Pineapple Casserole
Our cheesy Pineapple Casserole is a simple dish that combines juicy pineapple, gooey cheeses, and buttery cracker topping to create a comforting treat with a surprising twist of sweet and savory flavors.
The blend of pineapple chunks, honey, Cheddar, and Monterey Jack cheese makes every bite rich yet refreshing.
This easy casserole recipe is perfect for busy days when you need something warm, quick, and crowd-pleasing.
Pineapple Casserole Recipe Highlights
- Ready in about 40 minutes!
- Pantry staple ingredients.
- Perfect for family dinners or holiday sides.
- Sweet and savory flavor combo that’s a bit unexpected.
- Fun twist on traditional casseroles with tropical flavors.
Ingredient Notes
Please check the recipe card below for a detailed, printable ingredient list.
PINEAPPLE – For this recipe, we use both pineapple chunks and pineapple tidbits. The chunks add bursts of tropical sweetness in each bite, while the tidbits provide a smaller texture that blends well with the cheese, helping to spread that fruity flavor throughout. Draining the pineapple thoroughly is key to avoiding excess liquid, which can make the casserole too watery.
HONEY – This natural sweetener complements the pineapple beautifully by enhancing its fruity notes without adding any processed sugar. If you’re out of honey, maple syrup can work in a pinch, but honey gives a more balanced sweetness that lets the cheese flavor stand out.
CORNSTARCH – Cornstarch thickens the casserole filling, helping it hold its shape and stay creamy without getting too runny. When mixed with the honey and pineapple, it creates a smooth, spoonable consistency, making each serving easy to scoop. Be sure to stir it in well to avoid any lumps.
CHEESE – We use a combination of Cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese. The Cheddar brings a sharp, savory taste that balances the sweetness of the pineapple, while Monterey Jack adds a creamy texture that melts smoothly. Together, they create a rich, cheesy flavor that pairs perfectly with the fruit. If you’re looking for alternatives, Colby Jack is another great option.
CRACKER – Buttery round crackers are our go-to here. Their slight saltiness and rich, buttery flavor add a nice contrast to the sweetness of the filling, and their texture makes a crisp topping. Crushing them finely allows for an even layer on top, while a mix of fine and slightly larger crumbs adds a delightful crunch.
BUTTER – We melt unsalted butter and mix it with the crushed crackers to help them brown and add extra flavor. The butter soaks into the crackers, creating a rich, golden topping that contrasts beautifully with the casserole’s soft filling. Using unsalted butter gives you better control over the overall saltiness, but salted butter can be used if that’s what you have on hand—just keep in mind it may add a hint of extra saltiness to the dish.
How To Make a Pineapple Casserole
Please check the printable recipe card below for more detailed instructions.
- Mix pineapple chunks, pineapple tidbits, honey, and cornstarch.
- Fold in Cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese.
- Pour into baking dish and smooth into an even layer.
- Combine crushed crackers with melted butter; sprinkle on top.
- Bake at 350º Fahrenheit for 30-35 minutes, until topping is golden and filling is bubbly.
Leftovers and Storage
STORE – Place any Pineapple Casserole leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. This keeps the casserole fresh and ready for easy reheating.
FREEZE – For longer storage, freeze individual portions. Allow the casserole to cool completely, then wrap each portion tightly in plastic wrap, followed by a layer of foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw portions in the fridge overnight for best results.
REHEAT – Reheat in a 350º Fahrenheit oven for 10-15 minutes until thoroughly warmed. Cover with foil during reheating to keep the cracker topping crispy and prevent it from over-browning.
MAKE AHEAD – For added convenience, assemble the casserole the night before. Cover and refrigerate overnight, then add the cracker topping just before baking. This helps keep the topping fresh and crunchy when baked.
Recipe Success Tips
DRAIN PINEAPPLE WELL – Make sure both the chunks and tidbits are thoroughly drained. Extra liquid can make the casserole runny and prevent it from setting properly, so press gently to remove as much juice as possible.
USE SHARP CHEDDAR – Sharp Cheddar has a stronger flavor that complements the Pineapple Casserole’s sweetness perfectly, bringing balance to each bite. For the best result, freshly shred the cheese. It melts smoother than pre-shredded.
ADD TOPPING JUST BEFORE BAKING – Wait to add the buttered crackers until right before baking. This keeps the topping crispy and prevents the crackers from absorbing moisture and getting soggy.
LET IT COOL SLIGHTLY – Allow the casserole to rest for about 5 minutes after baking. This brief cooling time helps the casserole set, making it easier to serve and letting the flavors fully come together.
TRY DIFFERENT CRACKERS – If buttery round crackers aren’t on hand, saltines or Ritz crackers make a great substitute. These alternatives add the same satisfying crunch with a slightly different flavor profile.
More Easy and Delicious Casserole Side Dishes
Serving Suggestions
GREEN BEANS – Adds a light, fresh contrast to the richness of the casserole.
CUCUMBER SALAD – The crisp, cool cucumber flavor balances the cheesy pineapple casserole perfectly.
MASHED POTATOES – A hearty addition to round out the meal and soak up any juices.
ROASTED CARROTS – Brings out natural sweetness and adds color to the plate.
OATMEAL DINNER ROLLS – Soft and comforting, they make a perfect side to scoop up every last bite.
Commonly Asked Questions
Which cheeses go best with pineapple?
Monterey Jack, Cheddar, and Mozzarella cheeses complement the flavor of pineapple best.
Can I use fresh pineapple in this casserole?
Use canned pineapple for best results, but if you prefer fresh, cut it into small chunks. Add a bit of extra honey to balance the tartness of fresh pineapple.
More Easy and Delicious Side Dish Recipes
Honey Roasted Brussels Sprouts
Rosemary Roasted Potatoes – a classic
Roasted Potatoes – reader favorite
Pineapple Casserole
Ingredients
- 1 20-ounce cans pineapple tidbits drained
- 1 20-ounce cans pineapple chunks reserve ¼ cup juice
- ⅓ cup honey
- 3 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 cup Cheddar cheese shredded
- 1 cup Monterey Jack cheese shredded
- 30 crackers crackers round buttery, one sleeve, crushed
- ½ cup butter unsalted, melted
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350º Fahrenheit and grease a 9×9” casserole dish.
- Add the pineapple chunks, pineapple tidbits, honey, and cornstarch. Then stir until combined. Fold in Cheddar cheese and Monterey Jack cheese until well combined.
- Pour the pineapple and cheese mixture into the prepared baking dish and smooth into an even layer.
- Stir the crushed crackers with the melted butter in a small bowl until they are coated.
- Top the pineapple and cheese mixture with the buttered crackers.
- Bake the casserole for 30-35 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the liquid is bubbling hot.
Equipment
Nutritional Information
Nutritional Disclaimer
Cheerful Cook team members are not trained nutritionists or medical professionals. Calorie information and nutritional values are estimates. If you have nutritional concerns, we recommend using a nutritional calculator.
Maike Corbett is the founder and food blogger of Cheerful Cook, a popular recipe website featuring comfort food recipes from the US and Germany. She has been featured in numerous media outlets, including the AP Wire and MSN.
This is one of my new favorite side dishes!
Mmmm sounds good making me hungry too going to Try this For the first time this year