A classic Southern-inspired sweet and savory casserole combining juicy pineapple, creamy cheese, and a buttery, crunchy topping. It’s an easy side dish that works beautifully alongside ham, roasted chicken, turkey, or a holiday dinner.
🍍 Ingredients
For the Casserole
- 2 cans (20 oz / 565 g each) pineapple chunks, well drained
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ⅓ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
- ½ cup pineapple juice reserved from the cans
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Topping
- 1 cup buttery crackers, crushed
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
👩🍳 Instructions
1. Prepare the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Prepare the Pineapple
Drain the pineapple thoroughly, reserving ½ cup of the juice.
Excess liquid can make the casserole watery, so allow the pineapple to drain well.
3. Make the Filling
In a large bowl, whisk together the sugar, flour, salt, and black pepper.
Add the eggs, reserved pineapple juice, and vanilla.
Whisk until smooth.
Gently fold in the drained pineapple and 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese.
4. Assemble
Pour the pineapple-cheese mixture into the prepared baking dish.
Spread it evenly.
5. Make the Topping
Combine the crushed buttery crackers, melted butter, and brown sugar in a small bowl.
Mix until the crumbs are evenly coated.
Sprinkle the topping over the casserole.
Finish with the additional ½ cup of shredded cheddar cheese.
6. Bake
Bake uncovered for 30–35 minutes, until the casserole is bubbling around the edges and the topping is golden brown.
If the topping starts browning too quickly, loosely cover the dish with foil.
7. Rest and Serve
Allow the casserole to rest for 10–15 minutes before serving.
This gives the filling time to set slightly.
Serve warm alongside your favorite main dish.
⭐ Tips for the Best Pineapple Cheese Casserole
- Drain the pineapple very well for the best texture.
- Sharp cheddar provides a great contrast to the sweet pineapple.
- Don’t skip the resting time—it helps the casserole hold together.
- For a crunchier topping, add a handful of chopped pecans.
- Freshly shredded cheese generally melts more smoothly than pre-shredded cheese.
🍽️ What to Serve With It
This sweet-and-savory casserole pairs especially well with:
- Baked ham
- Roast turkey
- Roasted chicken
- Glazed pork
- BBQ ribs
- Holiday roasts
- Green beans
- Mashed potatoes
⏱️ Recipe Details
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Bake Time: 30–35 minutes
Rest Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: About 1 hour
Servings: 8–10
Method: Oven-baked
Difficulty: Easy