Sweet and Tangy Pineapple Casserole Recipe for Summer Gatherings

A magical Southern pineapple casserole transforms ordinary ingredients into something extraordinary.

Cheese and sweet chunks mingle in unexpected harmony.

Comfort food takes on a delightful twist with this unique combination.

Midwestern kitchens have long celebrated this delectable side dish that surprises and delights.

Buttery crackers create a crispy golden topping that contrasts beautifully with soft, juicy pineapple.

Humble ingredients come together in a way that feels almost miraculous.

Each bite promises a symphony of flavors you won’t soon forget.

Let this recipe become your next culinary adventure.

Why Folks Enjoy Pineapple Casserole

• Whip Up Quick Comfort: This pineapple casserole delivers delicious results in under 40 minutes, making it perfect for busy home cooks who want a satisfying side dish without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Crowd-Pleasing Flavor Fusion: The unique combination of sweet pineapple, sharp cheddar cheese, and buttery Ritz cracker topping creates an irresistible taste that appeals to both kids and adults, making it a guaranteed crowd-pleaser at potlucks and family gatherings.
• Versatile Serving Sensation: Enjoy this casserole warm or at room temperature, which means you can prepare it ahead of time and serve it easily at brunches, holiday meals, or casual weeknight dinners without stress.
• Foolproof Cooking Experience: With simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, this recipe is beginner-friendly and requires minimal cooking skills, ensuring even novice cooks can achieve delicious results every single time.

What You’ll Need For Pineapple Casserole

Main Ingredients:

• Pineapple Chunks, Crushed Pineapple: Sweet tropical fruit that provides the core flavor and juicy texture of the casserole, with chunks offering bite and crushed providing moisture.
• Pineapple Juice: Natural liquid from the fruit that helps bind ingredients and adds extra tropical sweetness.

• Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Sharp, tangy cheese that adds richness and creates a savory contrast to the sweet pineapple.

• Sugar: Enhances the natural sweetness of the pineapple and balances the savory cheese.
• Flour: Helps thicken the mixture and create a cohesive texture.

Topping Ingredients:

• Ritz Crackers: Provides a buttery, crispy layer that adds crunch and golden color to the casserole.
• Butter: Helps bind the cracker crumbs and creates a rich, golden topping when baked.

Easy Directions For Pineapple Casserole

Step 1: Prepare Baking Workspace

Grab a baking dish and generously coat it with butter or cooking spray. Preheat your oven to a cozy 350°F (175°C), creating the perfect warm environment for your delicious casserole.

Step 2: Create Magical Pineapple Blend

• Sugar
• All-purpose flour
• Pineapple juice

• Pineapple chunks
• Crushed pineapple
• Shredded cheddar cheese

Mix everything until the ingredients dance together harmoniously.

Step 3: Layer the Casserole

Pour the vibrant pineapple mixture into your prepared baking dish. Spread it evenly, creating a delightful canvas of sweet and tangy goodness.

Step 4: Craft Crispy Cracker Topping

• Crushed Ritz crackers
• Melted butter

Gently mix until the crackers are thoroughly coated with buttery goodness. Sprinkle this crunchy mixture across the top of the casserole, creating a golden crown.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Slide the casserole into the preheated oven. Bake for 25-30 minutes, watching for a gorgeous golden-brown top and bubbling edges that signal culinary success.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. This allows the flavors to settle and makes serving easier. Enjoy warm or at room temperature, savoring each delectable bite of this sweet and savory treasure.

Handy Tips For Pineapple Casserole

• Customize Cracker Crunch: Swap Ritz crackers with gluten-free alternatives or whole wheat crackers to suit different dietary needs without compromising the delightful crispy topping.
• Cheese Flexibility: Experiment with different cheese varieties like monterey jack or colby to create unique flavor profiles while maintaining the casserole's creamy texture.
• Prevent Soggy Bottom: Drain pineapple chunks thoroughly and pat dry to ensure the casserole stays firm and doesn't become watery during baking.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the casserole up to a day in advance, cover, and refrigerate. Simply bake before serving for a stress-free meal preparation.
• Temperature Hack: Allow the casserole to rest for 5-10 minutes after baking to help it set and make serving easier, creating perfect portioning every time.

Best Ways To Store Pineapple Casserole

• Refrigerate leftover pineapple casserole in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.
• Keep the dish covered to prevent moisture loss and maintain its delicious texture.
• Reheat gently in the oven at 350F for 10-15 minutes to restore its crispy cracker topping and warm, gooey center.
• Avoid microwaving, as this can make the crackers soggy and diminish the casserole's delightful crunch.
• Freeze individual portions wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil for up to 2 months.
• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating to preserve the casserole's original flavor and consistency.

