Pineapple casserole is a surprising and delightful dish that combines the sweetness of pineapple with savory ingredients like cheese and crackers, creating a perfect balance of flavors. This easy pineapple casserole recipe is a crowd-pleaser and works as a great side dish for holiday meals, potlucks, or even a comforting weeknight dinner. It’s simple to prepare, requiring only a handful of ingredients, and bakes up into a warm, gooey, and cheesy casserole with a hint of pineapple sweetness. The blend of buttery crackers topping the casserole gives it a lovely crunch, making every bite a satisfying experience. Whether you’re a fan of sweet and savory combinations or just love pineapple, this casserole is sure to become a favorite in your recipe repertoire.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Easy to Make

This recipe is straightforward, requiring just a few ingredients that are easy to find, and comes together quickly for a stress-free dish.

2. Perfect Balance of Sweet and Savory

The combination of pineapple, cheese, and buttery crackers creates a deliciously unique flavor profile that’s both sweet and savory. It’s an unexpected yet delightful taste!

3. Great for Potlucks and Holidays

This casserole is perfect for sharing. It’s a great option for potlucks, holiday dinners, and family gatherings, as it can feed a crowd and is sure to be a hit.

4. Customizable

You can easily adjust the recipe to suit your taste. Want more cheese? Add it. Prefer a crunchier topping? Double up on the crackers! It’s simple to make it your own.

5. Comforting and Satisfying

This dish is comforting, warm, and rich, with the pineapple offering a sweet burst that pairs beautifully with the creamy cheese and crispy cracker topping.

Ingredients

Canned pineapple chunks (drained)
Sugar
All-purpose flour
Eggs
Cheddar cheese (shredded)
Butter (melted)
Salt
Crushed buttery crackers (like Ritz crackers)

Variations

Add Nuts: For a bit of crunch, add chopped pecans or walnuts to the casserole before baking.
Coconut Pineapple Casserole: Add shredded coconut to the casserole for an extra tropical twist.
Spicy Pineapple Casserole: If you like a little heat, mix in some finely chopped jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the pineapple mixture.
Gluten-Free Option: Substitute the crushed crackers with gluten-free crackers or breadcrumbs to make this recipe gluten-free.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish.

Step 2: Prepare the Pineapple Mixture

In a large mixing bowl, combine the drained pineapple chunks with sugar, flour, eggs, shredded cheddar cheese, melted butter, and a pinch of salt. Stir everything together until well combined.

Step 3: Assemble the Casserole

Pour the pineapple mixture into the prepared casserole dish and spread it out evenly.

Step 4: Add the Cracker Topping

In a small bowl, crush the buttery crackers into fine crumbs. Sprinkle the crumbs evenly over the top of the pineapple mixture. You can add a little extra melted butter on top of the crumbs to make them extra crispy and golden.

Step 5: Bake

Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the topping is golden brown.

Step 6: Serve

Once the casserole is done, let it cool for a few minutes before serving. It’s best served warm, and it pairs beautifully with ham, roasted meats, or even as a side dish to a hearty salad.

Tips for Making the Recipe

Drain the Pineapple Well: It’s important to drain the pineapple thoroughly before using it to prevent the casserole from becoming too watery.
Use Freshly Shredded Cheese: For the best flavor and texture, use freshly shredded cheddar cheese rather than pre-shredded cheese.
Customize the Topping: If you prefer a crunchier topping, you can add more crushed crackers, or even mix in a bit of grated Parmesan cheese for extra flavor.
Serve with a Protein: This casserole is great as a side dish to complement a main protein, like ham, chicken, or roasted pork.

How to Serve

Pineapple casserole makes a delicious side dish that pairs wonderfully with a variety of main dishes. Serve it alongside glazed ham, roasted chicken, or a hearty steak. It’s also a great addition to a holiday spread or potluck table. You can even enjoy it as a savory-sweet snack or light meal on its own.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers, store the casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.

Freezing

To freeze this casserole, let it cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place it in a freezer-safe container. It will keep in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat, bake from frozen at 350°F (175°C) for 45-50 minutes, or until heated through.

Reheating

To reheat, cover the casserole with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until it’s warmed throughout. You can also microwave individual servings for a quicker option.

FAQs

1. Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned?

Yes, you can use fresh pineapple, but make sure to chop it into small chunks and drain any excess liquid before adding it to the casserole.

2. Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the casserole a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just bake it right before serving.

3. Can I make it dairy-free?

To make this recipe dairy-free, use a dairy-free cheese and butter substitute in place of the cheddar cheese and butter.

4. Can I use a different type of cheese?

Yes, you can experiment with different cheeses like mozzarella or Monterey Jack for a slightly different flavor.

5. Can I make this casserole without the eggs?

Yes, you can omit the eggs and use a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water) as a substitute.

6. What can I serve this casserole with?

Pineapple casserole pairs wonderfully with roasted meats, like ham, turkey, or chicken. It also makes a great side dish for BBQ or holiday meals.

7. How can I make the topping extra crispy?

You can add a little extra melted butter on top of the cracker crumbs before baking to ensure a crisp and golden topping.

8. Can I add more fruit?

Yes, you can add other fruits like peaches or cherries to the casserole for a different twist.

9. Is this casserole sweet or savory?

Pineapple casserole is a combination of both sweet and savory, with the sweetness of the pineapple balanced by the creamy cheese and buttery cracker topping.

10. Can I use a smaller dish?

If you use a smaller casserole dish, the casserole may need a slightly longer cooking time. Just make sure the mixture is bubbly and the topping is golden brown before serving.

Conclusion

This Easy Pineapple Casserole is the perfect combination of sweet and savory flavors, and it’s guaranteed to be a hit at your next gathering. With minimal ingredients and a simple preparation process, it’s a great dish for both beginner and experienced cooks alike. Whether you’re serving it at a holiday dinner or as a comforting side for a family meal, this pineapple casserole is sure to impress everyone at the table. Enjoy!