This Pioneer Woman Pineapple Casserole is a classic Southern-style side dish that blends sweet and savory flavors in the most comforting way. Juicy pineapple, sharp cheddar cheese, buttery crackers, and a light sugar base come together to create a warm, spoonable casserole that surprises people in the best way. It works beautifully for holiday tables, potlucks, Sunday dinners, and even barbecue spreads.

Baked in the oven and ready in under 40 minutes, this dish proves that simple ingredients can create something memorable.

Table of Contents

A Quick Glimpse at Pioneer Woman Pineapple Casserole

This casserole is all about contrast. The pineapple brings sweetness and moisture, the cheese adds richness, and the buttery cracker topping provides a crisp finish. It is not a dessert, yet it leans sweet. It is not a side dish you expect, yet it fits perfectly next to ham, roast chicken, or turkey.

Pioneer Woman Pineapple Casserole recipe — Pioneer Woman Pineapple Casserole

Other Popular Pioneer Woman Recipes

Why This Recipe Is Worth Trying

Sweet-meets-savory balance – A unique flavor combination
Easy oven-baked dish – Minimal prep, big payoff
Holiday favorite – Pairs well with festive mains
Crowd-pleasing recipe – Always sparks conversation
Budget-friendly ingredients – Simple pantry staples

Essential Ingredients for This Recipe

Pineapple chunks (2 cans / 20 oz each, drained)
Granulated sugar (½ cup)
All-purpose flour (¼ cup)
Sharp cheddar cheese (2 cups, freshly grated)
Buttery round crackers (1 sleeve, crushed)
Unsalted butter (½ cup / 1 stick, melted)

Useful Equipment

Mixing bowls – For filling and topping
9×13-inch baking dish – Ideal size for even baking
Cheese grater – Fresh cheese melts better
Rubber spatula or spoon
Oven – Fully preheated

Directions to Make Pioneer Woman Pineapple Casserole

Preheat the oven – Set the oven to 350°F (175°C) so it reaches full temperature before baking. Lightly grease your baking dish to prevent sticking.
Prepare the pineapple base – In a large mixing bowl, combine the drained pineapple chunks, sugar, and flour. Stir well until the flour dissolves evenly and no dry patches remain. This mixture creates the lightly thickened base of the casserole.
Add the cheese – Stir in the grated cheddar cheese, mixing until it is evenly distributed throughout the pineapple mixture. The cheese will melt into the filling as it bakes, adding richness and balance.
Transfer to baking dish – Spoon the pineapple mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly so it cooks consistently.
Make the cracker topping – In a separate bowl, combine the crushed crackers with melted butter. Mix until all crumbs are coated, creating a moist, crumbly topping.
Top the casserole – Sprinkle the buttery cracker mixture evenly over the pineapple layer, covering the surface without pressing it down. This helps the topping stay crisp.
Bake until golden – Place the dish in the oven and bake until the topping turns golden brown and the filling is bubbling around the edges.
Rest before serving – Let the casserole sit for a few minutes after baking so it sets slightly and is easier to serve.

What I Got Wrong (And How I Fixed It)

Watery filling – Drained the pineapple more thoroughly
Overly sweet result – Reduced sugar slightly to balance the cheese
Soft topping – Spread crumbs loosely instead of packing them
Uneven browning – Rotated the dish halfway through baking

Healthier Ways to Make Pioneer Woman Pineapple Casserole

Use reduced-fat cheddar cheese
Cut back on sugar slightly without affecting texture
Choose whole-grain crackers
Serve smaller portions alongside protein-rich mains

Ingredient Substitutions for Pioneer Woman Pineapple Casserole

Swap cheddar with Colby or mild Monterey Jack
Use fresh pineapple, finely chopped and well-drained
Replace crackers with crushed cornflakes
Use gluten-free flour and crackers if needed

Unexpected Ways to Enjoy This Pioneer Woman Pineapple Casserole

Ham sidekick – Serve next to baked or glazed ham
Brunch pairing – Add to a breakfast spread
Potluck standout – Bring it warm for best impact
Turkey companion – Works well with roast turkey
Leftover remix – Reheat and serve over rice

Best Tips for Pioneer Woman Pineapple Casserole Success

Drain pineapple well – Excess juice affects texture
Grate cheese fresh – Pre-shredded cheese melts poorly
Balance sweetness – Taste pineapple before adding sugar
Do not press topping – Keeps it crisp
Bake uncovered – Allows proper browning
Rest briefly – Improves serving texture

