Name: Pineapple Casserole
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 20 ounces pineapple chunks in 100% pineapple juice, drained (reserve 2 tablespoons juice for the topping); 20 ounces crushed pineapple in 100% pineapple juice, drained; ¼ cup honey; ⅓ cup all-purpose flour; 6 ounces freshly grated sharp cheddar cheese (about 1½ cups), divided; For the Topping:; 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted; 20 buttery round crackers, crushed (about ¾ cup); ¼ cup panko breadcrumbs or additional crushed crackers; 2 tablespoons reserved pineapple juice

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Pineapple Casserole is a unique, sweet-and-savory Southern classic that combines juicy pineapple, sharp cheddar cheese, and a buttery cracker topping. With its gooey center and crunchy crust, this unexpected flavor combination surprises and delights every time. Whether served as a side dish, brunch item, or even dessert, it’s a crowd-pleasing favorite that’s perfect for holidays and potlucks.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe delivers the perfect balance of flavors and textures: tangy pineapple, melty cheese, and a crisp, buttery topping. It’s incredibly simple to prepare with pantry staples and only 10 minutes of hands-on prep. Pineapple casserole is a conversation starter—once you try it, you’ll understand why it’s a beloved Southern tradition. It’s also easy to make ahead and reheats beautifully.

Pineapple Casserole

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

20 ounces pineapple chunks in 100% pineapple juice, drained (reserve 2 tablespoons juice for topping)
20 ounces crushed pineapple in 100% pineapple juice, drained
¼ cup honey
⅓ cup all-purpose flour
6 ounces freshly grated sharp cheddar cheese (about 1 ½ cups), divided

For the topping:

6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
20 buttery round crackers (such as Ritz), crushed (about ¾ cup)
¼ cup panko breadcrumbs or additional crushed crackers
2 tablespoons reserved pineapple juice

Directions

Preheat your oven to 350°F and place a rack in the center. Lightly grease a 9×9 baking dish (or similar-sized dish like 8×10 or a deep 9-inch pie plate).
In a large mixing bowl, combine the drained pineapple chunks, crushed pineapple, and honey. Gently stir.
Sprinkle the flour and two-thirds of the grated cheese over the mixture. Stir again gently until the flour is no longer visible and the cheese is evenly distributed.
Transfer the filling to the prepared baking dish and smooth the top. Sprinkle the remaining cheese over the surface.
In a medium bowl, combine the melted butter, crushed crackers, panko breadcrumbs (or more crackers), and reserved pineapple juice. Mix with a fork until moistened.
Sprinkle the topping evenly over the casserole.
Bake for 35 minutes, until the top is golden brown and the filling is hot and bubbly.
Let cool slightly and serve warm.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields 10 servings.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 30 minutes
Total time: 40 minutes

Variations

Make it gluten-free: Use gluten-free flour and substitute gluten-free crackers for the topping.
Add spice: Stir in a pinch of cayenne pepper or crushed red pepper for a subtle kick.
Add texture: Include chopped pecans or walnuts in the topping for added crunch.
Make it dessert-style: Increase the honey or add a sprinkle of brown sugar for a sweeter profile.
Swap the cheese: Try using a milder cheese like Monterey Jack or a sharper aged cheddar for a different flavor.

Storage/Reheating

Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Reheating: Reheat in a 350°F oven until warmed through or microwave individual portions.
Freezer: Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. Note: the texture may soften slightly but the flavor will still be great.

FAQs

Is pineapple casserole a dessert or side dish?

It can be both. The sweet and savory combination makes it versatile enough to be served with dinner or as a unique dessert.

Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned?

Yes, but make sure to finely chop it and reserve juice for the topping, if possible.

What kind of cheese works best?

Sharp cheddar is traditional and gives the best contrast to the sweetness of the pineapple.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes. Assemble the filling a day ahead and store it in the fridge. Add the topping just before baking.

What crackers should I use?

Buttery round crackers like Ritz are ideal for their flavor and texture, but other similar crackers can work too.

Can I skip the breadcrumbs?

Yes, you can use only crushed crackers if you prefer. Breadcrumbs add a slightly different texture but aren’t required.

Why is flour added to the filling?

Flour helps thicken the filling as it bakes, giving the casserole a cohesive, spoonable texture.

Is this dish kid-friendly?

Absolutely! The sweet, cheesy flavors and soft texture make it a hit with kids.

Can I add other fruits?

Pineapple is key, but a small amount of finely chopped mango or peach could work well for variation.

Does this need to be served warm?

It’s best served warm for optimal texture and flavor, but leftovers can be enjoyed at room temperature, too.

Conclusion

Pineapple Casserole is a beloved Southern staple that offers a delightful mix of sweet, savory, and buttery comfort in every bite. With minimal prep and maximum flavor, it’s perfect for holiday tables, family gatherings, or any meal that needs a memorable side dish. Try it once, and you’ll understand why this unexpected combination wins over everyone who takes a bite.