A Spicy Perspective

Retro Pineapple Casserole

Pineapple Casserole Recipe – This blast from the past features bits of pineapple baked with cheddar cheese and crushed crackers. It’s a sweet, perfectly cheesy, and crunchy casserole to pair with your fave retro dishes!

cheesy pineapple casserole recipe with Ritz crackers

Okay, before you start wondering how in the world this recipe works, let me assure you – Pineapple Casserole is an oldie and a goodie!

This is such a weird and wonderful old-school potluck staple. Typically found in old church or Junior League cookbooks, this simple side dish is a fun diversion from the standard potato or pasta casseroles. My husband calls it “bizarrely delicious!”

overhead view of pineapple and cheese casserole

Classic Pineapple Casserole

Pineapples and cheese aren’t necessarily an obvious pairing. In fact, you might have thought the title of this recipe was a typo. But, as my kids reminded me, we eat this combo all the time on Hawaiian pizza… So why not in a casserole?

It’s true – sweet tangy pineapple *actually* goes great with gooey salty melted cheese. Add crushed-up Ritz crackers and yowza, you’ve got a winning Pineapple Casserole Recipe!

You are seriously going to love the look on people’s faces when they go from intrigued to pleasantly surprised by how tasty this dish is!

bowl of pineapple casserole with fork taking a bite

Ingredients You Need

Less than a dozen ingredients are included in this interesting and delightful casserole recipe. And while you might not have canned pineapple in the cabinet at all times, the rest of the ingredients are pantry staples.

To make classic Pineapple Cheese Casserole you need:

  • Canned pineappletidbits work best, otherwise you’ll need to chop larger pieces
  • Granulated sugaror coconut sugar
  • All-purpose flour sub with gluten-free flour if desired
  • Sharp cheddar cheese shredded
  • Seasonings crushed red pepper, garlic powder, salt
  • Ritz crackerscrushed (you can also find GF versions)
  • Buttermelted

Note: Feel free to omit the crushed red pepper if you are sensitive to spice.

bowl with drained pineapple tidbits

How to Make the Best Retro Pineapple Casserole Recipe

Start to finish it only takes roughly 30 minutes to make classic Pineapple Cheese casserole from scratch.

First, preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Set out a mixing bowl and an 8×8 inch baking dish.

Drain the cans of pineapple, reserving 1/3 cup of pineapple juice.  

Then place the pineapple tidbits, reserved juice, sugar, flour, sharp cheddar cheese, crushed red pepper, garlic powder, and salt in the bowl.

shredded cheddar cheese, flour

Mix well.

mixed together

Scoop the mixture into the baking dish and spread it out evenly.

Next, place the Ritz crackers and a large zip bag. Crush into crumbs. Then pour the melted butter into the bag and shake to coat. Sprinkle over the top of the pineapple casserole mixture.

pineapple casserole with cheese and crushed crackers

Make sure the crushed crackers are in an even layer.

Get the Complete (Printable) Retro Pineapple Cheese Casserole Recipe Below. Enjoy!

baked casserole with crushed crackers on top

Bake the cheese and pineapple casserole uncovered for 25-30 minutes, until the crushed crackers on top are golden brown.

baked dish with golden brown crushed crackers on top

Serving Suggestions

Serve the casserole warm as a side dish alongside your favorite main dishes.

Pineapple and cheese pair perfectly with ham on a pizza, so enjoy this with nearly any pork main dish! We love it with:

It’s also perfect to bring to a picnic or potluck with other classic snacks like Retro Sausage Balls and Taco Pizza (Layered Taco Dip).

pineapple and cheese casserole overhead view with scoop

Frequently Asked Questions

Can this Pineapple Casserole recipe be made without Ritz crackers?

Definitely! You can use other buttery crackers you like, or leave off the crackers entirely. The casserole won’t have the same great crunch, but the pineapple and cheesy goodness will still taste super yummy!

How do I make this a gluten-free casserole?

Use your preferred GF-friendly flour alternative, and swap traditional Ritzs crackers for any buttery gluten free-friendly crackers.

Can pineapple and cheese casserole be made with fresh pineapple?

While technically yes it can, I do not recommend you prepare Pineapple and Cheese Casserole with fresh fruit. It won’t have the same key sweetness or soft texture as canned pineapple.

Can Pineapple Casserole be made ahead?

Sure! You can prep this casserole ahead by making pineapple and cheese filling, spreading it into the baking dish, then covering and refrigerating until it’s time to bake and enjoy. Wait until you’re ready to get the casserole in the oven before preparing and adding the crushed cracker topping.

Alternatively, you can make the entire casserole in advance, then keep it in the fridge and re-bake to serve. But note that the crackers will not be as crunchy if they are baked multiple times.

How long will leftovers keep well?

Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 or 4 days. To reheat, bake in a 350-degree oven until heated through, about 10-15 minutes.

cheese casserole with pineapple and crushed Ritz crackers scooped into a bowl

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Retro Pineapple Casserole Recipe

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
This blast from the past features bits of pineapple baked with cheddar cheese and crushed crackers. It's a sweet, perfectly cheesy and crunchy casserole to pair with your fave retro dishes!
Servings: 6 servings

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Set out a mixing bowl and a 8×8 inch baking dish.
  • Drain the cans of pineapple, reserving 1/3 cup of pineapple juice.
  • Place the pineapple tidbits, reserved juice, sugar, flour, sharp cheddar cheese, crushed red pepper, garlic powder, and salt in the bowl. Mix well.
  • Scoop the mixture into the baking dish and spread out evenly.
  • Place the Ritz crackers and a large zip bag. Crush into crumbs. Then pour the melted butter into the bag and shake to coat.
  • Sprinkle the cracker crumbs evenly over the top of the pineapple. Bake uncovered for 25 to 30 minutes. Serve warm.

Video

Notes

You can omit the crushed red pepper if you are sensitive to spice.
Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 or 4 days. To reheat, bake in a 350 degree oven until heated through, about 10-15 minutes.

Nutrition

Serving: 0.75cup, Calories: 505kcal, Carbohydrates: 55g, Protein: 12g, Fat: 28g, Saturated Fat: 18g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g, Monounsaturated Fat: 8g, Trans Fat: 1g, Cholesterol: 80mg, Sodium: 573mg, Potassium: 300mg, Fiber: 3g, Sugar: 44g, Vitamin A: 1093IU, Vitamin C: 18mg, Calcium: 310mg, Iron: 1mg
Course: Main, Main Course, Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Author: Sommer Collier

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3 comments on “Retro Pineapple Casserole”

  1. Its very tasty, I will also try it at my home.Thanks for sharing it.

  2. This is such a good recipe! We loved it and will be making it again soon.

  3. This really is a blast from my past! My great aunt always made this at family get togethers and this tastes just as great as it did back then!`