Cheesy Pineapple Bake is a perfect side dish with turkey or ham. Kids and adults love it and you will too, because it is so simple and quick to make. An old Southern recipe that's not to sweet but has everyone coming back for seconds.
Cheese and pineapple casserole is one of my favorite side dishes from childhood.
This easy cheesey pineapple bake was often served on our Thanksgiving table to accompany our smoked turkey, though it is also great with ham.
When my parents moved to Phoenix they discovered honey baked ham and each year on my dad's birthday , which was Christmas Day, they ate ham.
I must be honest and tell you that ham is something I have never grown accustomed to, but my Mom and Dad loved it.
And this pineapple bake always accompanied either!
Table of contents
Pineapple Casserole Questions
It's believed that during the 1950's casserole boom, the pineapple cheese casserole came to be. Its blend of sweet and salty flavors are hallmarks of Southern cuisine.
It can be served both ways. For dessert it's often served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
I use a sharp Cheddar however I think variations are endless. Try a Monterey jalapeno jack cheese or a Gruyere. A Wensleydale cheese with cranberries might also be quite festive.
Variations: Pineapple Casserole Bake
Pineapple Casserole contains 4 ingredients, though there are several options.
This recipe is made with two 20 oz cans of drained pineapple chunks which is about 4 cups of pineapple.
OR for extra richness use one can of drained pineapple chunks and one can of drained crushed pineapple.
NOTE: Reserve the juice!
In a medium bowl combine the flour, sugar and cheese.
I use a sharp Cheddar cheese but other melty cheeses will work also.
In a buttered two quart baking dish place half the pineapple mixture and then half of the cheese mixture.
Top with the rest of the pineapple and then the cheese mixture.
Pour the juice over the top. You may not need all the pineapple juice so just drink it!
Some recipes for pineapple casserole have a Ritz cracker topping.
To try this it's as simple as crushing a sleeve of Ritz crackers and mixing with ¼ cup of melted butter. Sprinkle over the top before baking.
I like sprinkling a bit of Aleppo pepper over the top to give this recipe for pineapple casserole a spicy sweet flavor.
I Love This Easy Casserole
Besides being super simple to make, this pineapple casserole bake is a crowd pleaser.
If you know of a pineapple lover you must make this for them!
It can be prepared ahead and baked when needed. I love my Le Creuset casserole dishes.
If you do add the cracker topping, add it just before baking.
Leftovers can be covered and stored for a few days after baking. Serve with the leftover ham sandwiches.
Cheese and pineapple casserole deserves some love.
Add it to your repertoire and you will find out!
I'd love to hear if you make this recipe!
Please share a review or rate the recipe,
and be sure to tag me on social!
Recipe
Cheese Pineapple Bake
- Prep Time: 15 Minutes
- Cook Time: 30 Minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 8 Servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Bake
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Cheese Pineapple Bake is a perfect side dish to turkey or ham. Just 4 Ingredients and you have a winner!
Ingredients
½ c flour
¾ c sugar
3 c grated cheddar cheese
4 c pineapple chunks, drained and juice reserved
Instructions
Preheat oven to 350.
Combine flour, sugar and grated cheese in a medium bowl.
Place half of the drained pineapple in a buttered 2 quart casserole dish. Sprinkle with half the cheese mixture.
Repeat the second layer.
Pour the reserved juice over all, using just enough to barely cover.
Bake for 30 minutes and serve hot.
(I gave this a sprinkle of Aleppo pepper and it could also be topped with a crushed cracker topping!)
Notes
See post above for crushed Ritz cracker topping.
More Recipes with Pineapple
Chicken Pineapple Lettuce Wraps
mjskit says
Cheese and pineapple? Not a combination I've ever had but Man, does it look good! And so easy! Another yummy recipe! Oh, the touch of aleppo is the perfect final touch. 🙂
ChgoJohn says
My Thanksgiving menu may already be set, Abbe, but I know that your dish will be making an appearance the next time I prepare a ham. It sounds delicious!
Denise says
I can honestly say I have never heard of pineapple and cheese together but seeing it in action I can see that it works together. What a creative and tasty looking dish!
SavoringTime in the Kitchen says
I guess pineapple gets a love or hate reaction from a lot of people. Unfortunately, my husband and I are an opposite ends on the subject. It sounds delicious to me! What a wonderful list of recipes too. I can't believe it's almost the middle of November too!
