Easy Cheesy Southern Pineapple Casserole Recipe

This Easy Cheesy Southern Pineapple Casserole is the ultimate comfort food surprise—sweet, savory, buttery, and downright irresistible. It’s a classic Southern side dish that’s as quirky as it is delicious, combining juicy pineapple, sharp cheddar cheese, and a buttery cracker topping into a warm, gooey casserole. Perfect for holidays, potlucks, or weeknight dinners when you want something that’s a little different but incredibly easy to whip up.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Unbelievably Simple: You can prep this dish in just minutes with pantry staples and a few basic steps. It’s the definition of “dump and bake.”
• Unexpected Flavor Combo: Cheese and pineapple might sound strange, but the contrast of sweet and salty is pure magic. It’s that Southern charm in full force.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: It’s as much at home on a holiday table next to ham or turkey as it is next to some BBQ chicken on a Tuesday night.
• Crowd Pleaser: There’s something about the buttery cracker crust that gets everyone going back for seconds—don’t expect leftovers!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what goes into this comforting pineapple casserole—and why each one matters:

• Canned Pineapple Chunks: These bring the sweetness and juiciness. Use pineapple packed in juice (not syrup) for the best balance of flavors.
• Granulated Sugar: A touch of sugar enhances the natural sweetness of the pineapple without making it overly dessert-like.
• All-Purpose Flour: Helps to thicken the pineapple mixture slightly so it holds up during baking.
• Sharp Cheddar Cheese: The sharper, the better! This gives that savory depth and balances the pineapple’s sweetness. It must be cheddar—don’t swap it for something mild.
• Ritz Crackers (or buttery crackers): Crushed up for that golden, crisp topping. Adds texture and buttery richness.
• Butter: Melted and mixed with the crackers, it creates that irresistibly crunchy, golden finish on top.

Variations

Feeling like switching things up? Try these simple tweaks:

• Spicy-Sweet: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of hot sauce to the pineapple mixture for a spicy twist.
• Nutty Crunch: Toss some chopped pecans into the cracker topping for added texture and a nutty contrast.
• Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free flour blend and gluten-free crackers to make it celiac-friendly.
• Lighter Version: Cut back a bit on the cheese or use a reduced-fat version—though let’s be honest, this dish is all about indulgence.

How to Make Easy Cheesy Southern Pineapple Casserole

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Lightly grease a medium-sized casserole dish with butter or cooking spray.

Step 2: Mix the Base

In a large bowl, combine the drained pineapple chunks, sugar, flour, and shredded cheddar cheese. Mix it all together until the pineapple is nicely coated and the cheese is evenly distributed.

Step 3: Layer It In

Pour the pineapple-cheese mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly.

Step 4: Add the Topping

Crush the buttery crackers (not too fine—you want some chunks for crunch) and mix with the melted butter. Sprinkle this glorious mixture evenly over the top of the casserole.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Slide the dish into the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly and the cheese is melted through.

Step 6: Let It Rest

Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes after baking. This helps it set up a bit before serving.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

• Don’t Overmix: Just gently combine the ingredients so you don’t mash the pineapple.
• Use Freshly Shredded Cheese: Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that can affect the texture when melted.
• Drain Pineapple Well: Too much juice can make the casserole soggy. Let it sit in a colander for a few minutes before using.
• Crackers Last: Always add the cracker topping just before baking to keep it nice and crunchy.

How to Serve

This casserole is wonderfully versatile. Serve it:

• With Holiday Meats: It pairs like a dream with baked ham, roasted turkey, or glazed pork.
• Alongside BBQ: It’s a Southern side, after all—serve it next to pulled pork, grilled chicken, or ribs.
• As a Sweet-Savory Snack: Honestly, you could serve it warm at a brunch or even as an unusual but delightful dessert.

Garnish Ideas:

• A few fresh thyme leaves or parsley sprinkled on top for a pop of color
• A drizzle of hot honey if you’re feeling bold!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. The topping may soften, but a quick reheat will bring it back to life.

Freezing

You can freeze the unbaked casserole without the cracker topping. Just thaw overnight in the fridge, add the cracker topping fresh, and bake as directed.

Reheating

Reheat in a 350°F oven until warmed through. A few minutes under the broiler will crisp the top right back up.

FAQs

Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned?
Yes, but be sure to cut it into small chunks and drain off any excess juice. Fresh pineapple will bring a slightly tangier, more vibrant flavor.

Is this a dessert or a side dish?
It’s traditionally served as a side dish in the South, especially alongside savory mains. But with its sweet profile, you could absolutely sneak it in as a dessert.

Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Prepare everything except the cracker topping, cover and refrigerate. Add the topping just before baking for the best texture.

Can I double the recipe for a crowd?
Absolutely. Just use a larger casserole dish or two smaller ones, and increase the bake time slightly if needed. Keep an eye on the topping to make sure it doesn’t overbrown.

Final Thoughts

This Easy Cheesy Southern Pineapple Casserole is the kind of dish that surprises people—in the best way. It’s comforting, unique, and incredibly easy to pull together, even on a hectic weeknight. If you’ve never tried the magical combo of pineapple and cheese, this is your chance to fall in love with something delightfully different. Give it a go and don’t be surprised when it becomes a regular request at every gathering!

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