Get ready to take your grilled cheese game to the next level with this Hawaiian Grilled Cheese! It’s the perfect blend of sweet, savory, and cheesy goodness, featuring melty cheese, smoky ham, and juicy pineapple, all tucked between golden, buttery bread. It’s a tropical twist on the classic comfort food—one bite, and you’ll feel like you’re on a mini vacation!
Why You’ll Love Hawaiian Grilled Cheese
Sweet & Savory Perfection
The combination of salty ham, sweet pineapple, and gooey cheese creates an irresistible flavor balance.
Quick & Easy
This sandwich comes together in just 15 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights or a quick lunch.
Customizable
Want it spicier? Add jalapeños. Prefer a smoky touch? Try bacon instead of ham.
Kid & Adult Approved
A fun twist on grilled cheese that everyone will love!
Ingredients in Hawaiian Grilled Cheese
This sandwich is all about simple ingredients that pack a big punch.
Bread: Use thick-sliced sourdough, Texas toast, or Hawaiian bread for the best texture.
Butter: Helps create that crispy, golden crust.
Cheese: Mozzarella, Swiss, or provolone melt beautifully and pair perfectly with ham and pineapple.
Ham: Smoked or honey-glazed ham adds savory, meaty flavor.
Pineapple: Fresh or canned pineapple rings bring sweetness and a tropical vibe.
Honey or Dijon Mustard: Adds a little zing to balance the flavors.
Optional Add-Ins: Try crispy bacon, jalapeños, or a drizzle of BBQ sauce for extra flavor.
(Note: The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Let’s make this cheesy, tropical masterpiece in just a few easy steps!
Prep Your Ingredients
If using canned pineapple, drain it well and pat it dry to avoid a soggy sandwich.
Butter the Bread
Spread butter evenly on one side of each bread slice—this ensures a crispy, golden crust.
Assemble the Sandwich
Place one slice of bread, buttered side down, in a pan over medium heat. Layer with cheese, ham, pineapple, and a drizzle of honey or mustard, then top with another slice of cheese and the second piece of bread (buttered side up).
Grill to Perfection
Cook on medium-low heat for 3-4 minutes per side, pressing gently with a spatula. The bread should turn golden brown, and the cheese should be melty and gooey.
Serve & Enjoy!
Slice in half and enjoy while warm. Trust me—this one’s a game-changer!
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 1 sandwich
Calories per serving: [Calorie count per serving]
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
How to Serve Hawaiian Grilled Cheese
Pair this sandwich with simple, complementary sides to complete the meal:
Crispy Fries: A side of sweet potato fries or classic French fries is always a win.
Fresh Salad: A light, tangy coleslaw or mixed greens balances the richness.
Soup: Try it with tomato soup or a pineapple salsa on the side for dipping.
Extra Dipping Sauces: A drizzle of BBQ sauce, honey mustard, or sriracha mayo adds even more flavor!
Additional Tips
Make It Extra Crispy
For an ultra-crispy crust, sprinkle parmesan cheese on the buttered side before grilling.
Want More Flavor?
Use smoked gouda or pepper jack cheese for a flavor boost.
Avoid Soggy Sandwiches
Pat pineapple slices dry before adding them to the sandwich.
Storage & Reheating
Grilled cheese is best fresh, but if you have leftovers, store in an airtight container and reheat in a pan over low heat for the best texture.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I use a different cheese?
A1: Absolutely! Cheddar, gouda, or even pepper jack work great.
Q2: Can I make this vegetarian?
A2: Yes! Just skip the ham and add extra pineapple or even grilled mushrooms.
Q3: What’s the best bread for this sandwich?
A3: Sourdough, Texas toast, or Hawaiian bread all work great.
Q4: Can I make this in a panini press?
A4: Yes! A panini press makes it even crispier.
Q5: Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned?
A5: Yes! Just make sure to slice it thin and pat it dry before using.
Q6: What’s the best way to get a gooey cheese pull?
A6: Use two layers of cheese and cook on low heat so the cheese melts evenly.
Q7: Can I add extra protein?
A7: Yes! Try bacon or turkey for more heartiness.
Q8: Can I make this ahead of time?
A8: Grilled cheese is best fresh, but you can assemble it ahead and grill just before eating.
Q9: What’s a good dip for this sandwich?
A9: Honey mustard, BBQ sauce, or sriracha mayo all pair well.
Q10: How can I make it spicy?
A10: Add jalapeños, pepper jack cheese, or a drizzle of hot sauce.
Final Thoughts
This Hawaiian Grilled Cheese is a fun, tropical twist on a classic favorite. With crispy bread, melty cheese, smoky ham, and sweet pineapple, it’s a flavor explosion in every bite. Whether you make it for lunch, dinner, or a quick snack, this sandwich is a must-try. Give it a go and let me know how you like it!
Print
Hawaiian Grilled Cheese
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 5-7 minutes
- Total Time: 0 hours
- Yield: 1 serving 1x
- Category: Sandwich
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Hawaiian Grilled Cheese is a sweet and savory twist on the classic sandwich! Made with golden toasted bread, melted Monterey Jack cheese, juicy pineapple, and your choice of turkey, chicken, or salami, this sandwich is the perfect combination of flavors. Quick and easy to make, it’s ideal for lunch, a light dinner, or a satisfying snack.
Ingredients
- 4 slices bread
- 3 slices pineapple (fresh or canned)
- 3 slices turkey, chicken, or salami (instead of Canadian bacon)
- 1/2 cup Monterey Jack cheese, grated
- 2 tbsp butter, softened
- 1/4 tsp oregano
- 1/4 tsp parsley
Instructions
- Butter one side of each slice of bread and sprinkle with parsley and oregano.
- On the unbuttered side of two slices, add shredded cheese, then layer with turkey, chicken, or salami and pineapple slices.
- Top with the remaining slices of bread, buttered side facing up.
- Heat a griddle or frying pan over medium-low heat.
- Cook the sandwich until golden brown on one side, then flip to toast the other side.
- Continue cooking until the bread is crispy and the cheese is melted. Serve warm.
Notes
- For extra crunch, use sourdough or whole-grain bread.
- Add a drizzle of honey or hot sauce for a flavor boost.
- Swap Monterey Jack for Swiss or mozzarella for a different taste.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sandwich
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 750mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 40mg