Sweet & Savory Pineapple Casserole Recipe

Chef BacoFebruary 12, 2025

When it comes to comfort food, few dishes strike the perfect balance between sweet and savory like pineapple casserole. Whether you’re hosting a holiday gathering, attending a potluck, or simply craving a dish that feels like a warm hug, this recipe is your go-to solution. With its golden, buttery topping, tangy pineapple, and creamy cheese filling, it’s a dish that’s as nostalgic as it is delicious.

In this article, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know to create this Southern classic, along with tips, serving suggestions, and answers to your most pressing questions.

What is Pineapple Casserole?

Pineapple casserole is a beloved dish rooted in Southern cuisine. It’s a unique combination of sweet and savory flavors, featuring crushed pineapple, sugar, cheese, and a buttery cracker topping. While it might sound unconventional at first, the blend of ingredients creates a harmonious flavor profile that’s both comforting and refreshing. This dish is often served during holidays, family gatherings, or potlucks, where its crowd-pleasing appeal truly shines.

Why You’ll Love This Pineapple Casserole Recipe

This pineapple casserole recipe is more than just a dish—it’s an experience. Here’s why it’s worth adding to your recipe collection:

Easy to Make: With just a handful of pantry-friendly ingredients, this recipe is simple enough for beginners yet impressive enough for seasoned cooks.
Perfect Flavor Balance: The sweetness of pineapple, the tanginess of cheese, and the richness of butter create a flavor combination that’s hard to resist.
Versatile: Serve it as a side dish, dessert, or even a brunch item. It pairs well with everything from ham to roasted chicken.
Crowd-Pleasing: Whether you’re feeding your family or a large group, this dish is guaranteed to earn rave reviews.

Ingredients

Before you start, gather the following ingredients. Each component plays a crucial role in creating the dish’s signature flavor and texture.

Ingredient	Quantity
Crushed pineapple (undrained)	1 (20-ounce) can
Granulated sugar	1/2 cup
All-purpose flour	1/4 cup
Shredded cheddar cheese	1/2 cup
Butter (melted)	1/2 cup
Crushed Ritz crackers	1 cup

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create your pineapple casserole:

Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures the casserole bakes evenly.
Combine Pineapple, Sugar, and Flour: In a large mixing bowl, combine the crushed pineapple (with its juice), granulated sugar, and all-purpose flour. Stir until well mixed.
Add Cheese: Fold in the shredded cheddar cheese. The cheese adds a tangy contrast to the sweetness of the pineapple.

in a bowl, combine crushed pineapple, sugar, and flour

Transfer to Baking Dish: Pour the mixture into a greased 8×8-inch baking dish, spreading it evenly.
Prepare the Topping: In a separate bowl, mix the melted butter and crushed Ritz crackers. Sprinkle this mixture over the pineapple layer.
Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the casserole is bubbly.
Cool and Serve: Allow the casserole to cool slightly before serving. This helps the flavors meld together and makes it easier to slice.

Tips for the Perfect recipe

To elevate your pineapple casserole, keep these tips in mind:

Use Fresh Pineapple: If you prefer a brighter flavor, swap canned pineapple for fresh. Just remember to adjust the sugar, as fresh pineapple is less sweet.
Experiment with Cheese: While cheddar is traditional, you can try other cheeses like Monterey Jack or even a hint of Parmesan for a different twist.
Add a Crunch: For extra texture, mix chopped pecans or walnuts into the cracker topping.
Toast the Crackers: Lightly toast the Ritz crackers before crushing them for a deeper, nuttier flavor.

Serving Suggestions

Pineapple casserole is incredibly versatile. Here are some ideas for serving it:

As a Side Dish: Pair it with baked ham, roasted chicken, or turkey for a hearty meal.
For Brunch: Serve it alongside scrambled eggs, quiche, or a fresh fruit salad.
As a Dessert: Enjoy it on its own or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a sweet treat.
At Potlucks: Bring it to your next gathering and watch it disappear!

Presentation Ideas

Individual Servings:
- Bake the casserole in ramekins or small oven-safe dishes for personalized portions. This is perfect for dinner parties or holiday gatherings.
Garnish for Visual Appeal:
- Sprinkle fresh parsley, mint leaves, or a light dusting of powdered sugar on top for a pop of color.
- Add a few pineapple chunks or rings as a decorative touch.
Serve in a Cast Iron Skillet:
- Bake and serve the casserole in a cast iron skillet for a rustic, Southern-inspired presentation.
Layered Parfait Style:
- For a modern twist, layer the pineapple mixture and cracker topping in clear glasses or jars for a parfait-style dessert or side dish.
Accompaniments on the Side:
- Serve with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream if presenting it as a dessert.
- Pair with a side of fresh fruit or a green salad for a balanced meal.

Storage Tips

Refrigeration:
- Store leftover pineapple casserole in an airtight container or cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
- It will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days.
Freezing:
- While pineapple casserole is best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze it for up to 1 month.
- To freeze, wrap the baked and cooled casserole tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil. Alternatively, portion it into freezer-safe containers.
- Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Reheating:
- Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15–20 minutes, or until warmed through.
- For smaller portions, use the microwave, but note that the cracker topping may lose some of its crispiness.

You can try this recipe as well: Perfect Southern Pineapple Casserole Recipe

Additional Tips for Success

Make-Ahead Option:
- Prepare the casserole up to the baking step, cover it, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Bake it just before serving for a fresh, hot dish.
Customize the Topping:
- Add a sprinkle of brown sugar or a dash of cinnamon to the cracker topping for extra flavor.
Double the Recipe:
- For larger gatherings, double the ingredients and bake in a 9×13-inch dish. Adjust the baking time as needed.
Dietary Adjustments:
- For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free flour and crackers.
- To reduce sugar, use a sugar substitute or decrease the amount of sugar slightly.

FAQs

Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned?

Yes, you can use fresh pineapple. However, since fresh pineapple is less sweet than canned, you may need to adjust the sugar to taste.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! Assemble the casserole, cover it, and refrigerate it overnight. Bake it just before serving.

Can I freeze pineapple casserole?

While it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze it for up to 1 month. Reheat it in the oven to restore its texture.

What can I substitute for Ritz crackers?

If you don’t have Ritz crackers, try using saltine crackers, breadcrumbs, or even crushed pretzels for a different twist.

Pineapple casserole is more than just a dish—it’s a celebration of flavors and textures that bring people together. Whether you’re making it for a holiday feast, a potluck, or a cozy family dinner, this recipe is sure to impress. With its sweet and savory profile, easy preparation, and crowd-pleasing appeal, it’s no wonder this dish has stood the test of time.

So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to create a dish that’s as memorable as it is delicious. Don’t forget to share your experience in the comments below or tag us in your photos on social media. Happy cooking!

Everything you need to know about pineapple through this link.