Baked Pineapple Casserole

Baked Pineapple Casserole is the Southern comfort food you didn’t know you needed! This dish features juicy pineapple tidbits, sharp cheddar cheese, and a crunchy buttery cracker topping. It strikes the perfect balance of sweet, savory, creamy, and crisp. It’s easy to make and pairs beautifully with baked ham, roast chicken, or a holiday spread.

This dish may sound surprising, but trust me—it’s always a hit. The sweetness of the pineapple combines with the salty bite of cheddar. A golden Ritz cracker topping creates a warm, gooey, irresistible casserole. It disappears quickly.

This comforting dish is both sweet and savory. It is a versatile side that fits perfectly alongside salty hams. It also complements roasted turkey and even brunch spreads. The creamy, cheesy base holds juicy pineapple tidbits. It’s topped with a golden, buttery layer of crushed Ritz crackers. This layer adds the perfect amount of crunch. Every bite is warm, gooey, tangy, and rich—like a warm hug from your grandma’s kitchen.

The uniqueness of this dish lies in how the ingredients come together. They create a flavor profile that’s hard to categorize. Still, it’s impossible to forget. The pineapple brings in a burst of tropical brightness. The sugar and flour form a soft, lightly sweet base. This base cradles the cheddar cheese. And that cheesy richness? It adds just enough saltiness to balance out the sweetness of the fruit. Then you’ve got that cracker topping—crispy, golden, and just the right amount of buttery goodness to seal it all in.

This is a crowd-pleasing casserole that people go back for second helpings of—sometimes even thirds. It’s a side dish that feels a little like dessert. This quality makes it especially suitable for large holiday gatherings. You want something comforting and special for these occasions.

Ingredients

• 2 (20 oz) cans pineapple tidbits, drained (reserve ¼ cup of juice)
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 6 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• ¼ cup reserved pineapple juice
• 1 sleeve Ritz crackers, crushed
• ½ cup unsalted butter, melted

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×9-inch or 9×13-inch casserole dish.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour and sugar until they are thoroughly combined.
3. In a large mixing bowl, combine the pineapple tidbits, cheddar cheese, and the reserved ¼ cup of pineapple juice. Add the flour-sugar mixture and stir well until everything is evenly coated.
4. Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly.
5. In a small bowl, mix the crushed Ritz crackers with the melted butter until well coated. Sprinkle this over the top of the pineapple mixture.
6. Bake uncovered for 30–35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the casserole is bubbling around the edges.
7. Let cool for 5–10 minutes before serving. Enjoy warm!

Serving Ideas

This casserole is often served as a holiday side dish, especially alongside:

• Baked ham or pork loin
• Glazed carrots or roasted vegetables
• Southern classics like fried chicken or BBQ ribs

It also works well on a brunch buffet or as a sweet-savory addition to a potluck table.

Tips & Variations

Storage & Reheating

• Store leftovers covered in the fridge for up to 4 days.
• Reheat in the oven at 325°F until warm to maintain the crispness of the topping.

This Baked Pineapple Casserole brings warmth and nostalgia to any table. This dish delivers big flavor with minimal effort. It is perfect for a family dinner, a holiday meal, or something new to wow your guests.

Related:

Easy Cheesy Hash Brown Casserole

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