Easy Cheesy Southern Pineapple Casserole Recipe

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Pineapple casserole is that perfect blend of sweet and savory that you didn’t know you needed. With juicy pineapple, sharp cheddar cheese, and a buttery Ritz cracker topping, it’s a simple yet incredibly satisfying dish that hits all the right notes. Whether you’re making it as a side for a holiday dinner or just want something comforting on a weeknight, this casserole has a way of bringing everyone to the table.

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Pineapple casserole is quick to throw together, and you’ll love how the flavors come together in each bite—sweet, cheesy, crunchy, and totally delicious. I love serving this for the holidays and for potlucks. You could customize it with extra spices or toppings like cinnamon or toasted nuts.

Ingredients You’ll Need

You’ll need all the ingredients in the photograph below for this pineapple bake.

How To Make Pineapple Casserole With Ritz Crackers With Step-By-Step Instructions

Scroll down for the full recipe card containing a full printable recipe and measurements in both US customary and metric units.

Prepare the Pineapple Mixture

Begin by setting your oven to 350°F (180°C).

Drain the pineapple chunks and tidbits well—this is key to avoiding a soggy casserole. Don’t forget to keep aside ¼ cup of that sweet, tangy pineapple juice.

In a large bowl, mix together the flour, sugar, pineapple chunks, pineapple tidbits, the reserved juice, and the shredded Cheddar cheese.

Stir until everything is fully combined, creating a balance between sweet and savory.

Assemble the Casserole

Take your prepared casserole dish and spread the pineapple mixture evenly across the bottom. This ensures an even bake, so every bite is bursting with flavor.

Add the Ritz Cracker Topping

In a smaller bowl, mix the crushed Ritz crackers with the melted butter until every crumb is coated. Sprinkle this buttery, crunchy goodness over the pineapple mixture, making sure to cover the top entirely for that irresistible golden crust.

Bake the Casserole

Place the casserole in the oven and bake for 30–35 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the top is a perfect golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.

That combination of gooey cheese and crisp topping is what makes this dish so special.

Serve and Enjoy

Remove the casserole from the oven, and serve while warm. You’ll love the contrast of textures and the incredible flavor mix of cheesy, sweet, and buttery crunch.

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Pineapple Casserole

Pineapple Casserole is my favorite Southern side dish that surprises everyone with its sweet and savory combo. Cheddar and juicy pineapple chunks create this rich, creamy layer while buttery Ritz crackers turn golden and crispy on top. It pairs perfectly with ham and complements almost any main dish, making it ideal for Easter, Christmas, Thanksgiving, potlucks, and family gatherings. The casserole stays fresh in the fridge for 4 to 5 days and reheats beautifully, so you can prep it ahead for busy schedules.

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Prep Time: 10 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 35 minutes minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes minutes

Course: Side Dish

Cuisine: American

Servings: 6

Calories: 507kcal

Author: Mandy Applegate

Ingredients

• 16 ounces pineapple canned chunks drained reserve ¼ cup juice
• 16 ounces pineapple canned tidbits drained
• 5 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 1 ½ cups Cheddar cheese shredded
• 32 Ritz crackers crushed
• ½ cup butter melted

Metric – US Customary

Video

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Instructions

• Pre heat your oven to 350°F/180°C.
• Completely drain the pineapple chunks and tidbits and save ¼ cup of the juice.
  16 ounces pineapple canned chunks, 16 ounces pineapple canned tidbits
• In a large bowl combine flour, sugar, pineapple chunks, pineapple tidbits, reserved pineapple juice and cheese. Now add the pineapple mixture to your prepared casserole dish.
  5 tablespoons all-purpose flour, ½ cup granulated sugar, 1 ½ cups Cheddar cheese
• In a smaller bowl add the crushed Ritz crackers and pour in the melted butter. Now sprinkle the Ritz cracker crumbs over the top of your pineapple mixture.
  32 Ritz crackers, ½ cup butter
• Cook until the top is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly approximately 30- 35 minutes.
• Serve immediately. Bon Appétit!

Notes

I’ve learned a few tricks that make this casserole turn out perfectly every time.

Taste your pineapple first: If it’s really sweet, cut back the sugar to ⅓ cup so the dish doesn’t become too sugary.

Drain thoroughly: Press the pineapple gently in a strainer to remove excess liquid so the casserole doesn’t turn watery.

Use quality cheddar: Sharp cheddar adds the best flavor contrast to the sweet pineapple, so skip pre-shredded cheese and grate a block yourself for better melting.

Crush crackers evenly: Break the Ritz crackers into similar-sized pieces so they toast evenly and create a uniform golden topping.

Don’t skip the resting time: Give the casserole 5 minutes to set after baking so the filling thickens slightly and you can scoop clean portions. If taking it somewhere, let it cool for 10 minutes before covering tightly with foil so condensation doesn’t make the topping soggy.

Store properly: Once fully cooled, cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap or transfer portions to airtight containers and refrigerate for 4 to 5 days. Do not freeze. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.

Nutrition

Calories: 507kcal | Carbohydrates: 56g | Protein: 9g | Fat: 29g | Saturated Fat: 16g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g | Monounsaturated Fat: 7g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 69mg | Sodium: 449mg | Potassium: 240mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 40g | Vitamin A: 831IU | Vitamin C: 14mg | Calcium: 254mg | Iron: 1mg

Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

Recipe Notes and Expert Tips

• Perfect Texture: Be sure to drain the pineapple thoroughly. Too much juice will make your casserole watery, and we want it to be perfectly set.
• Crispy Topping: If you love an extra crunchy top, consider popping it under the broiler for the last 2 minutes of baking—just watch it closely to avoid burning.
• Sharp Cheese for the Win: Using sharp Cheddar really brings out the savory notes, cutting through the sweetness of the pineapple beautifully.
• Cracker Topping Tips: If you prefer a lighter crust, you can reduce the amount of butter for the Ritz crackers. This keeps the topping crisp without becoming too dense.
• Juicy Secret: Don’t skip the reserved pineapple juice—it helps bind the casserole while adding a subtle layer of flavor that ties the dish together.
• Gluten-Free Option: Swap in gluten-free crackers and all-purpose flour to make this casserole gluten-friendly. It’s still just as delicious!
• Best Served Hot: This casserole shines when served fresh from the oven. The cheese will be perfectly gooey, and the topping will retain its crunchy texture.
• Add a Twist: For a slight flavor enhancement, a dash of cinnamon or nutmeg added to the pineapple mix can bring a warm depth to the dish.

How to Store Leftover Pineapple Casserole

If you have any leftovers (which is rare with a dish this tasty!), let the casserole cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It will keep in the fridge for up to 3 days.

This dish isn’t the best candidate for freezing, as the texture of the pineapple and cracker topping can become mushy when thawed. For reheating, pop it back in the oven to revive that crispy topping.

More Easy Casserole Recipes for You To Try at Home

If you love our baked pineapple casserole, why not try these easy recipes?

• Broccoli Casserole
• Corn Casserole
• Hashbrown Casserole
• Potato Casserole
• Squash Casserole
• Green Bean Casserole

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