Do Share Recipe

Hawaiian Grilled Cheese Sandwich Recipe | Sweet and Savory Melt

I couldn’t wait to bite into this tropical twist on a sandwich — after making the Hawaiian Grilled Cheese Recipe, I felt like I’d been transported to a sunny island. I love how the sweet pineapple plays with savory cheese and ham in every melty bite.

If you like the Grilled Chicken Sandwich with Pesto Recipe, you’ll also enjoy exploring this fun, tropical grilled cheese adventure.

Ingredients (for 4 sandwiches)

Here’s everything you’ll need — and why each one matters:

8 slices sourdough bread – the sturdy crumb holds up to melting cheese and juicy pineapple
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese – for that stretchy, creamy melt
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese – adds sharpness and depth
1 cup sliced ham (or turkey as an alternative) – offers savory protein contrast to the fruit
1 cup pineapple rings (fresh or canned, drained well) – brings the sweet-tart Hawaiian flair
4 tablespoons butter, softened – spreads easily and helps crisp the bread
1 tablespoon garlic powder – boosts flavor without overpowering
1 tablespoon fresh cilantro, chopped (optional, for garnish) – adds brightness at the end

Note: Serves 4 sandwiches (i.e. about 4 hearty meals)

Cooking Time

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes

How to Make Hawaiian Grilled Cheese Recipe

Step 1: Preheat your skillet

First, I heat a skillet or griddle over medium heat. This moderate heat ensures the bread crisps slowly and the cheese melts evenly without burning the exterior too fast. Patience here is key.

Step 2: Butter the bread

I lightly spread softened butter on one side of each slice of sourdough. That layer will become your golden, crunchy outside. Butter too heavily and it may burn; too lightly and it won’t crisp properly.

Step 3: Layer the inside

On the unbuttered side of half the slices, I pile shredded mozzarella and cheddar, then ham slices, then pineapple rings. The order helps ensure even melting and good structural balance once you flip.

Step 4: Build and grill

Top with the remaining bread slices, buttered side facing outward. Gently place your sandwiches butter side down on the hot skillet. I press them lightly with a spatula for a few seconds to get good contact.

Step 5: Cook first side, then flip

Let the first side cook 3–4 minutes until golden brown, then flip carefully and cook for another 3–4 minutes. If the crust is browning too quickly, I reduce heat slightly to let cheese melt fully.

Step 6: Rest and garnish

Once both sides are crispy and the interior is gooey, I remove the sandwiches and let them rest a minute. Then I slice in half and sprinkle with optional fresh cilantro for that last pop of color and flavor.

Additional Tips for Making This Recipe Better

I’ve made this recipe a few times — here are things I’ve learned:

Always shred your cheese fresh for the best melt and texture.
Don’t overlayer the pineapples — two rings are enough so the sandwich doesn’t become soggy.
If the skillet runs cool, use a lid for 30 seconds after flipping to help melt cheese fully.
I like to toast the bread a little extra on the edges for crunch — just trim thin strips off the corners after cooking.
I sometimes brush garlic butter (melted butter + a touch more garlic powder) on the outside just before grilling for extra flavor.

Variations

You can easily adapt this into different versions or explore more dinner recipes with tweaks:

Dairy-free version: use vegan cheddar and mozzarella alternatives
Low-fat option: choose reduced-fat cheese and turkey instead of ham
Spicy twist: add a few jalapeño slices or a sprinkle of chili flakes
Fruit swap: try mango slices instead of pineapple for a milder tropical flavor
Add greens: layer spinach or thin tomato slices inside for extra freshness

Want more ideas like Stuffed Bell Peppers with Ground Turkey Recipe? You’ll find those are great for full meals to pair with this sandwich too.

Equipment You Need

Skillet or griddle — to crisp the bread and melt the cheese
Spatula — for flipping and pressing lightly
Cheese grater — to shred the cheese freshly
Butter knife — to spread butter evenly
Cutting board & sharp knife — to slice the sandwich cleanly

How to Serve Hawaiian Grilled Cheese Recipe?

Here are ideas to make your presentation shine:

Serve halves leaning against each other so the layers are visible
Garnish with extra cilantro sprigs or chopped parsley
Add a side of tomato soup, a crisp salad, or sweet potato fries
Place a small pineapple wedge or slice on the plate for tropical flair

Calories Count

Here’s a rough nutritional breakdown per sandwich:

Calories: ~ 450 kcal
Protein: ~ 25 g
Carbohydrates: ~ 32 g
Fat: ~ 28 g
Saturated Fat: ~ 14 g
Sugar: ~ 7 g
Sodium: ~ 850 mg
Fiber: ~ 2 g
Cholesterol: ~ 70 mg

How to Store It

Refrigeration: Place cooled sandwiches in an airtight container; they stay fresh for up to 2 days.
Freezing: Assemble without grilling, wrap, and freeze for later. Cook from frozen in a skillet when ready.
Reheating: Warm gently in a skillet over low heat to restore crispiness without sogginess.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Here’s why I always go back to it:

It’s quick and easy — perfect when I want something tasty fast
Bold flavor contrast — sweet pineapple + savory cheese + ham
Customizable — you can swap ingredients to match diets or tastes
Comfort food with a tropical twist — lifting a regular grilled cheese
Great for casual dinners or quick lunches

This Hawaiian Grilled Cheese is more than just a sandwich — it’s a bite of sunshine. With every crisp crust and melty bite, it brings together sweet and savory in a way that’s simple yet unforgettable. Whether you’re making it for yourself or impressing others, enjoy the island vibes and happy cooking!

Ben Carraoli