Pineapple Bake is a classic Southern comfort dish that blurs the line between side and dessert in the most delicious way. Sweet, buttery, and slightly savory, this old-fashioned casserole has been showing up on holiday tables and Sunday dinners for generations. With tender pineapple, rich cheese, and a crisp buttery topping, it’s familiar, cozy, and surprisingly addictive.
This is one of those recipes that sounds unusual until you taste it—then it makes perfect sense. It pairs beautifully with ham, pork, or roast chicken and is especially popular at Easter and Christmas meals.
Yield and Timing
This recipe serves 6 to 8 people.
Prep time is 10 minutes, with 35–40 minutes of baking time.
Ingredients
- 1 can (20 oz) crushed pineapple, drained
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1½ cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 cup buttery crackers (such as Ritz), crushed
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
Preparation
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease an 8×8-inch baking dish.
In a medium bowl, stir together the drained pineapple, sugar, and flour until well combined. Fold in the shredded cheddar cheese.
Spread the pineapple mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.
In a separate bowl, combine the crushed crackers with the melted butter. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the top of the casserole.
Bake uncovered for 35–40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the casserole is bubbly around the edges.
Let it rest for 5–10 minutes before serving.
Serving Suggestions
Pineapple Bake is traditionally served warm as a side dish with baked ham, pork chops, or roasted meats. It can also be served as a dessert, especially with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Its sweet-and-savory flavor makes it surprisingly versatile.
Storage and Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through.
Why This Dish Is a Southern Favorite
Pineapple Bake has lasted because it’s simple, comforting, and just a little unexpected. It uses pantry ingredients, comes together quickly, and always sparks conversation at the table. Sweet, buttery, and nostalgic, it’s the kind of recipe people ask for after the first bite—and then pass down, just like Grandma did.
Enjoy !!!
