The Best Southern Pineapple Casserole (Easy Recipe)
This Southern Pineapple Casserole recipe is the perfect easy casserole for holiday dinner. A classic Southern dish topped with a buttery cracker crumbs.
I think the tagline for this Pineapple Cheese Casserole should be, “it tastes way better than it sounds!” Not being a southerner, my first reaction to a recipe that combined sweet pineapple with sharp cheddar cheese was a little dramatic.
And not in a good way! I thought it was an odd combination and very “Paula Dean,” to say the least. But I am open minded and will try almost any dish once!
The good news is that I love when I get proven wrong, especially about food. And I was totally wrong about this cheesy pineapple casserole. It’s fantastic!
But I am totally aware this is a strange dish, but some things just work, and you really don’t taste the cheese. The cheese just adds a creamy, salty element to balance out the sweetness of the pineapple flavor.
Surprisingly, I have to admit that the flavors of this baked pineapple casserole recipe work so well, it’s become a family favorite for holiday meals!
This easy pineapple casserole has simple ingredients: pineapple, sugar (or brown sugar), flour to thicken it, and salty cheese. My favorite part? The crunchy top made with buttery Ritz crackers, melted butter, cinnamon and nutmeg. This buttery cracker topping adds crunch and a hint of salty flavors to the sweetness of the fruity filling!
This delicious casserole is the perfect side dish for any holiday table with ham as the main course! And, I have more serving suggestions as well as recipe substitutions below.
Substitutions
I truly believe that the best recipe is the one you already have the ingredients for on hand! Here are a few ingredient substitution suggestions:
- Yes, you can absolutely use fresh pineapple! You will need 4-5 cups. You can also use canned crushed pineapple or pineapple tidbits.
- Substitute brown sugar for the white sugar.
- Feel free to substitute any other brand of buttery crackers for the Ritz!
Additions
There are a few additions you can make to switch up the flavors in this unique casserole. Here are a few suggestions:
- Add a sprinkle of coconut flakes on top of the pineapple mixture.
- Add a bit of diced mango or peach to the pineapple filling.
Check out the other pineapple recipes on Blackberry Babe.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this delicious side dish as the perfect complement for brunch or Church potlucks.
In the springtime, pair this pineapple dish with your Easter ham for Easter dinner. Ham and pineapple are the perfect pairing! I recommend my Double Smoked Ham or Rum Ham.Don’t forget dessert! I love this beautiful Italian Easter cake.
In the fall, it’s a wonderful addition to Thanksgiving dinner or any holiday feast.
If you need side dish suggestions, I recommend pairing this slightly sweet recipe with savory flavors. Consider side dishes like Green Bean Casserole, Bacon Mashed Potatoes, Cream Cheese Corn Casserole or Air Fryer Carrots!
Storing Leftovers
Cover leftover pineapple casserole with plastic wrap, or transfer to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently.
I hope that you love this pineapple cheese casserole recipe! If you make it, let me know how it went in the comments below.
The Best Southern Pineapple Casserole (Easy Recipe)
Ingredients
- 40 ounces pineapple chunks, canned, drained (reserve 2 tablespoons juice from can)
- 1 cup sugar, or brown sugar
- 6 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded
For the cracker crumb topping:
- 1 cup crackers, preferably Ritz, crushed
- 1/2 cup butter, melted
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Prepare a 3 quart baking dish with cooking spray.
- In a large bowl, make the filling. Add the drained pineapple chunks, reserved pineapple juice, sugar and flour. Toss to coat the pineapple evenly.
- Add the shredded cheese, stir until well combined.
- Transfer the pineapple mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
- In a separate small bowl, make the topping. Mix the cracker crumbs, melted butter, cinnamon and nutmeg. Toss gently until the cracker mixture resembles wet sand.
- Sprinkle the crumb mixture over the pineapple mixture in the dish.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is nice and golden brown and the casserole is bubbling.
- Remove from the oven and allow to rest at room temperature for 5 minutes before serving. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Hi,
I loved this pineapple casserole. Can I prepare it the night before and add the crackers and butter the next morning for baking. I think that will work but was worth a question before taking it to a church luncheon. It’s tough to cook before leaving for Sunday School. Blessings
Blessings,
Carole
Hi Carole! Yes, that should work. I’d recommend taking it out of the fridge for about 20 minutes before baking to help take the chill off, and you are right to separate/wait on the cracker topping until it’s about to bake. I’m so glad you enjoyed it, blessings to you! 🙂
I’ve always incorporated halved cherries out of the jar in my dish gives it more color and festive look and tastes absolutely delish
That would be so pretty! Thank you for the great suggestion!