Sweet Pineapple Cheddar Casserole with Buttery Ritz Topping

Prep: 10 minCook: 30 min6 servingsmediumAmerican
Sweet Pineapple Cheddar Casserole with Buttery Ritz Topping

A beloved Southern-style side dish that balances sweet crushed pineapple with sharp cheddar cheese, crowned with a golden buttery Ritz cracker crust. This unexpected sweet-savory combination makes an excellent accompaniment to holiday ham, barbecue, or potluck gatherings. The contrast between the creamy, tangy interior and crispy topping creates a unique comfort food that converts skeptics into devoted fans.

VegetarianNut-Free

Ingredients

6 servings
  • 1 cup sugar
    brown sugar1:1sweetener

    deeper molasses flavor

    Full guide →
  • 1 cup flour
  • 2 cups crushed pineapple, drained
  • 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
    Swiss cheese1:1dairy

    milder nutty flavor

    Full guide →
  • 1 cup butter, melted
  • 1 cup Ritz crackers, crushed
    panko breadcrumbs1:1textureadds gluten

    less buttery crunch

Instructions

  1. 1

    Preheat oven to 350°F

  2. 2

    Combine sugar and flour in mixing bowl

  3. 3

    Add drained pineapple and shredded cheese to bowl and mix well

  4. 4

    Pour mixture into greased baking dish

  5. 5

    Combine melted butter and crushed crackers in another bowl

  6. 6

    Sprinkle cracker mixture evenly over pineapple mixture

  7. 7

    Bake for 25-30 minutes until top is golden brown

  8. 8

    Cool slightly before serving

Tips

Tip 1

Drain pineapple thoroughly to prevent soggy casserole - press with paper towels to remove excess moisture.

Tip 2

Use sharp cheddar for best flavor contrast against the sweet pineapple.

Good to Know

Storage

Refrigerate covered up to 3 days. Reheat in 325°F oven until warmed through.

Make Ahead

Can assemble up to 1 day ahead. Add topping just before baking.

Serve With

Serve warm as side dish alongside ham, pork, or barbecue.

See pairing guide →

Common Mistakes

Watch

Don't skip draining pineapple to avoid watery casserole

Watch

Avoid overbaking to prevent dried out texture

Substitutions

Dairy-Free Swaps

cheddar cheese→
Swiss cheese1:1dairy

milder nutty flavor

Full guide →

General Alternatives

sugar→
brown sugar1:1sweetener

deeper molasses flavor

Full guide →
Ritz crackers→
panko breadcrumbs1:1textureadds gluten

less buttery crunch

Full guide →
Find more substitutions →

FAQ

Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned?

Yes, but cook and drain fresh pineapple first to remove excess moisture and concentrate flavors.

What if I don't have Ritz crackers?

Substitute with buttery round crackers or mix panko breadcrumbs with extra melted butter.

How long does this keep in the refrigerator?

Covered casserole stays fresh up to 3 days. Reheat portions in microwave or warm oven.