Hawaiian Grilled Cheese

Hawaiian grilled cheese is a sweet and savory twist on the classic sandwich, combining gooey melted cheese with juicy pineapple, smoky ham, and buttery golden bread. It’s tropical, comforting, and loaded with flavor in every bite. This creative take on grilled cheese is perfect for lunch, a quick dinner, or a fun party sandwich that’s sure to be a hit.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Sweet and savory combo with pineapple and ham
• Easy to make in under 15 minutes
• Crispy, golden exterior with perfectly melted cheese
• Great for kids and adults alike
• Simple ingredients, big flavor

ingredients

this Recipe

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Sliced bread (white, sourdough, or Hawaiian rolls work great)
• Butter (softened, for spreading)
• Cooked ham (sliced thin or diced)
• Pineapple (rings, chunks, or crushed – drained well)
• Shredded or sliced cheese (mozzarella, Swiss, cheddar, or provolone)
• Optional: red onion slices, jalapeños, or honey mustard for added kick

directions

1. Heat a skillet or griddle over medium heat.
2. Butter one side of each slice of bread.
3. Place one slice, butter-side down, in the skillet. Layer with cheese, ham, pineapple, and more cheese.
4. Top with the second slice of bread, butter-side up.
5. Cook for 3–4 minutes per side, pressing gently with a spatula, until bread is golden brown and cheese is melted.
6. Remove from skillet, let rest for 1 minute, then slice and serve.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes 2 sandwiches.
Prep time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 8–10 minutes
Total time: 13–15 minutes

Variations

• Spicy: Add sliced jalapeños or a drizzle of sriracha
• Sweet kick: Spread a thin layer of honey mustard or BBQ sauce inside the sandwich
• Veggie style: Add sliced red onions or roasted red peppers
• Breakfast twist: Add a fried egg and swap bread for English muffins
• Mini party sliders: Use Hawaiian rolls and bake in the oven for a crowd-friendly version

storage/reheating

Best enjoyed fresh, but you can store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
Reheat in a skillet over medium heat or in a toaster oven until the bread is crisp and the cheese is melted again.
Avoid microwaving as it may make the bread soggy.

FAQs

What cheese works best for Hawaiian grilled cheese?

Mozzarella, Swiss, provolone, or cheddar all melt well and pair nicely with ham and pineapple.

Can I use canned pineapple?

Yes—just be sure to drain it well and pat it dry to avoid soggy bread.

Can I make this sandwich vegetarian?

Absolutely! Skip the ham and add extra cheese or grilled veggies like red peppers or mushrooms.

What’s the best bread to use?

Sourdough, white, or Hawaiian sweet rolls are ideal for flavor and texture.

Can I make this in a panini press?

Yes—a panini press works great and helps crisp the bread evenly while melting the cheese.

Is it okay to use deli ham?

Yes—thinly sliced deli ham or leftover baked ham both work well.

How do I keep the sandwich from getting soggy?

Drain pineapple well, use a firm bread, and cook over medium heat so it gets crisp without steaming.

Can I add more toppings?

Definitely! Red onions, jalapeños, bacon, or even fresh basil make great additions.

Can I bake this instead of pan-frying?

Yes—assemble the sandwich and bake at 375°F for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway through.

What sides go well with this sandwich?

Try chips, sweet potato fries, a tropical fruit salad, or a simple green salad.

Conclusion

Hawaiian grilled cheese is the perfect fusion of melty, savory comfort and tropical sweetness. With its buttery crisp bread, warm ham, juicy pineapple, and gooey cheese, this sandwich is anything but ordinary. Try it once, and it just might become your new favorite spin on grilled cheese.

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