Tasty Twists on Pioneer Woman Pineapple Casserole

Spiced version – Add a pinch of cinnamon
Nutty crunch – Mix chopped pecans into the topping
Extra cheesy style – Add a little more cheddar
Savory boost – A pinch of black pepper
Coconut touch – Sprinkle coconut flakes lightly on top

Best Ways to Store Your Pioneer Woman Pineapple Casserole

Refrigerator storage – Keep covered for up to 3 days
Airtight container – Maintains freshness
Separate portions – Makes reheating easier
Avoid freezing – Texture changes after thawing

Ways to Warm It Up Again

Reheat in the oven at 325°F until warmed through
Cover loosely with foil to protect the topping
Microwave individual portions gently

Nutritional Breakdown (per serving)

Calories: Approximately 260
Carbohydrates: Around 28g
Protein: 6g
Fat: About 14g
Fiber: 1g

Pioneer Woman Pineapple Casserole

Print Recipe

Author: Anabelle
Prep Time: 1
Cook Time: 30
Total Time: 31 minutes
Yield: 8
Category: Side Dish
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Southern American

Ingredients

Preheat the oven – Set the oven to 350°F (175°C) so it reaches full temperature before baking. Lightly grease your baking dish to prevent sticking.
Prepare the pineapple base – In a large mixing bowl, combine the drained pineapple chunks, sugar, and flour. Stir well until the flour dissolves evenly and no dry patches remain. This mixture creates the lightly thickened base of the casserole.
Add the cheese – Stir in the grated cheddar cheese, mixing until it is evenly distributed throughout the pineapple mixture. The cheese will melt into the filling as it bakes, adding richness and balance.
Transfer to baking dish – Spoon the pineapple mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly so it cooks consistently.
Make the cracker topping – In a separate bowl, combine the crushed crackers with melted butter. Mix until all crumbs are coated, creating a moist, crumbly topping.
Top the casserole – Sprinkle the buttery cracker mixture evenly over the pineapple layer, covering the surface without pressing it down. This helps the topping stay crisp.
Bake until golden – Place the dish in the oven and bake until the topping turns golden brown and the filling is bubbling around the edges.
Rest before serving – Let the casserole sit for a few minutes after baking so it sets slightly and is easier to serve.

Instructions

Preheat the oven – Set the oven to 350°F (175°C) so it reaches full temperature before baking. Lightly grease your baking dish to prevent sticking.
Prepare the pineapple base – In a large mixing bowl, combine the drained pineapple chunks, sugar, and flour. Stir well until the flour dissolves evenly and no dry patches remain. This mixture creates the lightly thickened base of the casserole.
Add the cheese – Stir in the grated cheddar cheese, mixing until it is evenly distributed throughout the pineapple mixture. The cheese will melt into the filling as it bakes, adding richness and balance.
Transfer to baking dish – Spoon the pineapple mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly so it cooks consistently.
Make the cracker topping – In a separate bowl, combine the crushed crackers with melted butter. Mix until all crumbs are coated, creating a moist, crumbly topping.
Top the casserole – Sprinkle the buttery cracker mixture evenly over the pineapple layer, covering the surface without pressing it down. This helps the topping stay crisp.
Bake until golden – Place the dish in the oven and bake until the topping turns golden brown and the filling is bubbling around the edges.
Rest before serving – Let the casserole sit for a few minutes after baking so it sets slightly and is easier to serve.

FAQs

Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned pineapple for pineapple casserole?

Yes, fresh pineapple works well, but it must be finely chopped and very well drained. Excess juice can make the casserole watery, so pat the pineapple dry before mixing it with the other ingredients.

Why did my pineapple casserole turn out runny?

This usually happens when the pineapple is not drained properly or the flour is not mixed evenly. Make sure to drain the pineapple thoroughly and stir the sugar and flour completely into the fruit.

Can pineapple casserole be made ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the casserole a few hours in advance and store it covered in the refrigerator. Add the cracker topping just before baking so it stays crisp.

What cheese works best in pineapple casserole?

Sharp cheddar cheese works best because it balances the sweetness of the pineapple. Mild cheese can get lost in flavor, while very strong cheeses may overpower the dish.

Wrapping It Up

This Pioneer Woman Pineapple Casserole is one of those recipes that looks simple but delivers far more than expected. Sweet, savory, and comforting, it earns its place on the table every time. If you enjoy dishes that bring people back for second helpings and spark conversation, this casserole fits perfectly.

Pioneer Woman Pineapple Casserole Recipe