The aroma of melting cheese wafting through the air, combined with the sweetness of pineapple and the crunch of perfectly toasted bread, creates a delightful sensory experience. A Cheese Crusted Hawaiian Grilled Cheese is not just a sandwich; it’s an adventure in every bite that transports you to a beachside luau. For more inspiration, check out this lunch recipes recipe.

Jump to:
- <strong>Essential Ingredients</strong>
- <strong>How to Make Cheese Crusted Hawaiian Grilled Cheese</strong>
- <strong>Perfecting the Cooking Process</strong>
- <strong>Add Your Touch</strong>
- <strong>Storing & Reheating</strong>
- <strong>FAQ</strong>
- Can I use different types of cheese?
- What bread works best?
- Can I make this sandwich ahead of time?
- 📖 Recipe Card
Picture this: a cozy Saturday afternoon, friends gathered around, laughter echoing as I unveil my culinary masterpiece. The moment I cut into the grilled cheese, gooey cheese stretches tantalizingly while the sweet notes of pineapple make everyone swoon. This is the dish that turns casual hangouts into unforgettable feasts.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- The Cheese Crusted Hawaiian Grilled Cheese is incredibly easy to whip up, making it perfect for any occasion
- Its flavor profile offers a delightful balance of sweet and savory that will leave your taste buds dancing
- With its golden crust and attractive layers, this dish is visually stunning on any plate
- The recipe is versatile enough for breakfast, lunch, or even a late-night snack craving
I remember one summer evening when I served this dish at a backyard barbecue. My friends couldn’t stop raving about it, claiming it was the best grilled cheese they’d ever tasted!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
Sourdough Bread: Choose hearty slices for added texture and flavor; they hold up well against gooey fillings.
Cheddar Cheese: Aged cheddar adds sharpness to the sandwich; feel free to mix with mozzarella for extra stretch.
Pineapple Chunks: Use fresh pineapple for natural sweetness; canned works too if you’re in a pinch.
Butter: Opt for unsalted butter to control the saltiness; it ensures a rich, golden crust.
Swiss Cheese: This brings creaminess to every bite; it melts beautifully and complements cheddar well.
Garlic Powder: A sprinkle elevates the flavor significantly; use fresh garlic if you want an extra kick.
Fresh Basil (Optional): Adds freshness and aromatic appeal; it’s great if you have some on hand!
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make Cheese Crusted Hawaiian Grilled Cheese
Prepare Your Ingredients: Gather all your ingredients and slice your sourdough bread thickly. Ensure your cheeses are grated or sliced for smooth melting.
Heat Your Pan: Place a nonstick skillet over medium heat. Allow it to warm up while you butter your bread generously on one side.
Assemble Your Sandwich: Place one slice of bread butter-side down in the pan. Layer with cheddar, pineapple chunks, Swiss cheese, and another slice of bread butter-side up.
Grill Until Golden Brown: Cook until the bottom slice turns golden brown and crispy—about 3-4 minutes. Check often to avoid burning!
Flip and Finish Cooking: Carefully flip the sandwich using a spatula. Grill until both sides are crispy and the cheese has melted—this takes about another 3-4 minutes.
Serve and Enjoy!: Remove from heat, let cool slightly before slicing diagonally (to show off that cheesy goodness), then serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce or salad on the side!
This recipe combines fun flavors and textures that will surely please everyone at your table! Enjoy each bite as you bask in cheesy bliss!
You Must Know
- Cheese crusted Hawaiian grilled cheese is not just a sandwich; it’s a tropical adventure on your plate
- The blend of sweet pineapple and savory cheese creates an unforgettable harmony
- Perfect for impressing guests or enjoying a cozy night in, this recipe hits all the right notes
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by grilling the bread until golden, then layer cheese and pineapple, flipping until melty perfection is reached. This ensures even cooking and avoids soggy bread.
Add Your Touch
Consider swapping out cheddar for pepper jack or adding crispy bacon for extra flavor. You can also use sourdough instead of regular bread for a delightful twist.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover sandwiches in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days. Reheat on a skillet to regain that crunchiness without compromising texture.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- To avoid soggy bread, always pat the pineapple dry before adding it to your sandwich
- Use a non-stick skillet to achieve that perfect crispiness on both sides
- Choosing high-quality cheese makes all the difference in flavor and melt quality
Memories of my first cheese crusted Hawaiian grilled cheese come flooding back—friends devoured them at my backyard BBQ, leaving nothing but crumbs and rave reviews behind.
FAQ
Can I use different types of cheese?
Absolutely! Experiment with mozzarella or gouda for unique flavors and textures.
What bread works best?
Sourdough or brioche gives a delightful crunch and complements the fillings beautifully.
Can I make this sandwich ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare it ahead; just grill it fresh when ready to serve for best results.
Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.
📖 Recipe Card
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Cheese Crusted Hawaiian Grilled Cheese
- Total Time: 18 minutes
- Yield: 1 serving 1x
Description
Cheese Crusted Hawaiian Grilled Cheese is a flavor-packed sandwich that combines gooey melted cheese, sweet pineapple, and crunchy toasted sourdough bread. Each bite takes you on a tropical escape, making it perfect for casual gatherings or cozy nights in. With its inviting aroma and irresistible texture, this dish is sure to impress your friends and family.
Ingredients
- 2 slices sourdough bread
- 1/2 cup aged cheddar cheese, grated
- 1/4 cup Swiss cheese, grated
- 1/3 cup fresh pineapple chunks
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
- Fresh basil (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare your ingredients by slicing the sourdough bread thickly and grating the cheeses.
- Heat a nonstick skillet over medium heat while generously buttering one side of each slice of bread.
- Place one slice of bread butter-side down in the pan. Layer with cheddar, pineapple chunks, Swiss cheese, and top with another slice of bread butter-side up.
- Grill until the bottom is golden brown (about 3-4 minutes). Flip carefully and grill until both sides are crispy and the cheese has melted (another 3-4 minutes).
- Remove from heat, let cool slightly, slice diagonally, and serve hot.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Hawaiian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 870mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 60mg