Pineapple Casserole

The combination of pineapple flavor and salty cheese may sound unusual, especially in a casserole, but no worries! This Southern classic is incredibly tasty with both sweet and savory flavors.

It’s usually served as a side at holiday gatherings, as a side dish at Thanksgiving dinner, and potluck gatherings. But with its easy to find ingredients, you can enjoy this casserole recipe any time of year. 

Tips

• Use canned or fresh pineapple: You can use either canned pineapple tidbits, crushed pineapple, canned pineapple chunks, or fresh pineapple chunks for the casserole. If using canned pineapple, drain the juice before adding it to the recipe.
• Cheese selection: Choose a cheese that complements the flavors of the pineapple, such as cheddar or Gruyere.
• Adjust sweetness: The sweetness of the casserole can be adjusted to your preference. If the pineapple is already very sweet, you may want to reduce the amount of sugar in the recipe.
• Let it rest: Once the casserole is out of the oven, allow it to rest for a few minutes before serving. This helps the flavors to settle and makes it easier to cut and serve.

Storage

Refrigerator: Store leftover casserole in the refrigerator for 4-5 days.

Freezer: This casserole freezes well before or after it’s baked. To freeze baked pineapple casserole, let it cool completely. 

Remove the buttery cracker crumbs then wrap it tightly with plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months.

To freeze unbaked casserole, assemble but don’t add the cracker topping. Wrap the casserole tightly with plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months.

Thawing and Reheating: Thaw sweet pineapple casserole in refrigerator before baking. Reheat individual servings in the microwave until warmed through.

Can you use fresh pineapple instead of canned?

Yes, you can use fresh pineapple instead of canned in a pineapple casserole. Fresh pineapple is sweeter and juicier than canned, so it will provide more flavor and texture to the classic southern dish. 

Since fresh pineapple is sweeter than canned, you’ll likely need to reduce the amount of sugar used. Otherwise, the casserole will be too sweet.

Can you use crushed pineapple instead of pineapple chunks?

Sure! If you want to use two cans of crushed pineapple, that works! Just be aware that the casserole will have less bulk and less texture since all the pineapple is the crushed variety.

Can you use a different type of sweetener instead of sugar?

Yes, you can use a different type of sweetener instead of sugar in a pineapple casserole. For example, you could use coconut sugar or cane sugar, both of which would give the casserole a slightly different flavor when compared to traditional granulated sugar. 

Be aware that if you are using an alternative sweetener, it may affect the texture and consistency of your casserole so adjusting the amount may be necessary.