Hawaiian grilled cheese sandwich with ham and pineapple
When a craving for something savory strikes, there's hardly a better answer than a golden-brown pan-fried sandwich. This version combines American sandwich culture with an absolute classic from Germany. The result is a kind of Hawaiian toast with a modern twist.
- 4 slices of sourdough bread (or toast bread)
- 20 g Butter
- 80g pizza sauce 🛒 (a little more or less depending on taste)
- 4 slices of cooked ham
- 2 pineapple rings (patted dry and halved)
- 4 slices of Cheddar
- 1 small pinch of dried oregano
- Preheat a frying pan or contact grill over medium heat.
- Spread butter on one side of each slice of bread.
- Place 1 slice of bread in the pan with the buttered side down.
- Spread about 2 tablespoons of pizza sauce on it.
- Top the bread with 2 slices of cooked ham, 2 half pineapple rings and 2 slices of cheddar cheese.
- Sprinkle some oregano on top, if desired.
- Place a second slice of bread on top, with the buttered side facing up.
- Fry the sandwich for 3 to 4 minutes, until the bottom is golden brown and crispy.
- Carefully turn the sandwich over and fry for another 3 to 4 minutes, until the other side is also toasted and the cheese is melted.
- Take the sandwich out of the pan and place it on a board.
- Repeat the process with the second sandwich.
- Let the Hawaiian grilled cheese sandwiches cool briefly and halve them if desired before serving.
Hawaiian Grilled Cheese Sandwich: the perfect mix of sweet and savory
In the United States, the fried cheese sandwich has a long tradition and is considered the ultimate comfort food. The basic idea is always the same and incredibly simple: two thick slices of bread enclose a generous portion of cheese and are toasted on both sides. Over the years, countless variations have developed.
Some swear by caramelized onions, others add a touch of chili. Our version embraces the familiar flavor profile of Hawaiian pizza. The sweet acidity of the pineapple breaks through the richness of the cheese in a very refreshing way. Even though opinions often differ on the combination of fruit and savory toppings, the interplay between the hot slices of bread works exceptionally well.
To get your Hawaiian grilled cheese sandwich perfectly crispy, there's a simple trick. Spread the outside of the bread slices evenly with softened butter before frying. If you prefer, you can use mayonnaise instead. Its fat and protein content ensures a particularly even and golden-brown crust. Fry the sandwich over medium heat. If the pan is too hot, the bread will burn before the cheese inside can melt. Patience is key here. Gentle pressure with a spatula helps to combine the ingredients well and distribute the heat evenly.
This Hawaiian grilled cheese sandwich proves once again how easily familiar flavors can be reinvented. You don't need complicated techniques or unusual equipment for a convincing result. The warm filling and the toasty aromas of the bread transform simple ingredients into a complete meal. Whether as a quick lunch or a hearty evening snack, this grilled sandwich is perfect for many occasions. It tastes best served warm from the pan, when the cheese is still stringy and stretchy when you bite into it.
Craving more breakfast between two slices? Discover the English Breakfast Sandwich and the hearty Farmer's Breakfast Sandwich. Or treat yourself to a fluffy and creamy surprise with the Korean Egg Drop Sandwich!
