Sweet Pineapple Casserole with Cheddar Recipe

If you’ve been hunting for that perfect blend of sweet, tangy, and cheesy comfort food, you’re going to want to stick around. This Sweet Pineapple Casserole with Cheddar Recipe is my go-to dish when I want something unexpectedly delicious that always gets rave reviews. It’s sweet, it’s cheesy, it’s crunchy on top, and honestly, it’s one of those recipes I never get tired of making or eating!

this …

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this Sweet Pineapple Casserole with Cheddar Recipe plays a special role — the pineapples bring juicy sweetness, the flour and sugar balance textures, cheddar adds savory depth, and the buttery cracker topping delivers that irresistible crunch. Here are a few tips to help you shop smart.

• All purpose flour: This helps bind everything and gives a little body to the casserole without weighing it down.
• Sugar: Just enough to make the pineapple sing but not overpower the cheese.
• Pineapple tidbits: Use canned for convenience—make sure to drain and squeeze out the juice to avoid excess moisture.
• Crushed pineapple: Same tip as above; draining well helps keep your casserole from turning soggy.
• Sharp cheddar cheese: I recommend freshly grating it for the best melt and flavor punch.
• Butter: Melted butter makes the cracker topping golden and crisp – don’t skimp on it!
• Ritz crackers: Choose a buttery cracker variety; crushing them fresh is key to crunchy perfection.

Variations

One of the best parts about this Sweet Pineapple Casserole with Cheddar Recipe is how easy it is to make your own tweaks. I’ve tried a few variations over the years and love how they turn out—feel free to experiment to match your tastes or dietary needs.

• Less Sweet: If you prefer a subtler sweetness, reduce the sugar to 1/3 cup and use fresh pineapple instead of canned.
• Different Cheese: Swap sharp cheddar for smoked gouda or pepper jack for a fun twist—my family enjoyed the smoky flavor in one variation.
• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free crackers and a gluten-free flour blend to keep all the flavor without the gluten.
• Nutty Crunch: Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the cracker topping for an extra layer of texture and warmth.

How to Make Sweet Pineapple Casserole with Cheddar Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Dish

First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch square baking dish or approximately 1½-quart casserole dish. Trust me, a well-greased dish prevents sticking and helps with easy serving later on — no one likes a casserole stuck to the bottom!

Step 2: Mix the Base Ingredients

In a medium bowl, combine the flour and sugar thoroughly. Next, add your well-drained pineapple tidbits and crushed pineapple. Here’s a little trick I learned: squeezing out that extra juice is crucial to avoid a runny casserole. Now, stir in the sharp cheddar cheese until everything is evenly mixed. You’ll notice the cheesy bits spreading throughout — that’s the magic starting to build!

Step 3: Make the Crunchy Topping

Grab another bowl and crush your Ritz crackers — I usually do this by placing them in a plastic bag and smushing with a rolling pin; it’s fun and quick. Pour the melted butter over the crumbs and stir until well-coated. This buttery layer will brown beautifully in the oven and give you that addictive crispy topping.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Pour the pineapple and cheese mixture into the prepared dish and smooth it out evenly. Sprinkle the buttery cracker crumbs generously over the top, making sure the entire surface is well covered. Pop it in your preheated oven for 35 to 40 minutes. You’re looking for the crackers to turn golden brown and the casserole to be bubbling at the edges. That’s when you know it’s ready!

Step 5: Rest and Serve

Once out of the oven, let the Sweet Pineapple Casserole with Cheddar Recipe cool for about 5 minutes before serving. This resting step helps everything set so it slices and serves beautifully without falling apart. Whether you’re pairing it with ham or serving it solo, it’s a total winner every time.

How to Serve Sweet Pineapple Casserole with Cheddar Recipe

Garnishes

I like to sprinkle a little extra sharp cheddar over the top right after baking for the cheese lovers, or throw on some sliced green onions if I’m serving it as a savory side. If you want to sweeten it up a bit, a dusting of cinnamon or a few chopped toasted pecans on top adds a beautiful touch.

Side Dishes

This casserole is a classic partner for ham — something about that salty, smoky meat pairing with sweet pineapple and cheddar just works like magic. I’ve also served it alongside roasted turkey, grilled chicken, or even as a stand-alone dish with a fresh green salad to balance the richness.

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday occasions, I like to bake this casserole in small individual ramekins to serve personal portions. It feels fancy but is totally simple. Another time, I layered it with ham slices on the bottom for a fun twist — everyone loved the surprise! Serving it in a clear glass dish also lets the layers peek through, which always gets compliments.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, I cover leftovers tightly with foil or plastic wrap and pop them in the fridge. They keep great for 3-4 days. Just be sure to store the casserole in a shallow container if you’ve scooped some out, so the next serving heats evenly.

Freezing

I’ve frozen this casserole successfully by wrapping it tightly with a double layer of foil and placing it in a freezer-safe container. To thaw, I move it to the fridge overnight. The texture stays surprisingly good, though the cracker topping loses a bit of its crunch after freezing.

Reheating

To reheat, I usually cover the casserole with foil and warm it in a 350°F oven for about 15-20 minutes until heated through. Removing the foil the last 5 minutes helps the topping crisp back up nicely. If you’re in a rush, the microwave works too, but the topping won’t be quite as crunchy.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I absolutely love how this Sweet Pineapple Casserole with Cheddar Recipe turns out every single time—it’s sweet and savory comfort food that feels special yet is incredibly easy to make. When I first tried this recipe, I was surprised by how well the pineapple and cheddar played off each other, and now it’s one of those dishes I’m excited to share with guests and family alike. Give it a shot—you might just find yourself adding this one to your regular rotation!

Print