Can I make pineapple casserole the night before?

Absolutely. In fact, making it ahead can improve the flavor as the ingredients have more time to meld. Prepare the filling and topping separately, store them in the fridge overnight, and assemble just before baking. This helps the topping stay crisp and prevents it from becoming soggy.

What to serve with pineapple casserole?

Pineapple casserole pairs wonderfully with salty or smoky meats like glazed ham , fried chicken , or barbecue pork . It also complements Southern staples like collard greens , green beans , or cornbread . Its sweet-savory nature makes it a versatile side dish for both brunch and dinner.

Can scalloped pineapple be made ahead of time?

Yes, scalloped pineapple (a more dessert-style variant of pineapple casserole) can be made ahead. Assemble the dish, cover it tightly, and store in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Bake just before serving for best results.

Can I freeze pineapple casserole?

Yes, but it's best frozen before baking. Assemble the casserole, wrap it tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, bake from frozen at 350°F, adding about 10–15 minutes to the baking time. If freezing after baking, let it cool completely, wrap well, and reheat gently to maintain texture.

How To Make Million Dollar Pineapple Casserole

Name: Million Dollar Pineapple Casserole
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Southern Fusion
Ingredients: 2 cans (20 oz each) pineapple chunks or tidbits (in juice, drained thoroughly); 2 cups sharp white cheddar cheese, shredded; ¼ cup all-purpose flour (or cornstarch for gluten-free); ½ cup granulated sugar; 2–3 tbsp reserved pineapple juice (optional, for moisture); 1 sleeve Ritz crackers (about 30 crackers), crushed; ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted; ⅓ cup packed light brown sugar; ½ cup cooked crispy bacon, chopped (candied if preferred); ½ cup toasted pecans, chopped

Description

A rich, sweet-savory twist on the classic Southern pineapple casserole, upgraded with white cheddar, brown sugar, candied bacon, and toasted pecans. This casserole lives up to its ‘million dollar’ name in flavor and comfort!

Ingredients

Scale

For the Filling:

2 cans (20 oz each) pineapple chunks or tidbits (in juice, drained thoroughly)
2 cups sharp white cheddar cheese, shredded
¼ cup all-purpose flour (or cornstarch for gluten-free)
½ cup granulated sugar
2–3 tbsp reserved pineapple juice (optional, for moisture)

For the Topping:

1 sleeve Ritz crackers (about 30 crackers), crushed
½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
⅓ cup packed light brown sugar
½ cup cooked crispy bacon, chopped (candied if preferred)
½ cup toasted pecans, chopped

Instructions

Preheat and Prep: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Prepare the Filling: In a large bowl, mix drained pineapple, shredded cheddar, flour, and sugar. Stir until evenly coated. Add pineapple juice if needed. Spread into the dish.
Make the Topping: In a separate bowl, combine crushed crackers, melted butter, brown sugar, bacon, and pecans. Toss until coated.
Assemble and Bake: Sprinkle topping evenly over filling. Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, until topping is golden and edges are bubbling.
Cool & Serve: Let sit 5–10 minutes before serving warm.

Notes

Make-Ahead: Assemble base ahead, refrigerate overnight, add topping before baking.
Storage: Refrigerate up to 4 days, freeze up to 2 months before baking.
Reheat: Bake at 325°F for 15–20 mins or microwave individual servings (note: topping may soften).
Variations: Add cayenne or red pepper flakes for a spicy kick. Use plant-based cheese and butter to make it vegan. Make it dessert-style with cinnamon and vanilla, served with whipped cream.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Casserole
Method: Baked
Cuisine: Southern Fusion

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 370
Sugar: 18g
Sodium: 420mg
Fat: 25g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Unsaturated Fat: 10g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 26g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 9g
Cholesterol: 55mg

Keywords: million dollar pineapple casserole, southern pineapple bake, cheesy pineapple casserole, pineapple and bacon recipe, holiday side dish