This pineapple casserole is the unexpectedly delicious sweet-and-savory side dish that pairs perfectly with ham, turkey, or just about any holiday spread. With juicy pineapple, sharp cheddar, and a buttery Ritz cracker topping, it's a Southern classic that's easy to make and always a crowd favorite.
Pineapple casserole is one of those old-fashioned casserole recipes that doesn't make sense until you take a bite, then suddenly, you're wondering where it's been all your life.
Juicy pineapple gets mixed with melty cheddar and finished with a golden, buttery Ritz cracker crust, and somehow, it just works.
If you've never had it before, I get it; it sounds a little out there. But trust me, this is one of those recipes using canned pineapples that turns a few basic ingredients into something ridiculously good.
It's the perfect sidekick to ham (a must for Easter or Christmas!), but honestly, it's so easy to throw together that I'll happily make it for a weeknight dinner. Try it once, and don't be surprised if your family starts requesting it all the time!
Why you'll love this pineapple casserole recipe
- It's the perfect balance of sweet and salty, with just the right amount of crunch in every bite.
- You only need a handful of basic ingredients, and there's barely any prep involved.
- It's one of those old-school Southern dishes that surprises everyone... and then they go back for seconds!
What you'll need
Canned pineapple - I use pineapple in juice (not syrup!) for the perfect balance of sweetness without being too much.
Cheddar cheese - Sharp cheddar is a must! It adds a salty, tangy bite that keeps this casserole from being too sweet.
Brown sugar - A little extra sweetness enhances the pineapple without making it overpowering. Dark or light brown sugar both work.
All-purpose flour - Helps thicken the filling slightly so it's not too runny.
Ritz crackers - Buttery, crispy, and slightly salty; this is what gives the casserole that signature crunchy topping.
Butter - Melted butter brings everything together and makes the cracker topping extra golden and crispy. I use the unsalted kind here.
Pro tip
For the crispiest topping, mix the Ritz crackers with melted butter right before sprinkling them on. If you prep them too early, they'll absorb moisture and lose that irresistible crunch!
How to make pineapple casserole with ritz crackers
This is a quick overview with step-by-step photos. See the recipe card below for full ingredients and instructions.
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
In a large bowl, combine the drained pineapple, cheddar cheese, brown sugar, and flour. Stir until everything is well mixed.
In a smaller bowl, toss the crushed Ritz crackers with melted butter and reserved pineapple juice until coated.
Spread the pineapple mixture in the baking dish, then sprinkle the cracker topping evenly over it. Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden and crispy. Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Helpful tips
- Make sure you drain the pineapple well. Too much liquid will make the casserole soupy. I even give it a little press with a spoon.
- The easiest way to crush ritz crackers it to toss them in a ziplock bag and smash them with your hands (or a rolling pin).
- If you want to make your pineapple casserole ahead, you can mix the filling hours in advance, but don't add the cracker topping until just before baking.
What to serve with pineapple casserole
- If you're making this for a holiday meal, do yourself a favor and serve it next to a glazed ham. It's a total game changer!
- Alternatively, you can serve it with crispy fried chicken or your favorite roasted chicken.
- It's the perfect accompaniment to your Thanksgiving turkey, too!
- Pork and pineapple are another match made in heaven, so serve it as a side for grilled, pan-seared, or air fried pork chops!
Leftovers and storage
- If you're lucky enough to have any leftovers, pop them in an airtight container and keep them in the fridge for up to 3 days. The topping will soften a bit, but the flavor stays amazing.
- To reheat, pop the leftovers in the oven (350°F for about 10 minutes); this will bring back some crunch, but let's be honest, leftovers never quite match fresh! The microwave works if you're in a rush, but the topping won't crisp back up.
- I wouldn't recommend freezing pineapple casserole - this one's best enjoyed fresh!
More cozy side dish recipes
If you've tried this pineapple casserole recipe, please rate it and leave a comment below! I'd love to hear how it turned out.
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Pineapple Casserole Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 cans (20 oz / 560g) pineapple chunks in own juice, (reserve ¼ cup juice) drained
- 1 ½ cup cheddar cheese grated
- ⅓ cup brown sugar
- ⅓ cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups Ritz crackers crushed
- ½ cup butter melted
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
- In a large bowl, stir together the drained pineapple, grated cheddar cheese, brown sugar and all-purpose flour. Mix well until combined.2 cans (20 oz / 560g) pineapple chunks in own juice, (reserve ¼ cup juice)1 ½ cup cheddar cheese⅓ cup brown sugar⅓ cup all-purpose flour
- In a separate smaller bowl, mix the crushed Ritz crackers with the melted butter and reserved pineapple juice until the crumbs are evenly coated.2 cups Ritz crackers½ cup butter
- Pour the pineapple and cheese mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly. Sprinkle the buttery cracker mixture over the pineapple filling, making sure it covers everything.
- Place the dish in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden and crispy.
- Let it sit for about 5 minutes before serving. Serve warm as a sweet-savory side dish with ham, roasted meats, or on its own.
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