This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy.
Sweet, cheesy, and a little bit savory, Pineapple Casserole is that Southern side dish everyone talks about! With juicy pineapple, melted cheddar, and a buttery Ritz cracker topping, it’s an irresistible mix of flavors that somehow just works. Perfect for Easter, Sunday suppers, or any potluck that needs a touch of charm.
Putting together your Easter menu? My Easter Side Dishes are packed with easy, crowd-pleasing recipes to round out your table. And if you love cozy Southern classics like this, try my Sweet Corn Casserole, Green Bean Casserole, or Chick-fil-A Mac and Cheese next.
💛 Cozy, nostalgic, and just a little unexpected — this is one of those recipes you’ll make year after year.
✨ Before You Begin
✨ Use the right baking dish. A 1 ½-quart dish fits this recipe perfectly — too small and you’ll risk spillover as the juices bubble up.
✨ No lid, no problem. Unlike most casseroles, this one bakes uncovered so the topping can crisp and the pineapple can caramelize.
✨ Crush those crackers evenly. You want small crumbs, not dust — it gives the topping that perfect buttery crunch.
✨ Drain pineapple well. Too much juice can make the base soggy, so press gently with paper towels if needed.
✨ Serve warm. Let it rest for about 10 minutes before serving so it sets slightly but stays gooey and luscious underneath.
🍍 Pineapple Casserole Ingredients + Key Notes
This is just a quick glance at what you’ll need. For exact measurements and the full ingredient list, head down to the recipe card below.
-
Pineapple tidbits: The star of the show! Drained well and lightly tossed in flour and sugar to create that luscious filling.
-
Cheddar cheese: Sharp cheddar brings a salty bite that balances the sweetness perfectly.
-
Ritz crackers + butter: The crunchy, golden topping that takes this from good to unforgettable.
-
Flour + sugar: Thickens and sweetens the pineapple filling just enough.
-
Maraschino cherries + pineapple garnish: A charming retro finish for presentation — optional but delightful!
How To Make Pineapple Casserole Recipe
It’s as easy as can be! Toss the pineapple with sugar and flour, spread it in your baking dish, and top with cheddar. Add a layer of buttery Ritz crumbs, then bake until golden and bubbly. Let it rest for a few minutes, garnish with pineapple tidbits and cherries, and serve warm — pure Southern comfort!
***See the full instructions below.
Frequently Asked Questions
⭐ Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned?
Yes, you can! Just make sure to chop it into small tidbits and drain it really well. Canned pineapple adds a touch more sweetness and moisture, but fresh works beautifully if you’re up for a little extra prep.
⭐ Can I make Pineapple Casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely. You can assemble the casserole (without baking) up to one day in advance. Cover tightly and refrigerate. When ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes, then pop it in the oven as directed.
⭐ What kind of cheese works best?
Sharp cheddar is classic! Its salty tang perfectly balances the sweet pineapple. You can use mild or medium cheddar if you prefer a gentler flavor, but don’t skip the cheese—it’s what makes this casserole so irresistible.
⭐ Can I use gluten-free crackers?
Yes! Simply swap the Ritz for your favorite gluten-free butter-style crackers. The texture and buttery crunch will still come through.
⭐ Is Pineapple Casserole a side dish or a dessert?
That’s the fun part—it’s both! In the South, it’s often served alongside ham or turkey at holidays, but it’s just as delicious as a sweet finish after dinner.
⭐ How do I store leftovers?
Cover tightly and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat in a 350°F oven until warm and bubbly, or enjoy it cold (some folks swear it’s even better chilled!).
Storing + Reheating + Freezing + Make-Ahead Tips
Storing
- Cover leftovers tightly and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
Reheating
- Warm individual servings in the microwave or reheat the whole dish in a 350°F oven for 15–20 minutes until heated through and bubbly.
Freezing
- This casserole isn’t ideal for freezing due to the pineapple’s high moisture content and the crumb topping texture.
Make-Ahead
- You can assemble the pineapple base up to 1 day ahead and store it covered in the fridge. Add the cracker topping right before baking for best texture.
More Holiday Side Recipes
- Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole
- Creamed Peas
- Watergate Salad
- Creamed Spinach
- Strawberry Pretzel Salad
- Au Gratin Potatoes
- Sweet Potato Casserole
Tried This Recipe?
💌 And while you’re here, don’t miss the next cozy recipe — subscribe to my totally FREE newsletter so you’ll always have comfort food favorites at your fingertips. 💌
If you enjoyed this recipe, please take a moment to leave ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ star rating and a quick comment — I love hearing from you and it helps our community of bakers and cooks!
Thanks for stopping by my kitchen today — happy cooking, friends! 💗 Kathleen
Pineapple Casserole
Ingredients
- 2 (20-ounce) cans pineapple tidbits, drained, and 15 pieces reserved for garnish
- 1 cup sugar
- 6 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups cheddar cheese shredded
- 2 cups crushed Ritz Crackers
- 1/4 cup butter, melted
- 3 maraschino cherries drained and rinsed
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350ºF (177ºC). Spray a 1 1/2-quart baking dish with nonstick cooking spray; set aside.
- In a medium mixing bowl, stir together sugar (1 cup) and flour (6 tablespoons). Toss pineapple chunks in the flour mixture to coat well.
- Pour into prepared baking dish and sprinkle cheese (2 cups) evenly over top.
- In a small mixing bowl stir together crushed crackers (2 cups) and melted butter (1/4 cup). Sprinkle crumbs over cheese.
- Bake, uncovered for 25-35 minutes or until the topping is golden and the cheese is melted. Let stand for 10 minutes. Garnish with reserved pineapple tidbits and cherries in a flower pattern and serve.
Notes
- Baking Dish: Be sure to get the correct size baking dish! The last thing you need is the pineapple juice overflowing during the baking process and burning in your oven.
- Do Not Cover: Most casseroles have you cover your dish for the baking process — not this one! You want the pineapple and cheese open to the oven’s heat so you get as much caramelization as you can. If you still want more, you can always turn your broiler on and let it crisp up the topping!
Nutrition
Our new go-to pineapple recipe. We loved it
Yaaay! Thanks, Charlie 🙂
Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned? We prefer the taste of fresh.
Would I need to adjust the sugar amount if I did use fresh?
Suzie. Hi I haven’t developed this recipe to use fresh pineapple. Yes, surely you can use it. Adding more sugar will most likely depend on how ripe and sweet your fresh pineapple is. Fresh pineapple may be a bit firmer also. You might wish to cook it a little longer so the finished dish it’s not too firm. Again, it depends on how ripe the fresh pineapple is <3
Do you include the juice from the canned pineapple? Or just the bits.
Hi Lee. Just the tidbits. I drain them in a sieve set over the sink but don’t press down on the fruit or wrap it in towels so there will be a little bit of juice that clings to the fruit. I hope that helps. This is such a delicious dish I hope you enjoy!!