Pineapple Casserole Recipe

If you’ve never tried Pineapple casserole recipe before, you’re in for a real treat. This dish is the ultimate comfort food, combining the tropical sweetness of pineapple with the savory richness of cheese and a buttery cracker topping. It’s a unique recipe that surprises everyone who tastes it—in the best way possible! Whether you’re serving it as a side dish at Easter, Thanksgiving, or Christmas, or just looking for something different to enjoy on a weeknight, this pineapple casserole recipe will quickly become a favorite.This dish’s versatility is what makes it so unique.

It’s sweet enough to serve as a dessert yet savory enough to complement roasted meats like ham or chicken. Plus, it’s ridiculously easy to make, even if you’re not an experienced cook. Let’s break it all down step by step!

If you’re enjoying the deliciousness of Pineapple Casserole Recipe, you might also like our Buttery Nipple Recipe and Taco Soup Frios Recipe

pineapple casserole recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make this pineapple casserole recipe, here’s everything you’ll need, along with some tips on substitutions and optional ingredients to customize it to your liking:

For the Pineapple Mixture:

  • 2 cups of pineapple chunks (fresh or canned): If using canned pineapple, make sure to drain it thoroughly to avoid excess liquid in your casserole. Fresh pineapple adds a brighter flavor but requires peeling and chopping.
  • 1 cup of granulated sugar: This enhances the natural sweetness of the pineapple. If you prefer less sweetness, you can reduce this to ¾ cup or use alternatives like honey or coconut sugar.
  • 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour: This helps thicken the pineapple mixture so it doesn’t turn watery during baking.
  • A pinch of salt: Just a small amount balances the sweetness and enhances the overall flavor.

For the Savory Layer:

  • 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese: Sharp cheddar works best because its bold flavor contrasts beautifully with the sweet pineapple. You can also experiment with mild cheddar or even a cheese blend.

For the Topping:

  • 1 cup of crushed Ritz crackers (or similar buttery crackers): These create a crunchy, golden topping that’s irresistible. If you’re gluten-free, opt for GF crackers instead.
  • ½ cup of unsalted butter (melted): This binds the cracker crumbs together and helps them brown beautifully in the oven.
  • Optional: Chopped pecans or walnuts: Adding nuts gives an extra crunch and nutty flavor to the topping.

Optional Add-Ins:

  • Ground cinnamon or nutmeg (½ teaspoon): For a warm spice note that complements the pineapple.
  • Shredded coconut (¼ cup): Adds a tropical flair.
  • Diced ham (1 cup): If serving as a main dish, ham pairs wonderfully with this casserole.
pineapple casserole recipe

Step-by-Step Instructions

Let’s walk through each step carefully so you can create this delicious casserole with confidence.

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Preheating ensures that your casserole bakes evenly and achieves that perfect golden-brown topping.

Step 2: Prepare Your Baking Dish

Use butter or nonstick cooking spray to lightly coat a 9 x 13-inch baking dish. This keeps things from sticking and facilitates cleanup afterwards.

Step 3: Mix the Pineapple Base

In a large mixing bowl:

  1. Combine your drained pineapple chunks with granulated sugar.
  2. Sprinkle in the flour and add a pinch of salt.
  3. Stir everything together until well combined. The flour will coat the pineapple pieces and help thicken their juices as they bake.

Step 4: Add Cheese

Gently fold in your shredded cheddar cheese. Make sure it’s evenly distributed throughout the mixture so every bite has that perfect balance of sweet and savory.

Step 5: Prepare the Topping

In a separate bowl:

  1. Combine crushed Ritz crackers with melted butter.
  2. Mix until all the crumbs are coated in butter—this ensures they’ll bake up golden and crispy.
  3. If using nuts or spices like cinnamon, stir them into this mixture now.

Step 6: Assemble Your Casserole

  1. Pour the pineapple mixture into your prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly across the bottom.
  2. Sprinkle the cracker topping evenly over the top of the pineapple layer.

Step 7: Bake

Place your casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 30–40 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when:

  • The edges are bubbling slightly.
  • The topping is golden brown and crispy.

Step 8: Cool Slightly Before Serving

Remove from the oven and let it cool for about 5–10 minutes before serving. This allows everything to set slightly so it scoops out beautifully.

pineapple casserole recipe

Serving Suggestions

Pineapple casserole is incredibly versatile! Here are some suggestions for serving it:

  • Pair it with baked ham as part of your holiday spread—it’s an unbeatable combination.
  • Serve alongside roasted chicken or turkey for an elegant dinner.
  • Enjoy it as a dessert topped with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for an indulgent treat.

Tips for Success

Here are some extra tips to ensure your casserole turns out perfectly every time:

  • Drain Your Pineapple Well: Excess liquid can make your casserole soggy, so take your time draining canned pineapple or pat fresh chunks dry with paper towels.
  • Grate Your Own Cheese: Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that prevent melting properly. Grating your own cheese ensures maximum creaminess.
  • Don’t Skip The Butter: The melted butter in the topping is essential for achieving that golden-brown crust—don’t skimp on it!
  • Double It Up: For larger gatherings, double all ingredients and bake in two dishes side by side.

Variations on Pineapple Casserole Recipe

Get creative with these fun twists on the classic recipe:

Tropical Paradise Casserole

Add shredded coconut to both the filling and topping for an extra tropical vibe. You can also mix in diced mango or papaya for even more fruity goodness.

Spicy-Sweet Pineapple Casserole

Add diced jalapeños or red pepper flakes to give your casserole a spicy kick! Perfect if you love sweet-and-spicy combinations.

Gluten-Free Pineapple Casserole

Swap out regular flour for gluten-free all-purpose flour and use gluten-free crackers for an allergy-friendly version that everyone can enjoy.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes! Assemble everything except for the cracker topping, cover tightly with plastic wrap or foil, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, add the topping just before putting it in the oven.

Can I freeze leftovers?

Absolutely! Store leftovers in an airtight container and freeze for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating in an oven set at 350°F until warmed through.

What other cheeses work well?

While sharp cheddar is traditional, you can experiment with Monterey Jack, Gruyère, or even cream cheese for different textures and flavors!

Conclusion

This pineapple casserole recipe is more than just food—it’s an experience! From its sweet-and-savory flavor profile to its crispy topping, every bite is pure comfort. Whether you’re making it for holidays, potlucks, or simply because you’re craving something unique, this dish will never disappoint.So grab those ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to wow your family and friends with this unforgettable recipe! Don’t forget—you can always tweak it to suit your taste buds. Happy cooking! 

×