This Grilled Cheese Hawaiian takes the tropical flavors you love from a classic pizza and tucks them inside two slices of perfectly toasted bread. Featuring salty Canadian bacon, sweet pineapple, and gooey Monterey Jack cheese, this sandwich is a delicious way to upgrade your lunch routine. It is a quick, family-friendly meal that balances savory and sweet notes in every bite.
Table of Contents
Why You Will Love This Recipe
You will love this Grilled Cheese Hawaiian because it offers a sophisticated flavor profile with minimal effort. The addition of dried herbs to the buttered crust adds an aromatic touch that elevates it beyond a standard sandwich. It is the perfect solution for those who enjoy the “Hawaiian” flavor combination but want something crispier and more comforting than a slice of pizza. Plus, it comes together in just about ten minutes using simple ingredients.
Ingredients
- 4 slices of your favorite bread (sourdough or brioche work well)
- 3 slices of pineapple (fresh or canned)
- 3 slices of Canadian bacon
- 1/2 cup Monterey Jack cheese, grated
- 2 tablespoons butter, softened to room temperature
- Dried oregano to taste
- Dried parsley to taste
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Begin by prepping the bread. Spread the softened butter evenly on one side of each slice. Sprinkle a pinch of dried parsley and oregano over the buttered sides to create a seasoned crust.
- Place two slices of bread, buttered side down, on a clean surface or directly onto a cold griddle.
- On the non-buttered side of the bread, layer the shredded Monterey Jack cheese. Top the cheese with the slices of Canadian bacon and the pineapple rings.
- Place the remaining slices of bread on top of the fruit and meat, ensuring the buttered and seasoned side is facing upward.
- Heat a frying pan or griddle over low to medium-low heat. Place the sandwiches in the pan and cook slowly.
- Once the bottom slice of bread is golden brown and toasted, carefully flip the sandwich.
- Continue cooking on low heat until the second side is toasted and the Monterey Jack cheese is completely melted. Remove from heat, slice diagonally, and serve immediately.
Expert Tips / Pro Tips
To achieve the perfect Grilled Cheese Hawaiian, the most important tip is to use low heat. Because this sandwich contains thick ingredients like pineapple and Canadian bacon, high heat will burn the bread before the cheese in the middle has a chance to melt. Another pro tip is to pat your pineapple slices dry with a paper towel before adding them to the sandwich; this prevents excess moisture from making the bread soggy. For the best cheese pull, always grate your Monterey Jack from a block rather than using pre-shredded bags, which often contain anti-clumping agents that hinder melting.
While Monterey Jack is the traditional choice for its mild flavor and excellent melting capabilities, you can substitute it with Mozzarella for a more pizza-like experience or Sharp Cheddar for a bolder kick. If you do not have Canadian bacon, regular ham or even crispy bacon strips work beautifully. For those who enjoy heat, try adding a few thin slices of fresh jalapeño or a drizzle of sriracha inside the sandwich. If you are following a specific diet, this recipe is easily adapted with gluten-free bread or vegan cheese alternatives.
Serving Suggestions
This Grilled Cheese Hawaiian is a hearty meal on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with several side dishes. For a classic lunch, serve it alongside a pile of crunchy potato chips or a scoop of creamy macaroni salad. If you want a more balanced meal, a fresh house salad with ranch or blue cheese dressing provides a cool contrast to the warm sandwich. It also pairs surprisingly well with a side of sweet potato fries or even a cup of tomato soup if you enjoy the classic soup-and-sandwich combo.
Grilled cheese is always best enjoyed fresh from the pan to maintain the crispiness of the bread. However, if you have leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. To reheat, avoid the microwave as it will make the bread rubbery. Instead, place the sandwich back in a dry skillet over low heat for a few minutes on each side until the bread crisps up and the cheese is warm. Freezing is not recommended for this sandwich due to the high water content in the pineapple.
Nutrition Information
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 383 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 58g |
| Protein | 13g |
| Sugar | 27g |
Grilled Cheese Hawaiian
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Begin by prepping the bread. Spread the softened butter evenly on one side of each slice. Sprinkle a pinch of dried parsley and oregano over the buttered sides to create a seasoned crust.4 slices bread, 2 tablespoons butter, Dried oregano, Dried parsley
- Place two slices of bread, buttered side down, on a clean surface or directly onto a cold griddle.4 slices bread
- On the non-buttered side of the bread, layer the shredded Monterey Jack cheese. Top the cheese with the slices of Canadian bacon and the pineapple rings.3 slices pineapple, 3 slices Canadian bacon, 1/2 cup Monterey Jack cheese
- Place the remaining slices of bread on top of the fruit and meat, ensuring the buttered and seasoned side is facing upward.4 slices bread
- Heat a frying pan or griddle over low to medium-low heat. Place the sandwiches in the pan and cook slowly.
- Once the bottom slice of bread is golden brown and toasted, carefully flip the sandwich.
- Continue cooking on low heat until the second side is toasted and the Monterey Jack cheese is completely melted. Remove from heat, slice diagonally, and serve immediately.
Notes
FAQ
Can I use crushed pineapple instead of slices?
While you can use crushed pineapple, it is much harder to keep inside the sandwich. If you use crushed pineapple, be sure to drain it very thoroughly in a fine-mesh sieve to prevent the sandwich from becoming soggy.
What is the best bread for a Grilled Cheese Hawaiian?
A sturdy bread like sourdough is excellent because it holds up well to the weight of the pineapple. However, a slightly sweet bread like brioche or even thick-cut Texas toast complements the Hawaiian flavors perfectly.
Do I need to cook the Canadian bacon first?
Canadian bacon is typically sold fully cooked, so you only need to heat it through within the sandwich. If you prefer a crispier texture, you can lightly sear the bacon in the pan for 30 seconds per side before assembling the sandwich.