Easy Baked Pineapple With Ritz Crackers – Crispy 35-Minute

I still remember the first time my Aunt Rosa brought this golden, bubbling dish to a family potluck. I thought it was dessert, but she winked and said it's the perfect side for ham or pork. One spoonful of that warm, juicy pineapple with the buttery cracker crunch, and I was hooked. It's been my secret weapon for weeknight dinners ever since.

This Baked Pineapple With Ritz Crackers is the kind of recipe that makes you look like a hero in the kitchen with almost zero effort. You probably have most of the ingredients in your pantry right now. It's sweet, tangy, and has that irresistible crispy top that everyone fights over. Plus, it fills your house with the most amazing aroma.

Whether you're serving it alongside a holiday ham or just jazzing up a simple chicken dinner, this dish is pure comfort. And let's be honest—anything with buttery Ritz crackers is bound to be good. Let's dive in!

About the Ingredients

2 cans (20 oz / 570g each) pineapple chunks in juice, drained

Use canned pineapple chunks for convenience; if you prefer fresh, substitute with 3 cups of fresh pineapple chunks. Make sure to drain well to avoid a watery casserole.

1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar

Adjust sugar to taste depending on the sweetness of your pineapple. You can reduce to 1/3 cup if you prefer less sweet.

3 tablespoons all-purpose flour

This helps thicken the juices into a light syrup. For a gluten-free option, use cornstarch instead (use only 1.5 tablespoons).

1/2 cup (1 stick / 113g) unsalted butter, melted

Salted butter works too—just reduce added salt if you're adding any. Use plant-based butter for a dairy-free version.

1 sleeve (about 36 crackers) Ritz crackers, crushed

Butter-flavored crackers are key. If you can't find Ritz, use any buttery round cracker. Crush them coarsely for the best crunch.

1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)

Adds a warm spice note. You can also use nutmeg or pumpkin pie spice for a different twist.

Tips & Tricks

• Drain the pineapple really well—too much liquid makes the dish soggy. Pat the chunks dry with a paper towel if needed.
• Crush the crackers by hand for a rustic texture, or use a food processor for finer crumbs. Don't crush them into dust; you want some texture.
• If you're making this ahead, assemble it but don't bake. Cover and refrigerate, then add a few extra minutes to the baking time.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch (23×33 cm) baking dish with butter or non-stick spray.

2. Mix pineapple filling

In a large bowl, combine the drained pineapple chunks, sugar, and flour. Stir gently to coat the pineapple evenly. Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish and spread it out.

3. Make cracker topping

In a separate bowl, mix the crushed Ritz crackers with the melted butter and cinnamon (if using). Stir until the crackers are evenly moistened.

4. Sprinkle topping

Sprinkle the cracker mixture evenly over the pineapple. Don't press down—you want a fluffy, crunchy layer.

5. Bake until golden

Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the edges are bubbly. The pineapple should be hot and the juices thickened. If you want it extra crispy, broil for the last 1-2 minutes, watching carefully.

6. Rest and serve

Let the dish rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the sauce to thicken slightly. Serve warm as a side dish or dessert.

Delicious Variations

• Add a handful of shredded cheddar cheese to the cracker topping for a savory-sweet combo.
• Swap the pineapple for canned peaches or a mix of pineapple and mandarin oranges.
• Top with mini marshmallows during the last 5 minutes of baking for a gooey, campfire-style finish.

How to Store Baked Pineapple With Ritz Crackers

Frequently Asked Questions

I hope this Baked Pineapple With Ritz Crackers brings as much joy to your table as it has to mine. If you try it, let me know in the comments below—I'd love to hear how it turned out! And remember, you're doing better than you think.

Baked Pineapple With Ritz Crackers

Sweet, buttery baked pineapple with a crunchy Ritz topping—an easy side dish that tastes like sunshine. Ready in 35 minutes!

★★★★½ 4.8 (156 ratings)

15 minPrep time35 minCook time6Servings285 kcalCalories

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🧂 Ingredients

• 2 cans (20 oz / 570g each) pineapple chunks in juice, drained
• 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup (1 stick / 113g) unsalted butter, melted
• 1 sleeve (about 36 crackers) Ritz crackers, crushed
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)

📋 Instructions

1. 1Preheat oven — Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch (23×33 cm) baking dish with butter or non-stick spray.
2. 2Mix pineapple filling — In a large bowl, combine the drained pineapple chunks, sugar, and flour. Stir gently to coat the pineapple evenly. Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish and spread it out.
3. 3Make cracker topping — In a separate bowl, mix the crushed Ritz crackers with the melted butter and cinnamon (if using). Stir until the crackers are evenly moistened.
4. 4Sprinkle topping — Sprinkle the cracker mixture evenly over the pineapple. Don't press down—you want a fluffy, crunchy layer.
5. 5Bake until golden — Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the edges are bubbly. The pineapple should be hot and the juices thickened. If you want it extra crispy, broil for the last 1-2 minutes, watching carefully.
6. 6Rest and serve — Let the dish rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the sauce to thicken slightly. Serve warm as a side dish or dessert.

👨‍🍳 Chef's Note: Don't skip the resting time—it lets the sauce thicken and the flavors meld beautifully.

Servings: 6

Cuisine: American

Course: Side Dish

Nutrition (per serving): 285 kcal · 2g protein · 38g carbs · 15g fat

Written by Sofia Ramirez
Sofia writes about parenting and family wellness, exploring the messy, joyful reality of raising kids. She offers relatable stories and practical advice on everything from sleep training to managing screen time, always with a dose of humor.