Do cheese and pineapple go together?

Absolutely, and more than you might think. The sweetness of pineapple brings out the sharpness in cheese, creating a delicious contrast that’s surprisingly balanced. This sweet-savory combo is why pineapple shows up on pizza, cheese boards, and, of course, this casserole. It works because it hits multiple taste points: salty, sweet, tangy, and creamy; all in one bite.

Which cheese pairs best with pineapple?

Sharp cheddar is the classic choice for this baked pineapple casserole, because it cuts through the sweetness and delivers bold flavor. Mild cheddar can work too, but you’ll lose some of that depth. Want to experiment? Try white cheddar, Gruyère, or even a touch of cream cheese for added richness. Just avoid overly processed or mild cheeses, they tend to disappear into the sweetness without adding contrast.

Can you prepare cheesy pineapple casserole ahead of time?

Yes, and that’s one of the reasons it’s such a reliable holiday or party dish. You can assemble the whole thing (even with the topping) a few hours ahead and keep it covered in the fridge. When you're ready, just bake it straight from cold, you may need to add 5 extra minutes.

What to serve with pineapple cheese casserole?

This dish pairs beautifully with salmon, grilled chicken, or baked turkey. It’s perfect for brunch spreads or as a unique side dish for holiday dinners. It also balances out smoky or salty meats and adds just enough sweetness to a savory-heavy table.

Pineapple Cheese Casserole: A Surprising Sweet-Savory Favorite

Name: Pineapple Cheese Casserole
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Southern
Ingredients: 1 can (20 oz) pineapple chunks or tidbits, drained (reserve 2–3 tbsp juice); 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese; 1/4 cup granulated sugar; 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour; 30 buttery crackers (like Ritz), crushed; 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

Ingredients

Scale

1 can (20 oz) pineapple chunks or tidbits, drained (reserve 2–3 tbsp juice)

1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese

1/4 cup granulated sugar

3 tablespoons all-purpose flour

30 buttery crackers (like Ritz), crushed

4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F and grease an 8×8 or 9×9 baking dish.

2. Drain the pineapple, reserving 2–3 tbsp of the juice.

3. In a bowl, combine pineapple, juice, sugar, flour, and cheddar.

4. Pour the mixture into the greased baking dish.

5. Mix crushed crackers with melted butter.

6. Sprinkle the cracker topping evenly over the casserole.

7. Bake for 25–30 minutes until golden and bubbly.

8. Let rest 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

Best served warm, but can be made ahead and reheated.

Try different cheeses like Gruyère or Monterey Jack for variation.

Reduce sugar for a more savory flavor.

Author: Chef Saly
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Side Dish
Method: Baked
Cuisine: Southern
Diet: Vegetarian

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 scoop (about 150g)
Calories: 280
Sugar: 12g
Sodium: 420mg
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Unsaturated Fat: 6g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 22g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 5g
Cholesterol: 35mg