Pineapple Casserole With Ritz Cracker Topping
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I grew up in the South where Pineapple Casserole has been a fixture at church potlucks and holiday tables for generations! Over the years, I have made it countless times, and I can promise that the sweet pineapple, sharp cheddar, and buttery cracker crumbs truly do create the perfect balance of flavors and textures.
Sheila’s Recipe Snapshot for Pineapple Cheese Casserole
A quirky combination that just works. Sweet pineapple meets salty crackers and melty cheddar for a potluck dish that never disappoints.
This cheesy pineapple casserole has been a potluck staple at Southern gatherings and Thanksgiving dinners for generations! In the South, it is often found tucked into the pages of church cookbooks, usually handwritten with the kind of pride that only comes from a dish that has stood the test of time.
The ingredient amounts may shift slightly depending on who is cooking, but the soul of the recipe always stays the same: canned pineapple, buttery crackers, and cheddar cheese.
I have made this casserole for years, and I will admit it raised eyebrows the first time I brought it to a gathering. But once people take that first bite, they are hooked. It is sweet and savory all at once, and can really be served as a side dish or a dessert!
Ingredient Notes for Pineapple Casserole Recipe
- Canned Pineapple Chunks | Sweet, juicy, and the heart of the dish. Be sure to drain pineapple chunks well.
- All Purpose Flour | Helps thicken the mixture so it is not runny.
- Granulated Sugar | Balances the tangy pineapple and adds a sweet flavor.
- Sharp Cheddar Cheese | The stronger the cheddar, the better the contrast with the pineapple!
- Buttery Round Crackers | Crushed and buttery, Ritz crackers create that irresistible topping.
- Butter | Melted and mixed with the crackers for richness.
Variations and Substitutions
- Fruit: Swap pineapple chunks for pineapple tidbits if you prefer a softer bite.
- Gluten Free: Use gluten free crackers to make the recipe gluten-free friendly.
- Spice: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to lean slightly sweeter, almost dessert like.
- Cheese: Try a mix of cheddar and Monterey Jack for a creamier, milder flavor.
- Sweetness: For a less sweet version, cut the sugar in half.
How to Make Cheesy Pineapple Casserole
This casserole comes together in minutes. Just stir, top with crackers, and bake until golden.
PREHEAT. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Lightly coat an 8×8-inch casserole dish with cooking spray.
PREP THE PINEAPPLE. Drain the pineapple, reserving 3 tablespoons of the juice. Place the pineapple in a large bowl along with the flour, sugar, and the reserved pineapple juice, and stir gently to combine.
TRANSFER TO BAKING DISH. Pour the pineapple mixture into the prepared baking dish and top with the shredded cheese.
MAKE THE TOPPING. Mix the crushed crackers and melted butter together, then spread evenly on top of the casserole. Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 15 minutes.
BAKE & ENJOY. Uncover and continue baking 10 to 15 minutes, until it is hot and bubbly and the top is golden brown.
More Recipe Success Tips
Storage and Reheating Tips
Store leftover pineapple casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm in a 350°F oven until hot, about 15 minutes. You can also microwave individual servings, although the topping will lose some crispness!
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes! For double or triple batches, use a larger baking dish like 9×13 or two pans. Bake until bubbly, adding 5–10 minutes as needed to ensure even warming and crispy topping.
If you prefer, you can make this pineapple casserole with fresh pineapple! Use about 4–5 cups of fresh pineapple cut into bite-size pieces. Fresh pineapple will have less moisture, no need to drain!
Sprinkle the cracker topping on top right before baking and avoid stirring after baking begins. Also, make sure to serve it warm! Reheating in the oven for 5–10 minutes at 350°F helps restore crispness if needed.
Absolutely! Prepare the casserole as directed, cover it tightly, and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Remember, it’s best to add the cracker topping just before baking to keep it crisp.
Looking for More Southern-inspired Recipes?
This easy banana pudding recipe and my sweet potato pie recipe are family favorites. I have a yummy Southern salmon patties recipe, too!
What to Serve With Pineapple Casserole
Pineapple casserole is surprisingly versatile! It pairs with meals featuring baked holiday ham, oven roasted turkey breast, or air fryer chicken legs.
It also works well at potlucks alongside classics like my broccoli rice casserole recipe, Southern deviled eggs recipe, green bean casserole, or smoked mac and cheese!
You can also serve it with a brunch spread. Try it with brunch favorites like broccoli frittata, sausage quiche recipe, and a side of sugared bacon!
Beyond the Recipe
Pineapple casserole is a Southern tradition with roots in church and community cookbooks, where families passed down recipes by word of mouth and handwritten notes.
The dish rose in popularity during the mid-twentieth century, when canned pineapple became widely available and Southern cooks found creative ways to incorporate it into everyday meals.
Today, it remains one of those quirky but delicious recipes that always sparks curiosity and conversation at the table.
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Pineapple Casserole With Ritz Cracker Topping
Ingredients
- 1 20-oz. can pineapple chunks
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 3 tablespoons sugar
- 1 ¼ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 ½ cups crushed Ritz crackers
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter melted
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Lightly coat an 8×8-inch casserole dish with cooking spray.
- Drain the pineapple, reserving 3 tablespoons of the juice. Place the pineapple in a large bowl along with the flour, sugar, and the reserved juice and stir gently to combine.
- Transfer the pineapple mixture to the prepared baking dish and top with the shredded cheese.
- Mix the crushed crackers and melted butter together, then spread evenly on top of the casserole. Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 15 minutes.
- Uncover and continue baking 10 to 15 minutes, until hot and bubbly.
Notes
- Drain thoroughly. Press the pineapple gently with a spoon after draining while it is in the fine mesh sieve to remove excess liquid. This prevents a soggy casserole.
- Use sharp cheddar. Mild cheese tends to get lost in the sweetness, but sharp cheddar creates the best flavor balance.
- Don’t overbake! The casserole should be bubbly and golden, but baking too long can dry it out.
- Crush the crackers evenly. Aim for a mix of fine crumbs and small chunks to get both crispness and texture in the topping.
- Serve warm! While the casserole can be reheated, it is best when fresh from the oven with the topping crisp and golden.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm in a 350°F oven until hot, about 15 minutes. You can also microwave individual servings, although the topping will lose some crispness!
Nutrition
Life Love and Good Food does not claim to be a registered dietician or nutritionist. Nutritional information shared on this site is only an estimate. We recommend running the ingredients through an online nutritional calculator if you need to verify any information.
