Pineapple Cheese Casserole – A Sweet & Savory Southern Classic

This Pineapple Cheese Casserole is a warm, golden, sweet-and-savory side dish that tastes just like the one from Longhorn Steakhouse. With juicy pineapple, sharp cheddar, and a buttery Ritz cracker topping, it’s a quirky Southern favorite that’s surprisingly addictive.

Introduction: A Restaurant Favorite, Recreated at Home

If you’ve ever dined at Longhorn Steakhouse, you might have stumbled upon their Pineapple Cheese Casserole—a dish that sounds unusual at first, but wins you over with its perfect balance of sweet, salty, creamy, and crunchy. It’s the kind of recipe that makes you raise an eyebrow… until you take that first bite.

This version, passed down from a newspaper clipping and lovingly recreated by home cooks, captures all the magic of the original. It’s incredibly easy to make, comes together in just 35 minutes, and serves up a warm, comforting bite that’s perfect alongside ham, pork chops, or even as a quirky dessert.

Ingredients Breakdown

Let’s take a closer look at what makes this dish so unique and delicious:

For the Filling:

• Crushed pineapple (1 can, 20 oz, with juice)
  Adds natural sweetness and moisture. The juice helps bind the filling and gives it that signature tropical flavor.
• Granulated sugar (½ cup)
  Enhances the pineapple’s sweetness and balances the sharpness of the cheese.
• All-purpose flour (½ cup)
  Thickens the filling and gives it structure.
• Cinnamon (½ tsp, optional)
  Adds a warm, spiced note that complements the pineapple beautifully.
• Eggs (2 large, beaten)
  Help bind the filling and create a custard-like texture.
• Grated cheddar cheese (1 cup)
  Sharp cheddar is best—it adds a salty, tangy contrast to the sweet pineapple.

For the Topping:

• Ritz crackers (1 sleeve, about 30, crushed)
  Buttery and crisp—perfect for a crunchy topping.
• Unsalted butter (¼ cup, melted)
  Binds the cracker crumbs and helps them brown beautifully in the oven.

Tip: Use freshly grated cheese for the best melt and flavor.

Equipment Needed

• 9×9-inch baking dish
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk or fork
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Spatula or spoon
• Oven

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Set your oven to 350°F (175°C).

Grease a 9×9-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray.

Step 2: Mix the Filling

In a large bowl, combine:

• 1 can crushed pineapple (with juice)
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup all-purpose flour
• ½ tsp cinnamon (if using)
• 2 beaten eggs
• 1 cup grated cheddar cheese

Stir until everything is well mixed and evenly combined.

Tip: Don’t overmix—just enough to incorporate all the ingredients.

Step 3: Assemble the Casserole

Pour the pineapple-cheese mixture into the prepared baking dish.

Smooth the top with a spatula.

Step 4: Add the Topping

In a separate bowl, mix:

• Crushed Ritz crackers (about 30)
• ¼ cup melted butter

Stir until the crumbs are evenly coated.

Sprinkle the buttery cracker mixture evenly over the pineapple filling.

Step 5: Bake

Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until:

• The top is golden brown
• The filling is bubbly around the edges
• The center is set

Let cool for 5–10 minutes before serving.

Serving Suggestions

Perfect for:

• Holiday dinners (especially Easter or Thanksgiving)
• Potlucks and family gatherings
• Southern-style BBQs
• Brunch spreads

Pair with:

• Glazed ham or pork tenderloin
• Fried chicken or grilled sausages
• Roasted vegetables or green beans
• A crisp green salad

Presentation Tip: Serve in the baking dish with a big spoon and garnish with a few fresh herbs or a sprinkle of paprika for color.

Variations to Try

Want to make it your own? Try these delicious twists:

Extra Cheesy

Add a mix of cheeses like Monterey Jack or mozzarella for a gooier texture.

Sweet Potato Pineapple

Add mashed sweet potato to the filling for a heartier, autumn-inspired version.

Savory Crunch

Mix in crumbled cooked bacon with the cracker topping for a salty, smoky finish.

Gluten-Free

Use gluten-free crackers and a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

• Make-Ahead: Assemble the casserole (without baking) and refrigerate up to 24 hours in advance. Add the topping just before baking.
• Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Reheat: Warm in the oven at 300°F for 10–15 minutes or microwave individual portions.
• Freeze: Freeze baked casserole for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight and reheat before serving.

Tip: For best texture, reheat in the oven to keep the topping crisp.

Nutrition Notes (Per Serving, ~1 of 6)

• Calories: ~320
• Protein: ~6g
• Carbohydrates: ~30g
• Fat: ~20g
• Sugar: ~18g
• Sodium: ~350mg
• Fiber: ~1g

This dish is:

• Sweet and savory
• Creamy and crunchy
• Perfectly portioned
• Great for sharing

Final Thoughts

This Pineapple Cheese Casserole is more than just a side dish—it’s a conversation starter, a nostalgic favorite, and a surprisingly delicious blend of flavors that just works. Whether you’re recreating a restaurant memory or discovering it for the first time, this dish is bound to become a new favorite.