Cheesy Pineapple Casserole with Crunchy Topping

This Pineapple Casserole combines pineapple, cheddar cheese, brown sugar, cinnamon, and a buttery cracker topping for a comforting Southern-style side or dessert.

pineapple casserole with a scoop taken out of it.

Southern Pineapple Casserole Recipe

Pineapple casserole is a classic Southern dish that blends sweet and savory flavors. Canned crushed pineapple is combined with brown sugar, a touch of flour and cinnamon, then layered with shredded cheddar and finished with a crunchy buttery cracker topping. It’s simple to prepare and always a crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients for Pineapple Casserole

To print: see recipe card below

ingredients to make pineapple casserole.

1/2 cup light brown sugar (dark brown can be used for a deeper molasses flavor)
1/3 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
2 (20-ounce) cans crushed pineapple, drained (reserve about 1/3 cup juice)
1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (grate from a block for best melt and flavor)
1 sleeve Ritz crackers, crushed (or another buttery cracker)
1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted

Variations

Add 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts for extra crunch.
Swap cheddar for Monterey Jack or Colby Jack for a milder melty cheese.
Use granulated sugar instead of brown sugar if preferred.

pineapple cheese casserole unbaked in a glass 8x8 casserole dish.

Directions for Pineapple Casserole

Prepare: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Coat an 8×8 baking dish with nonstick spray.
Make the pineapple mixture: In a large bowl, whisk together the brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, and salt. Stir in the drained crushed pineapple and about 1/3 cup of the reserved pineapple juice until combined. Spread the mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish.
Add cheese: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar over the pineapple layer, spreading it to cover evenly.
Make the topping: In a small bowl, combine the crushed Ritz crackers with the melted butter until the crumbs are evenly moistened. Sprinkle the cracker topping over the cheese layer.
Bake: Bake 25–30 minutes, until the topping is golden and the casserole is hot throughout. If the cracker topping browns too quickly, tent the dish with foil for the final minutes of baking.

Serving Suggestions

Main Dish: Serve alongside fried or baked pork chops, chicken-fried steak, or other hearty mains.
More Sides: Pair with classic Southern sides like green beans or buttery biscuits for a complete meal.
Dessert Option: Enjoy warm as a dessert topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.

A plate of pineapple casserole with a fork holding a bite.

How to Store and Reheat Leftovers

Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat in a 350°F oven until warmed through, or microwave individual portions until hot. To refresh the topping, bake uncovered for a few minutes to crisp it again.

Quick Tip

If the cracker topping starts to brown too quickly, cover the casserole loosely with aluminum foil for the last 10 minutes of baking.

Pineapple Casserole

Simple, sweet-and-savory pineapple casserole with a cheesy layer and buttery cracker topping—perfect as a side or a dessert.

Course: Dessert, Side Dish

Cuisine: American

Servings: 8

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Equipment

1 8×8 baking dish
1 large mixing bowl
1 small mixing bowl

Ingredients

Nonstick cooking spray
1/2 cup light brown sugar
1/3 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
2 (20 oz) cans crushed pineapple, drained (reserve 1/3 cup juice)
1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1 sleeve Ritz crackers, crushed
1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350°F. Coat an 8×8 baking dish with nonstick spray.
In a large bowl, whisk brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, and salt. Stir in drained pineapple and reserved juice. Spread mixture in the prepared dish and top with shredded cheddar.
Mix crushed crackers and melted butter in a small bowl. Sprinkle over the cheese layer.
Bake 25–30 minutes until the top is golden and the casserole is heated through. If the topping browns too quickly, tent with foil for the final minutes.