Grilled cheese is one of those comfort foods that never gets old. But sometimes, you just want to shake things up a little—and that’s where this Hawaiian Pizza Grilled Cheese Sandwich comes in. It’s the perfect mash-up of the crispy, buttery goodness of a grilled cheese and the sweet-and-savory flavors of a Hawaiian pizza. If you love the combination of melty cheese, smoky Canadian bacon, and juicy pineapple, this sandwich is about to become your new favorite lunch or easy weeknight dinner.
This recipe is not only delicious but also incredibly simple to make. You don’t need any fancy ingredients—just a handful of basics you probably already have in your kitchen. The best part? It’s ready in under 15 minutes, making it a great go-to meal when you need something quick but satisfying.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick & Easy – Perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends.
- Sweet & Savory Combo – The classic Hawaiian pizza flavors work beautifully in a grilled cheese.
- Crispy, Buttery Perfection – Every bite has that irresistible golden crunch.
- Customizable – Swap ingredients to suit your taste (more on that later).
Ready to take your grilled cheese game to the next level? Let’s get started!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s what you’ll need to make two sandwiches:
- 4 slices sourdough or white bread – Sourdough adds a nice tang, but white bread works great too.
- Butter – For that crispy, golden-brown crust.
- 1/4 cup pizza sauce – Adjust to taste; you can use more or less depending on your preference.
- 4 slices Canadian bacon – Adds a smoky, savory flavor.
- 4 pineapple rings – Make sure to pat them dry to avoid a soggy sandwich.
- 4 slices Cheddar cheese – Melts beautifully and adds a rich, creamy texture.
Now that you have everything prepped, let’s move on to making the sandwiches.
How to Make a Hawaiian Pizza Grilled Cheese Sandwich
Step 1: Preheat Your Skillet
Start by heating a griddle or large skillet over medium heat. You don’t want it too hot, or the bread will brown too quickly before the cheese has time to melt.
Step 2: Butter the Bread
Spread a thin layer of butter on one side of each slice of bread. This is what gives your sandwich that perfect crispy, golden crust.
Step 3: Assemble the Sandwich
Place one slice of bread, buttered side down, onto the skillet. Now, it’s time to build those delicious layers:
- Spread about 2 tablespoons of pizza sauce evenly over the bread.
- Layer on 2 slices of Canadian bacon for that smoky, salty bite.
- Add 2 pineapple rings—just make sure they’re patted dry so your sandwich doesn’t get soggy.
- Top with 2 slices of Cheddar cheese to hold everything together.
- Place the second slice of bread on top, buttered side up.
Cooking the Perfect Hawaiian Pizza Grilled Cheese
Now that we’ve assembled our sandwich, it’s time for the best part—cooking it to crispy, cheesy perfection. If you’ve ever made grilled cheese before, you know that patience is key. You want that golden-brown crust and gooey, melted cheese, and the only way to get it just right is to cook it low and slow. Let’s get started.
Step 4: Cook Until Golden and Crispy
Once your sandwich is assembled in the skillet, let it cook for about 3-4 minutes on the first side. Keep the heat at medium—too high, and the bread will burn before the cheese melts.
You’ll know it’s ready to flip when the bottom is golden brown and crisp. Carefully flip the sandwich over using a spatula, pressing down lightly to help everything stick together.
Step 5: Melt the Cheese and Toast the Other Side
Cook the second side for another 3-4 minutes until it’s also golden brown and the cheese is fully melted. If you’re worried about the cheese not melting fast enough, you can cover the skillet with a lid for the last minute of cooking. This traps heat inside and helps everything melt evenly.
Step 6: Remove and Let It Rest
Once both sides are crisp and the cheese is gooey, transfer the sandwich to a cutting board. Let it sit for a minute or two before slicing—this keeps everything from spilling out when you cut into it.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Slice the sandwich in half if you like and serve warm. The combination of the crunchy bread, melty cheese, smoky Canadian bacon, and sweet pineapple makes every bite absolutely delicious.
Tips for the Best Hawaiian Pizza Grilled Cheese
- Pat the Pineapple Dry – Too much moisture can make your sandwich soggy, so always blot the pineapple rings with a paper towel before using them.
