Irresistible Cheese Crusted Hawaiian Grilled Cheese Recipe

Grilled cheese sandwiches have always held a special place in my heart (and stomach). Picture this: gooey cheese melting between two crispy, buttery slices of bread, with a warm, tropical twist from the sweet touch of pineapple. That’s exactly what you’ll get with this Cheese Crusted Hawaiian Grilled Cheese. Your taste buds are practically screaming for this delightful combination of flavors and textures that will transport you straight to the sunny shores of Hawaii. For more inspiration, check out this lunch recipes recipe.

Now imagine biting into that sandwich and experiencing the crunch of the cheesy crust, followed by ooey-gooey cheese melding perfectly with savory ham and juicy pineapple. It’s an explosion of flavor that feels like a hug from your favorite beach vacation. Whether it’s an afternoon snack or the centerpiece of a cozy dinner, this dish is perfect for any occasion. Get ready to dive into this culinary adventure!

I remember making this dish for my friends during a game night. The moment they took their first bite, their eyes widened like kids at a candy store—priceless!

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Sourdough Bread: Use thick slices for the best texture; it holds up well against all that cheesy goodness.

• Sharp Cheddar Cheese: Provides a robust flavor that complements the sweetness of pineapple beautifully.

• Swiss Cheese: Its nutty flavor adds depth while melting perfectly for that gooey experience.

• Diced Pineapple: Fresh or canned works great; choose ripe pineapple for the sweetest burst in each bite.

• Honey Baked Ham: Thinly sliced ham introduces savory notes; feel free to substitute with turkey or bacon if desired.

• Butter: Use unsalted butter to achieve that golden-brown crust; don’t skimp on slathering it generously!

• Shredded Parmesan Cheese: Adding this on the outside gives your sandwich its delectable crusty finish.

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 ingredients and slice your bread thickly for optimal crunchiness. Dice your pineapple if using fresh fruit.

Assemble the Sandwich: Layer one slice of sourdough with cheddar cheese, Swiss cheese, diced pineapple, and ham. Top with another slice of bread.

Butter Up: Generously spread butter on the outer sides of both slices before cooking to ensure golden perfection.

Cook It Right: Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat and place your sandwich inside. Cook until golden brown on one side, about 4-5 minutes.

Add That Crunch: Sprinkle shredded Parmesan on top before flipping the sandwich to create a crunchy crust while cooking the other side.

Melt Away: Continue cooking until both sides are golden and cheese is melted through, roughly 4-5 more minutes.

And voilà! You now have a heavenly Cheese Crusted Hawaiian Grilled Cheese ready to be devoured!

Enjoy your culinary creation by slicing it diagonally (because we all know diagonal cuts are fancier) and serve it alongside some crispy potato chips or a light salad for balance. Bon appétit!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by heating your skillet to medium-high before adding butter for that perfect golden crust. Assemble your sandwich while the skillet warms, then grill until both sides are crispy and the cheese melts, about 3-4 minutes each side.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap out the cheese for something stronger like pepper jack or add jalapeños for a spicy kick. You can even experiment with different breads, such as sourdough or whole grain, for added texture.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, place in a skillet over low heat until warmed through, ensuring you maintain that crispy crust.

There’s nothing quite like the first time I served this dish at a family gathering; everyone was fighting over the last bite, and my grandma declared it “better than her grilled cheese.” That’s when I knew I had struck gold with this recipe!

FAQ

How do I make my Cheese Crusted Hawaiian Grilled Cheese extra cheesy?

Add an additional layer of cheese inside before grilling for maximum gooeyness.

Can I use canned pineapple instead of fresh?

Yes, but drain it well to avoid sogginess.

What type of bread works best for this recipe?

Sourdough or brioche bread gives the best flavor and texture contrast.