Try This Sweet & Savory Pineapple Casserole Recipe Today!

Southern kitchens buzz with excitement over this tangy pineapple casserole that captures the heart of comfort cooking.

Sweet chunks of tropical fruit mingle beautifully with creamy cheese and buttery cracker crumbs.

This classic side dish brings unexpected magic to any dinner table.

Cheese lovers adore the surprising blend of flavors that dance across their palate.

Crisp crackers create a golden topping that adds delightful crunch to every bite.

Simple ingredients transform into something truly spectacular with minimal effort.

Serve this crowd-pleasing casserole and watch your guests ask for seconds.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Calories: 240 kcal

Servings: 9

Ingredients That Make Pineapple Casserole Pop

• Pineapple Chunks: Sweet tropical fruit that provides juicy bursts of flavor and adds natural moisture to the casserole.
• Crushed Pineapple: Creates a smooth, rich base with intense pineapple flavor and helps bind the ingredients together.
• Pineapple Juice: Enhances sweetness and adds depth to the overall dish, helping to create a harmonious blend.

• Sugar: Balances the tangy pineapple and adds a caramelized sweetness to the casserole.
• Flour: Thickens the mixture and helps create a cohesive texture.
• Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Brings a sharp, creamy element that complements the sweet pineapple beautifully.

• Ritz Crackers: Provides a crispy, buttery crunch that contrasts with the soft pineapple mixture.
• Butter: Helps the cracker topping become golden and adds rich, savory notes to the casserole.

Tools To Assemble Pineapple Casserole Easily

• Large Mixing Bowl: Perfect for combining pineapple, sugar, flour, and cheese with plenty of stirring space.
• Small Mixing Bowl: Great for preparing the buttery Ritz cracker topping.
• 8-inch or 9-inch Baking Dish: Ideal for assembling and baking the casserole, ensuring even cooking.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Essential for accurate ingredient measurements.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Helpful for mixing ingredients smoothly and spreading the mixture evenly.
• Cheese Grater: Useful if using block cheese that needs shredding.

How To Bake Sweet Pineapple Casserole

• Warm Up The Oven

Crank your oven to a cozy 350F and give your baking dish a quick butter massage to prevent sticking.

• Create Pineapple Magic

Whisk together flour, sugar, and pineapple juice until silky smooth. Toss in pineapple chunks, crushed pineapple, and a hearty handful of cheddar cheese. Stir until everything plays nicely together.

• Build Your Flavor Tower

Pour the tropical mixture into your prepped baking dish, spreading it out evenly like you’re smoothing a delicious blanket.

• Cracker Crunch Topping

Crush Ritz crackers and mingle them with melted butter until they’re perfectly coated. Sprinkle this golden layer across the top of your pineapple landscape.

• Bake To Perfection

Slide your creation into the oven and let it dance for 25-30 minutes. Watch for a gorgeous golden-brown top that signals it’s ready to devour.

• Rest And Serve

Give your casserole a few minutes to calm down before serving. Enjoy it warm or at room temperature – total crowd-pleaser!

Ideas To Twist Pineapple Casserole Taste

• Perfect Pineapple Casserole Cooking Tips & Variations
• Cheese Selection Magic: Experiment with different cheese varieties like monterey jack or gouda for unique flavor profiles while maintaining the casserole's creamy texture.
• Gluten-Free Friendly: Replace regular flour with gluten-free flour blend and use gluten-free crackers to make this dish suitable for those with wheat sensitivities.
• Low-Sugar Twist: Reduce sugar quantity or substitute with monk fruit sweetener for a diabetic-friendly version without compromising the classic sweet-savory balance.
• Tropical Crunch Boost: Add toasted coconut flakes or chopped macadamia nuts to the cracker topping for extra crunch and enhanced tropical flavor complexity.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: Prepare the entire casserole up to the baking stage, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking, making meal planning easier and stress-free.

