Pineapple Casserole for Easter Dinner: A Sweet & Savory Holiday Showstopper 🍍🧀✨
1. Introduction
Looking for the perfect Easter side dish that will wow your guests and complement your glazed ham or other holiday mains? This Pineapple Casserole for Easter Dinner is a delightful combination of sweet pineapple, sharp cheddar cheese, and buttery cracker topping that creates an unforgettable flavor experience. This Southern classic has been gracing holiday tables for generations, offering the ideal balance between sweet and savory flavors that makes it the perfect companion to any Easter spread.
What makes this pineapple casserole easter recipe special is its incredible versatility – it works equally well as a side dish or even as a dessert alternative to traditional Easter cakes! The golden-brown crust gives way to a warm, gooey center that will have everyone asking for seconds. Whether you’re hosting a large family gathering or an intimate Easter brunch, this dish is sure to become a new tradition that your family will request year after year.
2. Ingredients
To make this delicious pineapple casserole easter dish, you’ll need simple ingredients that come together to create magic:
2 (20 oz) cans pineapple chunks in juice (not drained) – the natural sweetness is key
½ cup granulated sugar – enhances the pineapple’s natural sweetness
6 tablespoons all-purpose flour – helps thicken the sauce
1 sleeve Ritz crackers (about 36 crackers), crushed – for that irresistible buttery topping
½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted – binds the topping together
¼ teaspoon salt (optional) – balances all the flavors
3. Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Pineapple Base
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large mixing bowl, combine the pineapple chunks with their juice, sugar, and flour. Stir gently until the dry ingredients are fully incorporated. The juice will create a sweet sauce that thickens as it bakes, while the pineapple chunks provide delightful bursts of tropical flavor that pairs wonderfully with creamy glazed ham.
Step 2: Add the Cheese
Fold in the shredded cheddar cheese until evenly distributed throughout the pineapple mixture. The combination of sweet pineapple and sharp cheddar creates that magical sweet-savory balance that makes this pineapple casserole easter recipe so special. Pour the mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish – the same size you might use for a seafood casserole or other holiday sides.
Step 3: Create the Buttery Topping
In a separate bowl, combine the crushed Ritz crackers with melted butter. The buttery crackers will form a golden, crispy topping that contrasts beautifully with the soft pineapple filling beneath – similar to the texture contrast in a no-bake eclair cake. For extra flavor, you can add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the topping mixture.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Sprinkle the buttery cracker mixture evenly over the pineapple-cheese mixture. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the filling is bubbly around the edges – about the same time it takes to bake a cheesy meatloaf casserole. Let the pineapple casserole easter dish rest for about 10 minutes before serving to allow the filling to set slightly.
4. Serving Suggestions
This pineapple casserole easter dish pairs beautifully with traditional Easter main courses. Serve it alongside traditional glazed ham, roasted turkey, or baked chicken for a complete holiday meal. For a brunch option, it complements quiche or breakfast casseroles wonderfully. The sweet-savory profile also makes it an excellent bridge between main courses and Easter desserts.
5. Make-Ahead Tips
You can prepare this pineapple casserole easter recipe up to a day in advance – perfect for holiday meal prep when you’re juggling multiple dishes. Simply assemble the dish without baking, cover tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate. When ready to serve, remove from refrigerator while preheating the oven, then bake as directed, adding 5-10 minutes to the baking time if needed. This make-ahead convenience makes it as easy as our holiday custard pie to prepare in advance.
6. Storage and Reheating
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or the entire casserole in a 300°F oven until warmed through. The topping may lose some crispiness upon reheating, but the flavors will still be delicious – similar to how baked goods often taste even better the next day!
7. Variations
Customize your pineapple casserole easter dish with these tasty variations to make it your own family tradition:
Add ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts to the topping for extra crunch and protein
Substitute half the cheddar with Monterey Jack for a milder cheese flavor
Use crushed graham crackers instead of Ritz for a sweeter, dessert-like version
Add a teaspoon of vanilla extract to the pineapple mixture for enhanced flavor
For a tropical twist, mix in ½ cup shredded coconut with the pineapple
Try adding a pinch of cayenne pepper for a sweet-heat combination
8. Nutritional Information
While this pineapple casserole easter recipe is certainly a treat, it does offer some nutritional benefits that might surprise you. Pineapple provides vitamin C and manganese, while cheese contributes calcium and protein. According to nutrition experts, one serving (about ½ cup) contains approximately:
250 calories
12g fat (7g saturated)
30g carbohydrates
2g fiber
22g sugars
5g protein
15% DV calcium
10% DV vitamin C
9. Conclusion
This Pineapple Casserole for Easter Dinner is more than just a side dish – it’s a conversation starter that will have your guests raving and asking for the recipe. The perfect balance of sweet pineapple, savory cheese, and buttery topping makes it an unforgettable addition to your holiday table that complements both main dishes and desserts. Whether you’re continuing a family tradition or starting a new one, this pineapple casserole easter recipe is sure to become a cherished part of your Easter celebrations for years to come. Give it a try this holiday season and watch it disappear from the table faster than you can say “Happy Easter!”
This Pineapple Casserole for Easter Dinner is a delightful Southern classic that combines sweet pineapple, sharp cheddar cheese, and a buttery cracker topping. Perfect as a side dish or dessert, this sweet-savory casserole will be the star of your Easter table, pairing beautifully with ham, turkey, or any holiday main course.
Ingredients
Scale
2 (20 oz) cans pineapple chunks in juice (not drained)
