Here’s my go-to Easter pineapple casserole recipe, with crushed Ritz crackers on top, sweet pineapple chunks, and a cheesy filling that melts in your mouth. It might sound a bit different, but trust me – this sweet and savory combo really works!
This casserole has been showing up at our Easter dinner table for years now, and my kids always ask for seconds. I usually make an extra one because it disappears so quickly. Nothing beats having a scoop of these leftovers warmed up the next day, don’t you think?
Why You’ll Love This Pineapple Casserole
- Sweet and savory combination – The unexpected pairing of juicy pineapple with sharp cheddar cheese creates a unique flavor that’s surprisingly delicious and always gets people talking.
- Perfect holiday side dish – This Southern classic is a staple at Easter gatherings, but it’s so good you’ll want to make it year-round.
- Simple ingredients – With just 6 basic ingredients you can create this crowd-pleasing dish – most of which you probably already have in your pantry.
- Quick preparation – This casserole comes together in just 15 minutes of prep time, leaving you free to focus on other dishes or spending time with family.
What Kind of Pineapple Should I Use?
While fresh pineapple is called for in this recipe, you can actually use either fresh or canned pineapple with great results. If you’re going with fresh, look for a pineapple that’s golden-brown in color and gives off a sweet smell at the base – these are signs it’s perfectly ripe. For a shortcut, many grocery stores offer pre-cut fresh pineapple in the produce section, which works just as well. If you decide to use canned pineapple, grab the chunks or tidbits packed in juice (not syrup), and be sure to drain them well before using. Just remember that two 20-ounce cans of pineapple chunks will give you about the same amount as one fresh pineapple.
Options for Substitutions
This sweet and savory casserole can be adapted with several easy swaps:
- Fresh pineapple: If fresh pineapple isn’t available, you can use 2 (20-oz) cans of pineapple chunks, well-drained. Just make sure to pat them dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
- Sharp cheddar cheese: While sharp cheddar gives the best flavor contrast, you can use medium cheddar or even a mix of cheddar and monterey jack. Avoid mild cheddar as it won’t provide enough cheese flavor to balance the sweet pineapple.
- Corn flour: Regular all-purpose flour works just fine as a substitute. Use the same amount as called for in the recipe.
- Buttery crackers: While Ritz crackers are traditional, you can use any butter crackers like Club crackers or even crushed cornflakes mixed with a bit more melted butter for the topping.
- White sugar: If your pineapple is very sweet, you can reduce the sugar by up to half. You can also use brown sugar for a slightly different flavor profile.
Watch Out for These Mistakes While Baking
The biggest challenge when making pineapple casserole is dealing with excess moisture, which can make your casserole runny – make sure to drain your pineapple chunks thoroughly and pat them dry with paper towels before using.
Getting the right texture depends on your cheese choice, so avoid pre-shredded cheese which contains anti-caking agents that can prevent proper melting; instead, grate your sharp cheddar fresh for the creamiest results.
The cracker topping can quickly go from golden to burnt due to its high butter content, so keep a close eye on your casserole during the last 5-10 minutes of baking and cover it with foil if the top is browning too quickly.
For the best flavor balance, resist the urge to add extra sugar even if your pineapple tastes tart – the natural sweetness will concentrate during baking, and too much sugar can overpower the savory cheese elements.
What to Serve With Pineapple Casserole?
This sweet and savory pineapple casserole is a classic Southern side dish that pairs wonderfully with Easter ham or slow-roasted pork tenderloin. The combination of sweet pineapple and salty cheese makes it a perfect match for smoky meats like grilled chicken or barbecue ribs. If you’re serving it as part of a bigger spread, try adding some simple steamed green beans or roasted Brussels sprouts to balance out the richness of the casserole. Since this dish already has a good mix of textures and flavors, keep your other sides fairly simple and let this unique casserole shine!
Storage Instructions
Keep Fresh: Once your pineapple casserole has cooled down, pop it in an airtight container and place it in the fridge. It’ll stay good for up to 3 days, though the cracker topping might lose some of its crunch. If you’re planning to make it for Easter dinner, you can prep most components ahead, but I’d recommend adding the cracker topping just before baking.
Make Ahead: Want to get a head start? You can prep the pineapple and cheese mixture a day in advance and keep it in the fridge. Just wait to add the cracker topping until you’re ready to bake – this keeps the crackers from getting soggy. When you’re ready, top with the cracker mixture and bake as directed.
Warm Up: To enjoy leftover casserole, heat it in the oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through. You can also use the microwave, but the cracker topping won’t be as crispy. Pro tip: sprinkle on some fresh crushed crackers before reheating to bring back that nice crunch!
| Preparation Time | 15-20 minutes |
| Cooking Time | 30-35 minutes |
| Total Time | 45-55 minutes |
| Level of Difficulty | Easy |
Estimated Nutrition
Estimated nutrition for the whole recipe (without optional ingredients):
- Calories: 2500-2800
- Protein: 40-50 g
- Fat: 150-160 g
- Carbohydrates: 300-320 g
Ingredients
For the casserole:
- 2 tbsp corn flour
- 1/2 cup sugar (granulated white sugar)
- 1 medium fresh pineapple (cut into 3/4 to 1-inch cubes)
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese (freshly shredded for best melting)
For the topping:
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter (melted and cooled slightly)
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese (freshly shredded for optimal texture)
- 1 1/2 cups crushed Ritz crackers (for their buttery flavor)
Step 1: Prepare the Baking Dish and Pineapple Puree
Preheat the oven to 350℉ (175℃).
Grease a 9″x13″ baking dish with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
Take half of the diced pineapple and place it into a food processor.
Pulse until the pineapple forms a chunky paste.
Set this aside for mixing.
Step 2: Mix the Pineapple and Cheese Base
In a large bowl, combine the granulated sugar and cornstarch by stirring them together.
Add the pineapple puree to the mixture and stir until everything is well combined.
Add the remaining diced pineapple along with 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese to the bowl, stirring everything together until evenly distributed.
Step 3: Assemble the Casserole
Transfer the pineapple and cheese mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the pineapple mixture to add a cheesy layer.
Step 4: Prepare and Add the Cracker Topping
In a small bowl, stir together the crushed Ritz crackers and the melted butter until the crackers are well coated.
Evenly sprinkle this cracker mixture over the top of the casserole, ensuring that it covers the entire surface.
Step 5: Bake the Casserole
Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes.
The casserole should be bubbly, and the cracker topping should be golden brown.
Once done, remove from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving.
Enjoy your sweet and savory pineapple casserole!
