Hawaiian Pizza Grilled Cheese Sandwich – The Perfect Sweet & Savory Twist
If you love the sweet and savory combination of Hawaiian pizza and the gooey, crispy goodness of a grilled cheese sandwich, then this Hawaiian Pizza Grilled Cheese is the ultimate comfort food mash-up you need to try. Loaded with melty mozzarella, sweet pineapple, smoky ham, and a touch of tangy marinara, this sandwich delivers all the flavors of your favorite pizza between two crispy, buttery slices of bread.
Perfect for quick lunches, weeknight dinners, or a satisfying snack, this recipe brings a fun twist to a classic grilled cheese, and it only takes 15 minutes to make!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Pizza Meets Grilled Cheese – The best of both worlds in one bite.
- Quick & Easy – Ready in just 15 minutes.
- Perfectly Crispy & Gooey – Buttery, golden bread with melty cheese inside.
- Sweet & Savory Combo – Smoky ham and tangy pineapple create an irresistible flavor balance.
- Kid-Friendly & Crowd-Pleasing – A sandwich everyone will love!
Ingredients
- 4 slices sourdough bread (or bread of choice)
- 2 tablespoons butter, softened
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 4 slices deli ham (or Canadian bacon)
- ⅓ cup crushed pineapple, drained
- ¼ cup marinara sauce (or pizza sauce)
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon dried oregano
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Bread & Ingredients
- Spread butter evenly on one side of each slice of bread.
- On the unbuttered side of two slices, spread a thin layer of marinara sauce.
- Sprinkle a little garlic powder and oregano over the marinara for extra flavor.
2. Assemble the Sandwich
- Layer on shredded mozzarella cheese, ham, and crushed pineapple.
- Sprinkle with red pepper flakes for a little kick (optional).
- Top with more mozzarella cheese and place the second slice of bread on top (buttered side facing out).
3. Grill to Perfection
- Heat a skillet or griddle over medium-low heat.
- Place the sandwiches in the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes per side, or until the bread is golden brown and crispy and the cheese is fully melted.
- Press down gently with a spatula to help everything meld together.
4. Serve & Enjoy
- Remove from heat and let the sandwiches sit for a minute before slicing.
- Serve hot with extra pizza sauce for dipping!
Tips for the Best Hawaiian Pizza Grilled Cheese
- Use Sourdough or Texas Toast – Thick, sturdy bread holds up well to the fillings.
- Drain the Pineapple Well – Excess liquid can make the sandwich soggy.
- Low & Slow is Key – Cook on medium-low heat to allow the cheese to melt without burning the bread.
- Try Different Cheeses – Swap mozzarella for provolone or a blend for extra cheesiness.
- Crispier Finish? – Sprinkle Parmesan on the buttered side of the bread before grilling.
What to Serve with Hawaiian Pizza Grilled Cheese
- Tomato Soup – A classic pairing for grilled cheese sandwiches.
- Garlic Parmesan Fries – A crispy, flavorful side.
- Crisp Green Salad – Adds a refreshing contrast to the cheesy sandwich.
- Pineapple Slaw – A tropical twist on traditional coleslaw.
How to Store & Reheat Leftovers
Storing:
- Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
Reheating:
- Skillet: Reheat over medium heat for 2-3 minutes per side.
- Oven: Warm at 350°F for 5-7 minutes until crispy.
- Avoid Microwaving – It can make the bread soggy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned?
Yes! Just chop it into small pieces and drain any excess juice before using.
What other bread works well?
Thick-sliced Italian bread, brioche, or Texas toast are great options.
Can I add more toppings?
Absolutely! Try adding bacon, jalapeños, or even caramelized onions for extra flavor.
Can I make this in a panini press?
Yes! Just preheat the press and grill until crispy and melted inside.
Is this good for meal prep?
Grilled cheese is best fresh, but you can assemble the sandwiches ahead and grill when ready.
Final Thoughts
This Hawaiian Pizza Grilled Cheese Sandwich is the perfect mix of sweet, savory, cheesy, and crispy in every bite. Whether you’re making it for a quick lunch or a fun family meal, this recipe is sure to be a hit. Give it a try and enjoy the best of pizza and grilled cheese combined!
Hawaiian Pizza Grilled Cheese Sandwich – The Perfect Sweet & Savory Twist
Description
If you love the sweet and savory combination of Hawaiian pizza and the gooey, crispy goodness of a grilled cheese sandwich, then this Hawaiian Pizza Grilled Cheese is the ultimate comfort food mash-up you need to try. Loaded with melty mozzarella, sweet pineapple, smoky ham, and a touch of tangy marinara, this sandwich delivers all the flavors of your favorite pizza between two crispy, buttery slices of bread.
Perfect for quick lunches, weeknight dinners, or a satisfying snack, this recipe brings a fun twist to a classic grilled cheese, and it only takes 15 minutes to make!
Ingredients
- 4 slices sourdough bread (or bread of choice)
- 2 tablespoons butter, softened
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 4 slices deli ham (or Canadian bacon)
- ⅓ cup crushed pineapple, drained
- ¼ cup marinara sauce (or pizza sauce)
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon dried oregano
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
Instructions
1. Prepare the Bread & Ingredients
- Spread butter evenly on one side of each slice of bread.
- On the unbuttered side of two slices, spread a thin layer of marinara sauce.
- Sprinkle a little garlic powder and oregano over the marinara for extra flavor.
2. Assemble the Sandwich
- Layer on shredded mozzarella cheese, ham, and crushed pineapple.
- Sprinkle with red pepper flakes for a little kick (optional).
- Top with more mozzarella cheese and place the second slice of bread on top (buttered side facing out).
3. Grill to Perfection
- Heat a skillet or griddle over medium-low heat.
- Place the sandwiches in the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes per side, or until the bread is golden brown and crispy and the cheese is fully melted.
- Press down gently with a spatula to help everything meld together.
4. Serve & Enjoy
- Remove from heat and let the sandwiches sit for a minute before slicing.
- Serve hot with extra pizza sauce for dipping!
Notes
Tips for the Best Hawaiian Pizza Grilled Cheese
- Use Sourdough or Texas Toast – Thick, sturdy bread holds up well to the fillings.
- Drain the Pineapple Well – Excess liquid can make the sandwich soggy.
- Low & Slow is Key – Cook on medium-low heat to allow the cheese to melt without burning the bread.
- Try Different Cheeses – Swap mozzarella for provolone or a blend for extra cheesiness.
- Crispier Finish? – Sprinkle Parmesan on the buttered side of the bread before grilling.
I’m Billy, a classically trained culinary school graduate from The Culinary Institute of America with over 12 years in the restaurant industry and over 19 years of cooking experience.