Anu - My Ginger Garlic Kitchen says
This cheesy pineapple bake sounds super yummy and super delicious. I have never had something like this before but I know I would love this. Fantastic share.
Tricia Buice says
We still make "Hot Pineapple Casserole" but we also put crushed Ritz crackers on top with drizzled butter of course. One of my kids favorites 🙂 It does go great with ham and we usually have it once a year during the holidays. Great post!
All That I'm Eating says
I bet this is so good, love this take on pineapple and cheese!
Pam says
This would be great, if only my family would go for the pineapple. I know it has to be delicious! Smoked turkey is awesome and would be great with your dish.
Sarah | Curious Cuisiniere says
What a unique side dish! I'm sure it would go great with turkey!
Renee Paj says
This looks so interesting Abbe! I bet it went so well with that smoked turkey!
Abbe Odenwalder says
Very well Renee!
Chris Scheuer says
I love the idea of smoked turkey and this does sounds like the perfect accompaniment. Hmmm.... you've got me thinking 🙂
Abbe Odenwalder says
I love smoked turkey. Actually refer it! Think away!
Abbe Odenwalder says
Prefer.
Karly says
Wow, I've never heard of this!! I'm intrigued... and all of the sudden very hungry. Need to try this one!
Abbe Odenwalder says
You do, most certainly!
Lavender and Lime (http://tandysinclair.com) says
This is the first time I have ever heard of this side dish!
Abbe Odenwalder says
Weird, huh? But I know you will like it!
GiGi Eats Celebrities says
PINEAPPLE AND CHEESE?!?!? Now this might be one of the STRANGEST combos I've ever seen!!!
Abbe Odenwalder says
Stange, but true! And also very good!
Kitchen Riffs says
So much fun to smoke a turkey! I love doing that for the 4th of July. Anyway, great dish -- perfect for Thanksgiving. This would be fun served with ham, too. Thanks!
Abbe Odenwalder says
I will be honest. I have never cooked a whole turkey in my life. This is the only thing Manservant cooks-or smokes!
Adam J. Holland says
I'll be honest, pineapple and I don't get along. But, I'm bookmarking (and making) this, because I'm in the minority around here. This looks fun! I think my peeps will love it. Thanks!
Abbe Odenwalder says
Thanks Adam. It's a crowd pleaser where I come from!
Monica Maloney Heidler says
I have never thought to pair pineapple and cheese. I must try that - very soon!
Abbe Odenwalder says
Believe it or not-it does work!
Heather King says
Pineapple and cheese? Interesting...I've got to try it!
Abbe Odenwalder says
You must! Kind of sweet and salty!
The Ninja Baker says
Makes a lot of sweet sense, Abbe. And a perfect complement to the turkey...Intrigued too by your bio....Appreciate the appreciation of a multi-cultural upbringing =)
Abbe Odenwalder says
Well, not quite multi cultural, but it was interesting being a minority in a small town!
Bobbi Marshall says
This is a fun side dish. Nice photos too!
Abbe Odenwalder says
Thanks Bobbi! It is a fun and easy dish!
Mindy Boyd says
I have never heard of this, but it sounds delightful!
Abbe Odenwalder says
Thanks Mindy. An oldie, but goody!
Lea Ann (Cooking On The Ranch) says
My friend Cauleen makes this every Thanksgiving - it's fabulous!
Abbe Odenwalder says
Thanks Lea Ann. It really hits the spot!
Cheri Savory Spoon says
Hi Abbe, I have never heard of this dish before, sounds very intriguing and delicious, I bet this is delicious with turkey or ham.
Abbe Odenwalder says
You have that right Cheri!
Karen Harris says
I bet this would be good with ham for the holidays. I love the addition of the pepper on top.
Abbe Odenwalder says
I bet it would go great with ham. The pepper tasted great. Thanks Karen!
Liz Berg says
These are the times when I wish Bill would eat pineapple! My MIL would make a pineapple gratin that was fabulous--and I'd love to try yours. SO glad to have you join Sunday Supper!!! xoxo
Abbe Odenwalder says
Thanks for all your help Liz! Hope I did it right! And I can't imagine not liking pineapple. LOL!
Angie Schneider says
Awesome cheesy bake, Abbe. I love the pizza with pineapple, so I definitely will love this!
Abbe Odenwalder says
That's so right Angie. Never thought of that. Maybe I should add som Canadian bacon!