Tasty Matches For Pineapple Casserole

• Pair with Honey-Glazed Ham: The sweet and tangy pineapple casserole complements the salty richness of honey-glazed ham perfectly, creating a harmonious balance of flavors that dance on your taste buds.
• Sip Crisp Sauvignon Blanc: The wine's bright acidity and citrusy notes cut through the casserole's richness, while its light body prevents overwhelming the delicate pineapple and cheese flavors.
• Serve Alongside Grilled Chicken: The casserole's sweet and savory profile adds excitement to simple grilled chicken, transforming an ordinary meal into a delightful culinary experience.
• Cool Down with Coconut Mojito: This refreshing cocktail's tropical undertones echo the pineapple's sweetness, while the mint provides a crisp contrast to the rich, cheesy casserole.

Switch It Up With Pineapple Casserole

• Tropical Island Crunch: Swap Ritz crackers with toasted coconut flakes and macadamia nuts for a Hawaiian-inspired texture and flavor profile.
• Spicy Pineapple Fusion: Add diced jalapeños and a pinch of cayenne pepper to the filling for a zesty kick that complements the sweet pineapple.
• Nutty Cheese Upgrade: Replace cheddar with pepper jack cheese and sprinkle chopped pecans on top for a more complex and rich taste experience.
• Berry Pineapple Blend: Mix in fresh blueberries or raspberries with the pineapple chunks to create a vibrant and colorful fruity casserole.

Need-To-Know Info For Pineapple Casserole

• What makes this pineapple casserole so special?

This dish is a unique sweet and savory blend that combines the tropical tanginess of pineapple with creamy cheddar cheese and a crunchy Ritz cracker topping. It’s a crowd-pleaser that perfectly balances different textures and flavors.

• Is this a dessert or a side dish?

It’s actually a versatile dish that can work as both! While it has sweet elements from the pineapple, the cheese and cracker topping make it a fantastic side dish for ham, chicken, or as a potluck favorite.

• Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned?

Canned pineapple works best for this recipe because it provides the right moisture and juice needed for the filling. Fresh pineapple might make the casserole too watery and change the overall texture.

• Why do I need to drain the pineapple?

Draining prevents the casserole from becoming too liquid and ensures a perfect consistency. The reserved juice is still used in the recipe to add flavor and help bind the ingredients together.

Pineapple Casserole Recipe

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• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Southern pineapple casserole delights taste buds with sweet and savory comfort. Cheesy cracker topping and juicy pineapple chunks create a classic side dish that Southern gatherings simply cannot resist.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 (20 ounces/567 grams) can pineapple chunks, drained (reserve ¼ cup juice)
• 1 (20 ounces/567 grams) can crushed pineapple, drained
• 1 ½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese

Dry Ingredients:

• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 sleeve Ritz crackers (about 30), crushed

Preparation Ingredients:

• ½ cup unsalted butter, melted

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Instructions

1. Prepare the baking workspace by heating the oven to 350F (175C) and coating an 8-inch or 9-inch baking dish with a light layer of grease to prevent sticking.
2. Create a smooth base by whisking together sugar, flour, and the reserved tropical fruit juice in a spacious mixing bowl until no lumps remain, ensuring a silky consistency.
3. Enhance the mixture by gently folding in the drained pineapple chunks, crushed pineapple, and shredded cheddar cheese, stirring carefully to distribute the ingredients evenly throughout the mixture.
4. Transfer the tropical fruit and cheese blend into the prepared baking dish, using a spatula to spread the contents uniformly across the surface, creating an even layer.
5. Craft a crispy topping by combining crushed Ritz crackers with melted butter, thoroughly coating the cracker crumbs to ensure a consistent texture.
6. Generously scatter the buttered cracker mixture over the pineapple layer, creating a golden, crunchy blanket that will transform during baking.
7. Slide the casserole into the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, watching for a rich golden-brown color and bubbling edges that indicate the dish is perfectly cooked.
8. Remove from the oven and allow the casserole to rest for a few minutes, letting the flavors meld and the temperature settle before serving either warm or at room temperature.

Notes

• Select ripe, juicy pineapples for the most vibrant and sweet flavor in your casserole.
• Drain pineapple chunks thoroughly to prevent excess liquid from making the dish soggy.
• Choose full-fat cheddar cheese for maximum richness and a creamy texture that melts beautifully.
• Crush Ritz crackers into uniform small pieces to ensure an even, crispy golden topping that covers the entire casserole surface.
• Customize the recipe by adding a sprinkle of nutmeg or cinnamon to the cracker topping for extra warmth and depth.
• Make it gluten-free by substituting gluten-free crackers or breadcrumbs for the Ritz crackers.
• Reduce sugar for a less sweet version by using half the recommended amount or replacing sugar with a light honey.
• Prep ahead by assembling the casserole earlier and refrigerating, then bake just before serving for convenience.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 380
• Sugar: 25 g
• Sodium: 450 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 14 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 38 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 5 g
• Cholesterol: 50 mg