Southern Pineapple Casserole Recipe
If you’ve never tasted the sweet-meets-savory magic of Southern Pineapple Casserole, prepare to fall head-over-heels for this utterly charming Southern classic. This dish is a joyful tumble of juicy pineapple, sharp cheddar cheese, buttery cracker crumble, and just the right amount of sugar, all baked together until bubbly and golden. It works beautifully as a holiday side, a quirky potluck surprise, or a weeknight treat when you’re craving a comforting bite of nostalgia. Southern Pineapple Casserole has a way of gathering friends and family around the table — and there’s just nothing else quite like it.
Ingredients You’ll Need
With just a handful of beloved staples, you’ll be amazed by the big, bold Southern flavors packed into every spoonful. Each ingredient brings something special, creating that iconic taste and texture we all adore in Southern Pineapple Casserole.
- Pineapple Chunks: The star of the show, juicy canned pineapple lends tangy sweetness and a touch of tropical flair.
- Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the filling just enough to balance the sharpness of the cheese and highlight the fruit.
- All-Purpose Flour: Helps thicken the casserole so it bakes up perfectly scoopable without being runny.
- Shredded Sharp Cheddar Cheese: Adds a bold, savory bite that melts into creamy strings – don’t skimp on quality here!
- Reserved Pineapple Juice: Enhances the casserole’s flavor and ensures a tender, juicy filling beneath the cracker crust.
- Buttery Round Crackers (like Ritz): Crushed crackers bring essential crunch and buttery flavor to the irresistible topping.
- Unsalted Butter: Melted to coat the cracker crumbs, making the topping golden and rich as it bakes.
How to Make Southern Pineapple Casserole
Step 1: Prep and Preheat
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F, setting the stage for bubbling, golden goodness. While the oven warms up, go ahead and grease a 9×9-inch baking dish with a little butter or nonstick spray so nothing sticks later on.
Step 2: Make the Pineapple Filling
In a mixing bowl, combine the drained pineapple chunks, granulated sugar, and flour. Give it a gentle stir so the fruit gets evenly coated and the sugar is nicely distributed. Next, add the shredded cheddar cheese and 1/4 cup of that reserved pineapple juice, then mix until everything is beautifully combined into a flavorful, slightly creamy filling.
Step 3: Assemble the Casserole
Spoon the pineapple mixture into your greased baking dish, spreading it out in an even layer so every bite has a little bit of everything. This ensures your Southern Pineapple Casserole bakes consistently with plenty of flavor in each scoop.
Step 4: Prepare the Cracker Topping
In a separate bowl, mix the crushed buttery crackers with the melted unsalted butter. Toss until all the crumbs are lightly coated and glistening; this combo delivers the signature crunch and color. Sprinkle the cracker topping evenly over the Pineapple Cheddar mixture, covering the whole surface for maximum golden crispiness.
Step 5: Bake and Serve
Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until the top is deeply golden and the edges are bubbling. Let the casserole cool for at least 5-10 minutes before serving. This small pause helps the flavors meld and gives the filling time to set to the perfect consistency.
How to Serve Southern Pineapple Casserole
Garnishes
While Southern Pineapple Casserole is perfectly lovely fresh from the oven, consider a light scatter of chopped fresh parsley or a few thinly sliced green onions for a pop of color and freshness. Even a little extra cracked black pepper or a tiny pinch of flaky sea salt can add excitement and contrast to each bite.
Side Dishes
This casserole shines next to roasted ham, turkey, or fried chicken – it’s a Southern favorite on holiday or Sunday tables. For a lighter meal, serve with a spring salad or alongside grilled vegetables. The sweet-savory combo even complements classic Southern greens or creamy mashed potatoes for a comfort food feast.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties, bake your Southern Pineapple Casserole in individual ramekins for a charming, personal touch. You can also spoon it into puff pastry shells for a whimsical hors d’oeuvre, or top with a dollop of whipped cream cheese as a crowd-pleasing appetizer bite. It’s the kind of dish that leaves plenty of room for personality, both in presentation and pairing.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Southern Pineapple Casserole will keep beautifully if covered and refrigerated for up to 3 days. Store it directly in the baking dish with plastic wrap or transfer to an airtight container to preserve moisture and texture.
Freezing
Yes, you can freeze this casserole! Bake and cool completely, then wrap tightly with foil and freeze up to 2 months. For best results, wait to add the cracker topping until you reheat, so it stays crisp and fresh-tasting.
Reheating
To enjoy leftovers, reheat the casserole uncovered in a 350°F oven until heated through and the topping is crispy again (about 15-20 minutes). For smaller servings, a quick burst in the microwave works in a pinch, though the topping won’t stay quite as crunchy.
FAQs
Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned?
Absolutely! Fresh pineapple brings a slightly brighter flavor but be sure to drain or pat it dry to avoid a watery casserole. You’ll also need about 2 1/2 cups diced pineapple to replace a 20-ounce can.
Is there a way to make this casserole less sweet?
Definitely. For a less sweet version, simply reduce the sugar to 3/4 cup as suggested in the recipe notes. The sharp cheddar and pineapple still pop, and the casserole is just as delightful.
Can I make Southern Pineapple Casserole ahead of time?
You sure can! Prepare the casserole up to the point of adding the cracker topping, cover and refrigerate. Right before baking, add the buttery crackers so the topping stays crunchy and golden.
What’s the best cheese for this recipe?
Sharp cheddar works wonders for balancing the sweetness of pineapple. Choose a block and shred it yourself for the best melt and zing, but pre-shredded cheese is a fine shortcut if you’re pressed for time.
Is Southern Pineapple Casserole vegetarian?
Yes! All ingredients in this recipe are vegetarian-friendly. Just double-check that your crackers and cheese fit your dietary preference, as some brands may use animal-based enzymes in cheese or flavorings in crackers.
Final Thoughts
If you’re on the fence, just take the plunge and bring Southern Pineapple Casserole to your next gathering. Its comforting sweetness, savory richness, and irresistible crunch always manage to get people talking. Give it a try and let this Southern classic win over a new spot in your lineup of family favorites!
Print
Southern Pineapple Casserole Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A classic Southern side dish with a sweet and savory twist, this Southern Pineapple Casserole combines pineapple, cheddar cheese, and a buttery cracker topping for a deliciously comforting flavor profile.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- 1 (20-ounce) can pineapple chunks in juice, drained and juice reserved
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 6 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
Topping:
- 1 cup reserved pineapple juice
- 1 sleeve (about 30) buttery round crackers like Ritz, crushed
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F.
- Mix the pineapple mixture: In a mixing bowl, combine drained pineapple chunks, sugar, and flour. Stir in cheddar cheese and 1/4 cup of reserved pineapple juice until well combined.
- Prepare the casserole: Pour the mixture into a greased 9×9-inch baking dish and spread evenly.
- Make the topping: In a separate bowl, mix crushed crackers with melted butter until coated. Sprinkle the cracker topping evenly over the pineapple mixture.
- Bake: Bake for 30–35 minutes until the top is golden brown and bubbly around the edges. Let cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- For a less sweet version, reduce sugar to 3/4 cup.
- You can use pineapple tidbits for a different texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 385
- Sugar: 24g
- Sodium: 430mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