How To Serve Pineapple Casserole Sweet Or Savory

• Tropical Brunch Companion: Pair this sweet and savory casserole with ham or bacon for a delightful breakfast or brunch experience that balances rich and tangy flavors.
• Sweet Side Dish Sensation: Serve alongside roasted chicken or grilled pork chops as a unique, fruity accompaniment that adds unexpected brightness to your main course.
• Potluck Party Pleaser: Transport this casserole in a covered dish to gatherings, where its golden cracker topping and cheesy pineapple filling will become an instant crowd-favorite that guests will request again and again.
• Dessert-Like Delight: Enjoy as a decadent side dish or light dessert, topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent treat that bridges the gap between sweet and savory.

Tips To Store Pineapple Casserole Nicely

• Fridge Storage Harmony: Keep leftovers in an airtight container, ensuring freshness for 3-4 days. Seal tightly to maintain the casserole's delectable texture and prevent moisture absorption.
• Freezing Magic: Wrap the casserole securely in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months, creating a convenient make-ahead meal option for busy families or unexpected guests.
• Reheating Brilliance: Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before warming. Reheat in the oven at 350F for 15-20 minutes, covering with foil to prevent excessive browning and maintain the crispy cracker topping's crunch.
• Portion Planning: Divide into individual serving sizes before storing. This smart strategy allows for easy grab-and-go meals and helps prevent unnecessary waste while keeping the casserole's delightful flavors intact.

Tangy Pineapple Casserole Recipe

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4.5 from 10 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 9 1x

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Description

Southern-style pineapple casserole blends sweet and savory flavors with comfort and charm. Cheese-topped cracker crumbs create a golden crust that elevates this classic Southern side dish for family gatherings.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 (20 oz/567 g) can pineapple chunks, drained (reserve ¼ cup juice)
• 1 (20 oz/567 g) can crushed pineapple, drained
• 1 ½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• 3 tbsps all-purpose flour
• 1 sleeve Ritz crackers (about 30), crushed
• ½ cup unsalted butter, melted

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Instructions

1. Preheat and Prepare: Set the oven to 350F (175C) and lightly grease an 8-inch or 9-inch baking dish to prevent adhesion.
2. Create Base Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, whisk sugar, flour, and tropical fruit juice until achieving a smooth, lump-free consistency, creating a silky foundation for the casserole.
3. Incorporate Ingredients: Gently fold pineapple chunks, crushed pineapple, and shredded cheddar cheese into the base mixture, ensuring even distribution of flavors and textures throughout the dish.
4. Assemble Casserole: Spread the pineapple-cheese blend evenly into the prepared baking dish, using a spatula to create a uniform layer that promises delightful bites.
5. Develop Cracker Topping: Combine crushed Ritz crackers with melted butter, thoroughly coating the crumbs to create a rich, golden topping that will provide a satisfying crunch.
6. Bake and Finish: Sprinkle the buttered cracker mixture over the pineapple layer and bake for 25-30 minutes, watching for a golden-brown surface and bubbling edges that signal perfect doneness.
7. Rest and Serve: Allow the casserole to settle for a few minutes after removing from the oven, letting flavors meld and temperature stabilize before serving warm or at room temperature.

Notes

• Cheese Selection Strategy: Use sharp cheddar for more intense flavor, or experiment with mild versions for a gentler taste profile that complements the pineapple’s sweetness.
• Moisture Management: Drain pineapple thoroughly to prevent excess liquid from making the casserole soggy, ensuring a perfect texture and preventing potential runny results.
• Cracker Coating Technique: Crush Ritz crackers to a consistent, medium-fine texture for optimal crunch and even distribution across the casserole’s surface.
• Temperature Timing: Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes after baking to allow flavors to settle and make serving easier, preventing burns and allowing the dish to set properly.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 9
• Calories: 240
• Sugar: 18 g
• Sodium: 360 mg
• Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 31 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg