Hawaiian Pizza Grilled Cheese Sandwich Recipe

Easy Hawaiian Pizza Grilled Cheese Sandwich Recipe for Lunch

Melted cheese and savory ham dance together in this mouthwatering Hawaiian pizza grilled cheese that bridges comfort food classics.

Crisp golden bread cradles a delectable blend of sweet pineapple chunks and salty ham slices.

Gooey mozzarella and tangy cheddar melt into every crevice of this irresistible sandwich.

The combination brings unexpected layers of flavor that surprise and delight the taste buds.

Each bite offers a perfect balance of warm, melted cheese and tropical ingredients.

This sandwich transforms ordinary lunch into an extraordinary culinary adventure.

Prepare to elevate your sandwich game with this playful twist on two beloved favorites.

Why You’ll Love Pizza Grilled Cheese

  • Savor Unexpected Flavor Fusion: Combine the classic comfort of grilled cheese with the bold, tropical taste of Hawaiian pizza, creating a mouthwatering twist on two beloved favorites.
  • Whip Up Effortless Gourmet Meal: Prepare a restaurant-worthy sandwich with minimal cooking skills, using simple ingredients and basic kitchen tools that make this recipe super accessible for home cooks.
  • Quick Comfort Food Champion: Craft a deliciously satisfying meal in just minutes, perfect for busy weeknights, lazy weekends, or spontaneous hunger attacks when you want something both exciting and familiar.
  • Kid-Friendly Crowd-Pleaser: Delight both children and adults with a playful sandwich that merges familiar flavors, making it an ideal option for family dinners or casual gatherings with friends.

Ingredients for Hawaiian Grilled Cheese

Main Ingredients:
  • Bread: Soft and perfect for grilling.
  • Canadian Bacon: Savory meat with a smoky touch.
  • Pineapple: Sweet tropical fruit with sunny flavor.
  • Cheddar Cheese: Rich and melty dairy delight.
Sauce and Spread:
  • Pizza Sauce: Tangy tomato base with zesty notes.
  • Butter: Smooth golden spread for crispy edges.
Cooking Essentials:
  • Griddle or Skillet: Kitchen tool for perfect golden-brown toasting.

How to Make Pizza Grilled Cheese

Step 1: Warm Up The Cooking Surface

Get your griddle or skillet nice and toasty over medium heat.

Generously spread softened butter across one side of each bread slice, ensuring complete coverage for that perfect golden crunch.

Step 2: Build The Flavor Foundation

Place one slice of bread butter-side down on the heated surface.

Spread a luscious layer of zesty pizza sauce evenly across the bread, creating a tangy base for your flavor adventure.

Step 3: Layer Your Delicious Ingredients

Arrange your toppings in a mouthwatering stack:
  • Canadian bacon slices
  • Sweet pineapple rings
  • Creamy Cheddar cheese slices

Step 4: Crown Your Sandwich

Top the ingredients with the second bread slice, butter-side facing upward, creating a perfect flavor package.

Step 5: Grill To Perfection

Cook the sandwich for 3-4 minutes until the bottom transforms into a crispy golden-brown masterpiece.

Carefully flip and continue cooking for another 3-4 minutes, allowing the cheese to melt into gooey deliciousness.

Step 6: Prepare For Serving

Transfer your completed sandwich to a cutting board.

Repeat the process for additional sandwiches if desired.

Step 7: Slice And Savor

Let the sandwich cool briefly, then slice diagonally.

Serve while warm and enjoy the incredible blend of sweet, smoky, and cheesy flavors that dance on your taste buds.

Grilled Cheese Sandwich Cooking Tips

  • Spread softened butter evenly on the bread's exterior for a perfectly golden, crispy crust that adds rich flavor and helps achieve an even browning.
  • Arrange Canadian bacon and pineapple rings carefully to ensure every bite has a balanced mix of sweet, smoky, and savory elements.
  • Maintain medium heat to prevent burning while allowing cheese to melt completely and bread to become beautifully crisp without scorching.
  • Use a wide spatula to flip the sandwich smoothly, supporting the entire sandwich to keep ingredients from sliding around during cooking.
  • Let the grilled cheese sit for a minute after cooking to help cheese set and prevent burning your mouth while allowing flavors to meld together.

Store and Reheat Pizza Grilled Cheese

  • Store leftover Hawaiian pizza grilled cheese sandwiches in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, keeping them fresh and delicious.
  • Preheat oven to 350°F, wrap sandwich in aluminum foil, and warm for 8-10 minutes to restore crispiness and melt cheese perfectly.
  • Warm sandwich in a lightly buttered skillet over medium-low heat for 2-3 minutes per side, ensuring the bread crisps and cheese melts evenly.
  • Skip microwave reheating to prevent soggy bread and rubbery cheese texture; stick to oven or skillet methods for best results.

Pairings for Hawaiian Grilled Cheese

  • Flavor Harmony Pairing: Match this sweet and savory Hawaiian pizza grilled cheese with a crisp, light pilsner beer that cuts through the richness and complements the tangy pineapple notes.
  • Refreshing Citrus Contrast: Serve alongside a chilled glass of fresh lemonade or orange juice to balance the sandwich's creamy cheese and enhance the tropical pineapple flavor profile.
  • Cool Dipping Delight: Prepare a quick side of ranch or garlic aioli dipping sauce to add an extra layer of creamy, zesty flavor that elevates the sandwich's overall taste experience.
  • Palate-Cleansing Salad: Create a simple mixed green salad with a light vinaigrette to provide a fresh, crisp counterpoint to the sandwich's dense and rich texture.

