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A bright, warm pineapple casserole dish, perfectly cooked and garnished with fresh herbs, placed on a wooden board. The dish is surrounded by simple sides of cooked carrots and green beans, with a rustic table and white cloth in the background. The title 'pineapple casserole' is displayed in bold text at the center, and 'dinedecisions.com' is written in a subtle font at the bottom.

Easy Southern Pineapple Casserole Recipe

A beloved Southern classic, this pineapple casserole combines the sweetness of pineapple with the sharpness of cheddar cheese and a crispy, buttery Ritz cracker topping. It's a nostalgic dish often served at family gatherings, potlucks, and holiday feasts.
5 from 2 votes
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Course Dessert, Side Dish
Cuisine American
Servings 8
Calories 280 kcal

Equipment

  • - 2-quart baking dish (or 8x8-inch casserole dish)
  • - Large mixing bowl
  • - Medium bowl for crushing crackers
  • - Food processor (optional)
  • - Oven

Ingredients
  

  • - 40 oz 2 cans of 20 oz pineapple chunks, drained (reserve ⅓ cup juice)
  • - ⅓ cup reserved pineapple juice
  • - 1 cup sugar
  • - 5 tbsp all-purpose flour
  • - ¼ tsp salt
  • - 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese shredded
  • - ¼ cup butter melted
  • - 1 sleeve Ritz crackers about 30 crackers, crushed

Instructions
 

  • **Preheat Oven**: Set oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 2-quart baking dish.
  • **Prepare Pineapple Mixture**: In a large bowl, mix sugar, flour, salt, and reserved pineapple juice. Add the drained pineapple chunks and stir until well coated.
  • **Layer Ingredients**: Pour the pineapple mixture into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top.
  • **Make Cracker Topping**: In a separate bowl, combine crushed Ritz crackers with melted butter. Spread evenly over the cheese layer.
  • **Bake**: Place the casserole in the oven and bake for 30-35 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the edges bubble.
  • **Cool and Serve**: Let the casserole sit for 10-15 minutes before serving. Serve warm as a side dish or dessert.