- Use Low and Slow Heat – Cooking over medium or medium-low heat helps get that perfect crispy crust without burning the bread.
- Experiment with Cheese – Cheddar is classic, but you can also try mozzarella for a more traditional pizza flavor or a mix of both.
- Try a Different Bread – Sourdough adds a slight tang, but you can also use Texas toast for an extra thick and crunchy sandwich.
- Add Extra Toppings – Feeling adventurous? Try adding sliced jalapeños for heat or a sprinkle of Italian seasoning for extra flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions About Hawaiian Pizza Grilled Cheese
If you’re excited to try this recipe but still have a few questions, don’t worry! Here are some of the most common questions people have about making this delicious grilled cheese sandwich.
1. Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned pineapple rings?
Yes! Fresh pineapple works great, but make sure to slice it thinly and pat it dry before adding it to the sandwich. This prevents excess moisture from making the bread soggy.
2. What other cheeses can I use instead of Cheddar?
Mozzarella is a great choice if you want that classic pizza flavor. Provolone, Monterey Jack, or even Swiss can also work well. For extra cheesiness, try combining two types of cheese.
3. Can I make this sandwich in a panini press?
Absolutely! A panini press will give you an evenly crisped sandwich with a perfect cheese melt. Just be sure to butter the bread before pressing, and cook until golden brown.
4. What’s the best bread to use?
Sourdough adds a great texture and slight tang, but white bread, Texas toast, or even ciabatta can work. Just make sure the bread is sturdy enough to hold all the ingredients.
5. Can I make this sandwich ahead of time?
Grilled cheese is always best fresh, but if you need to prep ahead, you can assemble the sandwich and refrigerate it before cooking. When ready, cook it on the skillet as usual.
6. How can I make this sandwich crispier?
Using a little mayonnaise instead of butter on the outside of the bread creates an extra crispy crust. Cooking on a lower heat for a longer time also helps achieve a perfectly crisp texture.
7. Can I add more toppings?
Of course! Sliced jalapeños, caramelized onions, or a sprinkle of Italian seasoning can enhance the flavors. Just be careful not to overload the sandwich, or it may be harder to flip.
Final Thoughts: Why You Need to Try This Sandwich
This Hawaiian Pizza Grilled Cheese is the perfect way to switch up your regular grilled cheese routine. It’s got everything—sweet, savory, crispy, cheesy, and incredibly satisfying flavors all packed into one easy-to-make sandwich. Whether you’re making it for a quick lunch, an easy dinner, or even a fun snack, it’s sure to be a hit.
So why not give it a try? Let me know in the comments how it turned out for you and if you made any fun tweaks! Happy cooking!
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Hawaiian Pizza Grilled Cheese Sandwich
Description
This fun twist on a classic grilled cheese combines the sweet and savory flavors of Hawaiian pizza with crispy, buttery bread and melty cheese. It’s an easy and delicious meal perfect for lunch or a quick dinner.
Ingredients
- 4 slices sourdough or white bread
- Butter, for spreading
- 1/4 cup pizza sauce (adjust to taste)
- 4 slices Canadian bacon
- 4 pineapple rings, patted dry
- 4 sandwich slices Cheddar cheese
Instructions
Preheat a griddle or skillet over medium heat. Spread butter on one side of each slice of bread.
Place one slice of bread, buttered side down, onto the griddle. Spread about 2 tablespoons of pizza sauce evenly over the top.
Layer with 2 slices of Canadian bacon, 2 pineapple rings, and 2 slices of Cheddar cheese.
Top with another slice of bread, buttered side up.
Cook for 3-4 minutes, or until the bottom slice of bread is golden brown and crispy. Carefully flip the sandwich over and cook for another 3-4 minutes until the other side is toasted and the cheese has melted.
Remove from the skillet and transfer to a cutting board. Repeat the process for the second sandwich.
Let the sandwiches cool slightly before cutting in half, if desired. Serve warm and enjoy the sweet, smoky, and cheesy goodness.
Notes
- Use Swiss or mozzarella cheese for a different flavor twist.
- Patting the pineapple dry helps prevent excess moisture from making the sandwich soggy.
- Add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes or garlic powder for extra flavor.
