perfect combo. Glad it was a hit!
Pineapple plus cheese? Daring!!! I liked it but i made a mess haha 3 stars.
It’s actually good! My kids love it! Will make it again. 👍 4/5!
OMG this is my childhood! Mom used to make it for family gatherings. Took me back. ❤️ 5!
I tried making dis but it came out too sweet for me. 3 outta 5.
Made this for a family gathering! Everyone loved it! It came out so cheesy and golden, I was worried it would taste strange but wow!
That’s awesome! Pineapple and cheese is a weird combo but it really works! Glad your family enjoyed it! 🍍🧀
This was surprisingly delicious! The sweet and savory combination works perfectly. I’m definitely making it again!
Yum! Can’t believe how good this is. Best casserole ever. Got seconds. 😋