If you have a family gathering coming up, Paula Deen’s Pineapple Casserole with Cheese makes an excellent side for ham, turkey, or chicken. The sweet pineapple, salty cheddar, and buttery cracker topping create a delightful sweet-and-savory combination that many families love.
What is pineapple casserole?
Pineapple casserole is a classic Southern-style side dish that likely gained popularity in mid-20th century America. Known by names like scalloped pineapple or Southern pineapple casserole, it blends canned pineapple, cheese, and a buttery cracker topping into a warm, comforting dish often served at holidays.
If this is your first time trying pineapple casserole, save this recipe — it may become a new family favorite. Many people enjoy it alongside holiday ham at Easter or other special dinners.
The contrast of sweet pineapple, sharp cheddar, and crunchy buttery cracker crumbs delivers an enjoyable mix of flavors and textures. Served hot or chilled, it’s flexible enough to work as a side dish and sweet enough that some might treat it like a dessert.
Other side dish recipes to try
When you’re planning a holiday meal, it helps to have a few reliable side dishes. A few popular options to pair with pineapple casserole include Green Bean Casserole, Sweet Potato Casserole, Corn Casserole, Cheesy Au Gratin Potatoes, and Twice-Baked Potatoes.
Why you’ll love this Pineapple Cheese Casserole
- This easy casserole uses simple, pantry-friendly ingredients and requires no special equipment.
- It’s a crowd-pleaser at family dinners and holiday gatherings.
- It can be prepared ahead of time, which helps make the day of your event less stressful.
Is Pineapple casserole a dessert or a side dish?
Traditionally served hot as a side dish, pineapple casserole is sweet enough that it can also pass for a dessert if you prefer to serve it that way.
What’s in a Pineapple Casserole?
Pineapple – Canned pineapple chunks are recommended for this recipe because their texture and canned juice balance the dish. Crushed pineapple (drained), tidbits, or sliced pineapple pieces also work. Fresh pineapple is not recommended here.
Pineapple juice – Reserve a tablespoon or two of the canned pineapple juice to add to the cracker topping or drizzle over the casserole before baking. This is optional but adds flavor.
Ritz crackers – Buttery round crackers like Ritz are used for the crunchy topping. Crumble them well.
Unsalted butter – Unsalted butter keeps the salt level balanced since the crackers are already salty. Salted butter can be used in a pinch.
All-purpose flour – Flour helps thicken and bind the pineapple and cheese mixture.
Granulated sugar – A modest amount of sugar brightens the pineapple’s sweetness. This version uses less sugar than some older recipes to avoid an overly sweet result.
Cheddar cheese – Shredded sharp cheddar provides a savory contrast to the pineapple. For the best melt and flavor, shred cheese from a block rather than using pre-shredded varieties.
Variations
If you want to tweak the recipe, try one of these simple additions to introduce new textures or flavors:
Add about 1/3 cup flaked coconut to the pineapple mixture for a tropical note.
Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts over the cracker topping before baking for extra crunch.
Stir in 1/2 cup maraschino cherries for color and a different sweet element.
Mix in 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg for a warm, aromatic hint.
Do you use fresh pineapple in this recipe?
No. Canned pineapple is preferred because the canning process and retained juice yield the tender, sweet texture this casserole needs. Fresh pineapple tested differently and didn’t produce the same results.
Can you make cheddar pineapple casserole ahead of time?
Yes. To assemble ahead without baking, prepare the pineapple-cheese mixture in the casserole dish and keep the cracker-and-butter topping separate in a small container or zip-top bag. Bring the topping to room temperature, add it on top, and bake as directed when ready.
If you prefer to fully cook in advance, bake the casserole, then reheat at 350°F for 15 minutes or until warmed through.
How to make pineapple casserole
This casserole comes together quickly. Preheat your oven to 350°F before you begin and grease an 8×12-inch (or similar) baking dish.
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour and sugar, then stir in the shredded cheese a little at a time until evenly combined.
Drain the canned pineapple, reserving a few tablespoons of juice. Fold the pineapple into the flour-cheese mixture and transfer everything to the prepared casserole dish. You can leave the top slightly rustic or smooth it with a spatula.
In a separate bowl, combine crumbled Ritz crackers with melted unsalted butter and about 1 tablespoon of the reserved pineapple juice, mixing until the crumbs are evenly coated.
Sprinkle the buttery cracker crumbs over the pineapple mixture. Bake at 350°F for 25–30 minutes, until the top turns light golden brown. For a deeper color on the crumbs, leave it in a few minutes longer.
How to serve pineapple casserole
This casserole pairs beautifully with baked ham, roasted pork, ribs, or roasted poultry. Serve warm as a sweet-savory side to balance richer mains.
Tips for making pineapple casserole
Fully drain the pineapple before mixing to prevent a watery casserole. Reserve a small amount of the juice for the topping if desired.
How long does pineapple casserole last?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days.
Can you freeze pineapple casserole?
Freezing is not recommended as the texture will become soggy after thawing.
You might also enjoy these side dishes
If you try this pineapple casserole with Ritz crackers, please consider leaving feedback and a rating. Your notes help others decide if this recipe will work for their holiday table.
Paula Deen’s Pineapple Casserole Recipe with Cheese
5 from 1 review
- Author: Sandra Flegg
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings
Description
This cheesy pineapple casserole brings together sweet pineapple, sharp cheddar, and a buttery cracker topping. It’s an easy, comforting side for holiday meals or family dinners.
Ingredients
6 Tablespoons All purpose flour
1/2 cup Granulated sugar
2 (20 ounce) cans pineapple, drained (save a few Tablespoons of the juice)
2 cups Sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
1 1/2 cups Buttery Ritz crackers, crumbled
3 to 4 Tablespoons Unsalted butter, melted
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease an 8×12-inch or similar baking dish.
- In a large bowl, mix together the all-purpose flour and granulated sugar.
- Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese a little at a time until combined.
- Drain the pineapple, reserving a few tablespoons of juice, and fold the pineapple into the flour-cheese mixture.
- Transfer the mixture to the prepared casserole dish.
- In a separate bowl, combine crumbled Ritz crackers with the melted butter and 1 tablespoon reserved pineapple juice, stirring until evenly coated.
- Sprinkle the cracker crumb mixture over the pineapple layer.
- Bake at 350°F for 25–30 minutes, or until the top is light golden brown.
Notes
Storage: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for 3–4 days.
Freezing is not recommended, as it will make the casserole soggy after thawing.
This version reduces the sugar and slightly adjusts the cracker topping compared to some original recipes while keeping the familiar flavors intact.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Side Dishes
- Method: Oven Baked
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 generous helping
- Calories: 159
- Sugar: 13.3 g
- Sodium: 91.6 mg
- Fat: 8.1 g
- Saturated Fat: 4.7 g
- Trans Fat: 0.1 g
- Carbohydrates: 18.6 g
- Fiber: 0.6 g
- Protein: 3.8 g
- Cholesterol: 22.2 mg