Hawaiian Pizza Grilled Cheese Sandwich

Nothing hits the spot like a warm, gooey grilled cheese sandwich. But what if we took things up a notch? Enter the Hawaiian Pizza Grilled Cheese Sandwich—a fun, tropical-inspired twist on the comfort food we all love. Imagine crispy, buttery bread enveloping layers of melty cheddar cheese, savory Canadian bacon, and sweet pineapple, all tied together with tangy pizza sauce. It’s like a Hawaiian pizza and a grilled cheese had a baby, and trust me, it’s delicious.

Perfect for a quick lunch, an easy dinner, or even a midnight snack, this sandwich delivers sweet, savory, and cheesy goodness in every bite. Whether you’re already a fan of Hawaiian pizza or you’re just looking for a unique way to upgrade your grilled cheese game, this recipe is a must-try.

Let’s dive right in and start making this irresistible sandwich!

INGREDIENTS YOU’LL NEED

This recipe makes two sandwiches, but you can easily double or halve the ingredients to suit your needs.

For the sandwiches:

• 4 slices of sourdough or white bread
• Butter, for spreading
• ¼ cup pizza sauce (adjust to taste)
• 4 slices of Canadian bacon
• 4 pineapple rings, patted dry
• 4 sandwich slices of Cheddar cheese

HOW TO MAKE HAWAIIAN PIZZA GRILLED CHEESE

1️⃣ Preheat the Skillet

Before assembling your sandwiches, heat a griddle or a large skillet over medium heat. You don’t want the heat too high, or the bread will brown too fast before the cheese melts.

2️⃣ Butter the Bread

Spread a thin, even layer of butter on one side of each slice of bread. This is what will give your sandwich that golden, crispy crust. If you love extra buttery grilled cheese, feel free to be generous!

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3️⃣ Assemble the Sandwich

Now comes the fun part—stacking up all those delicious layers! Here’s how to do it:

• Place one slice of bread butter-side down onto the heated griddle.
• Spread about 2 tablespoons of pizza sauce evenly over the unbuttered side of the bread.
• Layer two slices of Canadian bacon on top of the sauce.
• Add two pineapple rings, making sure to pat them dry beforehand to prevent soggy bread.
• Finally, top it off with two slices of cheddar cheese for that perfect melty factor.
• Place another slice of bread on top, butter-side up.

Your sandwich should now look like a little Hawaiian pizza pocket, ready to be grilled to perfection!

Now that your sandwiches are assembled and ready to go, it’s time to get them golden, crispy, and perfectly melty. This step is where the magic happens—where the buttered bread gets that irresistible crunch while the cheese melts into gooey perfection.

4️⃣ GRILL THE SANDWICH

Once your sandwich is in the preheated skillet, let it cook for 3-4 minutes on one side. You want to cook it low and slow—medium heat is key to ensuring the cheese melts without burning the bread.

• After 3-4 minutes, carefully flip the sandwich using a spatula. If it feels too loose, use your spatula to gently press it down.
• Cook for another 3-4 minutes on the other side until the bread is golden brown and crispy, and the cheese is completely melted.
• If the bread is browning too quickly but the cheese isn’t melting yet, lower the heat slightly and cover the pan for a minute to help trap the heat inside.

5️⃣ REPEAT & SERVE

Once your sandwich is beautifully golden and crispy on both sides, carefully transfer it to a cutting board.

• Let it rest for a minute or two—this helps the cheese set slightly, making it easier to slice without everything spilling out.
• Use a sharp knife to cut the sandwich in half diagonally or into quarters if you prefer smaller bites.
• Serve immediately while hot and melty!

Repeat the process for the second sandwich and serve them up with your favorite sides.

TIPS FOR THE BEST HAWAIIAN PIZZA GRILLED CHEESE

1. CHOOSE THE RIGHT BREAD

While white bread works well, sourdough adds an extra crispy texture and slight tang that complements the sweetness of the pineapple. If you prefer a softer grilled cheese, go with classic white sandwich bread.

2. PAT YOUR PINEAPPLE DRY

One of the biggest mistakes when making this sandwich is using pineapple straight from the can without drying it off first. Excess juice can make the bread soggy, so use paper towels to pat it dry before adding it to your sandwich.

3. TRY DIFFERENT CHEESES

Cheddar is the classic choice, but don’t be afraid to experiment!

• Mozzarella for extra stretchiness
• Provolone for a slightly sharper flavor
• Havarti for extra creaminess
• Swiss cheese if you like a hint of nuttiness

4. ADD EXTRA FLAVOR

Want to make your sandwich even better? Try these simple upgrades:

• Sprinkle garlic powder or Italian seasoning on the buttered side of the bread before grilling.
• Use smoked ham instead of Canadian bacon for a slightly richer flavor.
• Add crushed red pepper flakes or hot honey for a spicy-sweet kick.

SERVING SUGGESTIONS

This sandwich is delicious on its own, but it pairs amazingly with a few simple sides. Here are some ideas:

• Tomato Soup: The tangy tomato pairs beautifully with the cheesy sandwich.
• Garlic Parmesan Fries: Crispy fries with a touch of garlic make for a perfect pairing.
• Coleslaw: A crunchy, refreshing side to balance out the rich flavors.
• Pickles: Their tangy crunch cuts through the richness of the cheese.

This sandwich is quick to make and packed with flavor, making it a great choice for lunch, dinner, or even a snack.