Pizza Grilled Cheese Styles

  • Veggie Lover's Delight: Replace Canadian bacon with grilled portobello mushrooms or zucchini slices for a vegetarian version. Use vegan cheese to make it completely plant-based.
  • Gluten-Free Option: Swap regular bread with gluten-free bread slices. Ensure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free for those with wheat sensitivities.
  • Spicy Hawaiian Kick: Add jalapeño slices or sriracha sauce to the pizza sauce for an extra heat boost. Pepper jack cheese can replace cheddar for more spiciness.
  • Low-Carb Alternative: Use cauliflower bread or large lettuce leaves instead of traditional bread. Choose thin pineapple slices and reduce the amount for fewer carbohydrates.

FAQs

  • What type of bread works best for this recipe?

Soft, thick-sliced white bread or sourdough bread are ideal because they provide a sturdy base and crisp up beautifully when grilled.

  • Can I use different meats instead of Canadian bacon?

Yes, you can substitute Canadian bacon with ham, regular bacon, or even turkey for a different flavor profile while maintaining the sandwich’s core concept.

  • How do I prevent the sandwich from burning while grilling?

Use medium heat and watch carefully. The key is to cook slowly, allowing the cheese to melt and the bread to turn golden brown without scorching.

  • Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Absolutely! Kids typically love the combination of cheese, meat, and pineapple, making this a fun and tasty meal that’s easy to eat.

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Hawaiian Pizza Grilled Cheese Sandwich Recipe

Hawaiian Pizza Grilled Cheese Sandwich Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 16 reviews

  • Total Time: 13 minutes
  • Yield: 2 1x

Description

Crispy Hawaiian pizza grilled cheese sandwich blends classic comfort with tropical zest. Melted cheese, tangy pineapple, and savory ham create a mouthwatering fusion you’ll crave again and again.


Ingredients

Scale

Cheese and Protein:

  • 4 sandwich slices cheddar cheese
  • 4 slices Canadian bacon

Main Bread Component:

  • 4 slices sourdough or white bread

Toppings and Spreads:

  • 1/4 cup (59 milliliters) pizza sauce
  • 4 pineapple rings, patted dry
  • Butter (as needed for spreading)

Instructions

  1. Warm a cooking surface over medium heat, ensuring even temperature distribution across the griddle or skillet.
  2. Generously coat one exterior side of each bread slice with softened butter for optimal golden crispiness.
  3. Position the first bread slice butter-side down on the heated surface, creating a foundational layer for the sandwich.
  4. Distribute pizza sauce smoothly across the bread’s exposed surface, covering it completely with a thin, even layer.
  5. Arrange Canadian bacon slices over the sauce, creating a savory protein base for the sandwich.
  6. Layer pineapple rings strategically atop the Canadian bacon, ensuring complete coverage and balanced flavor distribution.
  7. Place Cheddar cheese slices over the pineapple, allowing them to slightly melt and bind the ingredients together.
  8. Crown the sandwich with the second bread slice, positioning the buttered side facing upward.
  9. Grill the sandwich for 3-4 minutes, monitoring the bottom slice until it transforms into a rich, golden-brown crust.
  10. Delicately flip the sandwich using a spatula, revealing the perfectly toasted first side.
  11. Continue cooking for an additional 3-4 minutes, ensuring the second side becomes equally crisp and the cheese melts completely.
  12. Transfer the finished sandwich to a cutting board, allowing brief cooling time to set the melted ingredients.
  13. Optional: Slice the sandwich diagonally for easier handling and more attractive presentation.
  14. Serve immediately while warm, embracing the harmonious blend of sweet, smoky, and cheesy flavors.

Notes

  • Opt for high-quality bread with sturdy texture to prevent sogginess and maintain crispy grilled cheese structure.
  • Select ripe, fresh pineapple rings or drain canned pineapple thoroughly to avoid excess moisture ruining sandwich’s crispness.
  • Grate cheese instead of using slices for more even melting and better coverage across the sandwich.
  • Experiment with different cheese varieties like mozzarella or smoked Gouda for unique flavor profiles while maintaining classic Hawaiian pizza essence.
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 8 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Snacks
  • Method: Grilling
  • Cuisine: Hawaiian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 2
  • Calories: 480
  • Sugar: 6 g
  • Sodium: 1030 mg
  • Fat: 24 g
  • Saturated Fat: 12 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 44 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 22 g
  • Cholesterol: 60 mg
James Hambly

James Hambly

Founder & Recipe Creator

Expertise

Recipe Development, Culinary Education, Farm-to-Table Cooking, Southern Cuisine

Education

Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College
Certificate in Culinary Arts
Focus: Hands-on training in professional cooking techniques, emphasizing farm-to-table practices and Southern cuisine.

The Chef’s Academy
Associate Degree in Culinary Arts
Focus: Comprehensive culinary education covering global cuisines, kitchen management, and food safety.​


James grew up surrounded by the smells of cast-iron skillets and slow-cooked Southern meals in Asheville, North Carolina.
He sharpened his skills with a Certificate in Culinary Arts from Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College, and later leveled up with an Associate Degree from The Chef’s Academy.
James’s philosophy is simple: the best meals don’t need fancy tricks, just fresh ingredients, a hot pan, and a little bit of heart. His favorite days are spent testing one-pan wonders, chasing bold flavors, and creating recipes that feel easy, even on a busy night.

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