The Best Pineapple Casserole

A savory and sweet baked pineapple casserole that’s an easy recipe and a family favorite. Only 6 ingredients make it the perfect side dish for any special occasion. –Pineapple, butter, sugar, eggs, bread, and milk. Perfect for a side dish but could easily be a dessert. This is truly the Best Pineapple Casserole you will ever taste.

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I’ve been making this casserole for at least 30 years now. This pineapple casserole recipe is really delicious, and after the first bite, you will be hooked. It’s easy, straightforward, and the perfect blend of sweetness, buttery flavor, and it’s savory. It’s an odd combination, but all of the flavors work nicely together.

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Recipe Origin

I began making this casserole to serve with ham for Easter dinner. Pineapple and ham always go together and are a great combination. But honestly, it goes with just about anything and everything. I have served this at cookouts with hamburgers, at Thanksgiving dinner with turkey, and at Christmas with ham.

My family expects this pineapple bake to show up on the holiday table. It is a favorite side dish and is requested often.

Pineapple casserole is made to serve as a side dish, but with the sweetness of the pineapple, it could be eaten as a dessert.

I made this the other night–during the week– and served it with chicken crescent rolls and did not have the first complaint from my family.

Picture of pineapple casserole with text overlay. — The Best Pineapple Casserole

Why This Pineapple Dish Is Fantastic

The combination of ingredients may sound strange, but I promise they all mesh together into one delicious casserole.

Pineapple casserole is made to serve as a side dish, but honestly, it could be eaten as a dessert. As a matter of fact, I reheated a small bowl for dessert last night.

With only a few simple ingredients, you can have this casserole mixed and in the oven in no time. Everything is mixed by hand–no need to drag out the mixer. Just mix everything together in one bowl, dump into a casserole dish, slide into the oven. Easy!!

I’ve made this casserole for church socials, holiday gatherings, and just as a side dish during the week. It will not disappoint you or your guests.

A simple dish that’s budget-friendly.

This dish tastes like a pineapple bread pudding.

Goes excellent with Easter ham.

The bread soaks up the buttery flavor and the sweet pineapple juices.

The first time you try this recipe, you will be hooked.

Ingredients Needed for Pineapple Bread Casserole

This baked pineapple casserole is made with simple ingredients and comes together fast.

Bread Cubes– I use white bread for this recipe. I like to cube or tear my bread by hand. The pieces don’t have to be perfect, and I leave the crust on the bread.

Milk– I only buy whole milk, which I use.

Eggs– Large eggs

Sugar– white sugar

Butter– One cup butter, softened

Pineapple– I use canned pineapple chunks (pineapple tidbits) with juice

Picture of ingredients for pineapple casserole with text overlay — The Best Pineapple Casserole

How To Make Southern Pineapple Casserole

This casserole is so simple and with just a few minutes of prep, you can have this casserole made and in the oven. It’s perfect for the holidays or as a side dish during the week. This recipe can be mixed by hand; therefore, an electric mixer is unnecessary.

For complete instructions, see the recipe card below.

Gather ingredients and cube the bread.
In a large mixing bowl, mix milk, eggs, sugar, and butter.
Add pineapple and pineapple juice. Mix well.
Add cubed bread. Stir until all of the bread is coated.
Pour the pineapple mixture into the prepared baking dish. Bake for 40-45 minutes.
Serve warm. Enjoy!

Steps for making pineapple casserole with text overlya.

Is Pineapple Casserole a Dessert?

I like to serve Pineapple Casserole as a side dish. But, I have also eaten leftovers as a dessert. 🙂 Basically, it depends on you!

How to Store Leftover Casserole

Store all leftovers in the refrigerator. Allow the pineapple casserole to cool to room temperature, wrap leftovers tightly in plastic wrap or place in a tightly covered bowl. Leftovers will usually last 4-5 days in the refrigerator. **They never last this long at my house.

Recipe Tips

Start with a large bowl.

Use softened butter.

Cube bread. I leave the crusts on- your choice.

Use canned pineapple with juice. I use tidbits, but crushed pineapple will work as well.

Bake until the top is slightly golden brown.

Allow the casserole to rest for a few minutes after removing it from the oven.

What Do I Serve With Pineapple Casserole?

Honestly, in my opinion, it goes great with everything. I like to serve it best with ham. Ham and Pineapple Casserole equals a win every time! I have also served it with grilled foods during the summer, at Thanksgiving with turkey, with sticky chicken, and during the week with barbecued ribs.

Try this for your next holiday gathering or just for something different during the week. In my opinion, no holiday is complete without a Pineapple Casserole. For More Holiday Side Dishes, be sure to check out 27 Southern Thanksgiving Side Dishes. There is something there for everyone.

If you are looking for side dishes to serve at holiday gatherings or during the week, be sure to try my Sweet Potato Casserole with Brown Sugar Pecan Topping and Southern Cornbread Salad and Candied Sweet Potatoes. These always show up on my table for the holidays.

Some other great weeknight sides to try are– Southern Deviled Eggs, Crispy Fried Okra, and Fried Cabbage and Onions. My corn casserole is fabulous. Great recipes for holidays or weeknight meals.

Recipe FAQ’s

Canned pineapple is usually sweeter and has more juice. However, I have not tested this recipe with fresh pineapple. Therefore, I can not recommend the outcome.

No. Do not drain the pineapple juice. You will need the juice in this recipe.

Need a quick dessert for your holiday table? My No Bake Pumpkin Pie is a winner every time! It’s light, fluffy, and comes together in minutes. Delish!

For More Pineapple Dishes:

Cherry Pineapple Dump Cake

Watergate Salad