Now that you know how to make the perfect Hawaiian Pizza Grilled Cheese, let’s go over some common questions and variations to help you customize it to your liking. Whether you’re looking for substitutes, storage tips, or ways to make it even more delicious, this section has you covered.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

1. CAN I USE A DIFFERENT TYPE OF BREAD?

Absolutely! While sourdough and white bread are great choices, you can also use:

• Whole wheat bread for a heartier, nuttier taste
• Ciabatta for an extra crispy exterior
• Brioche for a slightly sweet and buttery twist

Just make sure the bread is sturdy enough to hold the fillings without getting soggy.

2. WHAT CHEESE WORKS BEST FOR THIS RECIPE?

Cheddar is a great option because of its sharp, melty texture, but here are some alternatives:

• Mozzarella for a classic pizza feel
• Gouda for a creamy, smoky flavor
• Provolone for a slightly sharper taste
• Havarti for an ultra-creamy melt

For an even cheesier sandwich, mix and match your cheeses!

3. HOW DO I MAKE THIS SANDWICH CRISPIER?

For extra crunch, try these tips:

• Use mayo instead of butter—spreading a thin layer of mayo on the bread before grilling creates an ultra-crispy crust.
• Press down gently with a spatula while grilling to ensure even browning.
• Toast the bread lightly before assembling for an extra crispy bite.

4. CAN I MAKE THIS SANDWICH AHEAD OF TIME?

While this sandwich is best eaten fresh, you can partially prep it by assembling it in advance and storing it in the fridge for up to 2 hours before grilling. Just be sure to pat the pineapple dry to prevent the bread from getting soggy.

5. HOW DO I STORE AND REHEAT LEFTOVERS?

If you have leftovers, follow these tips to keep them fresh:

• Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
• Reheat in a skillet over low heat for 3-4 minutes per side to bring back the crispiness. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the bread soggy.

6. CAN I MAKE THIS SANDWICH VEGETARIAN?

Yes! Simply leave out the Canadian bacon or replace it with:

• Grilled mushrooms for a savory umami boost
• Sliced tomatoes for a fresh, juicy bite
• Spinach or arugula for a bit of greenery

You’ll still get all the sweet and cheesy goodness without the meat!

VARIATIONS & CUSTOMIZATIONS

Want to switch things up? Here are some fun ways to customize your Hawaiian Pizza Grilled Cheese:

1. SPICY HAWAIIAN GRILLED CHEESE

• Add sliced jalapeños or red pepper flakes for a fiery kick.
• Drizzle with hot honey for a sweet-spicy balance.

2. BBQ HAWAIIAN GRILLED CHEESE

• Swap pizza sauce for BBQ sauce for a smoky, tangy twist.
• Use smoked ham instead of Canadian bacon.

3. DOUBLE DECKER HAWAIIAN GRILLED CHEESE

• Stack an extra layer of cheese and toppings for an ultra-loaded sandwich.
• Use Texas toast for a thicker, heartier bite.

FINAL THOUGHTS

Hawaiian Pizza Grilled Cheese is the perfect combination of sweet, savory, cheesy, and crispy—all in one delicious bite. Whether you’re a fan of Hawaiian pizza or just looking for a fun way to upgrade your grilled cheese, this recipe is guaranteed to satisfy.

Hawaiian Pizza Grilled Cheese Sandwich

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• Author: Andrew Recipes
• Total Time: 13 minutes

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Description

A fun and flavorful twist on classic grilled cheese, this sandwich combines the sweet and savory goodness of Hawaiian pizza with melty cheese and crispy, buttery bread. Perfect for a quick and satisfying meal!

 

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

✅ For the sandwiches:

• 4 slices sourdough or white bread
• Butter, for spreading
• ¼ cup pizza sauce (adjust to taste)
• 4 slices Canadian bacon
• 4 pineapple rings, patted dry
• 4 sandwich slices Cheddar cheese

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Instructions

1️⃣ Preheat the skillet:

Heat a griddle or skillet over medium heat.

2️⃣ Butter the bread:

Spread a thin layer of butter on one side of each slice of bread.

3️⃣ Assemble the sandwich:

Place one slice of bread, butter side down, onto the heated griddle.

Spread about 2 tablespoons of pizza sauce evenly over the bread.

Layer 2 slices of Canadian bacon, 2 pineapple rings, and 2 slices of Cheddar cheese on top.

Place another slice of bread on top, butter side up.

4️⃣ Grill the sandwich:

Cook for 3-4 minutes until the bottom slice is golden brown and crispy.

Carefully flip the sandwich over and cook for another 3-4 minutes until the other side is golden and the cheese is melted.

5️⃣ Repeat & serve:

Remove from the skillet and place on a cutting board.

Repeat the process for the second sandwich.

Let the sandwiches cool slightly, then cut in half if desired.

6️⃣ Enjoy!

Serve warm and savor the delicious balance of sweet pineapple, savory bacon, tangy pizza sauce, and gooey melted cheese.

Notes

• Pineapple Prep: Be sure to pat the pineapple dry to prevent excess moisture from making the sandwich soggy.
• Cheese Options: Swap Cheddar for mozzarella or provolone for a more classic pizza flavor.
• Bread Choices: Sourdough adds a nice tangy crunch, but white or whole wheat bread works great too.
• Extra Crispy Tip: Press down gently with a spatula while cooking for an extra crispy texture.

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 8 minutes

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 2