Cheese Crusted Hawaiian Grilled Cheese layers deli ham, pineapple, mozzarella, and oregano between two thick sourdough slices, then adds a second mozzarella treatment outside the bread. The sandwich cooks plain-side first and cheese-side second so the exterior develops a crisp golden cheese crust while the center stays melted.
The recipe makes exactly 1 sandwich. It lists 5 minutes of preparation, 8 minutes of cooking, and 13 minutes total, with a method range of 3–5 minutes on each side and a 30-second pause before cutting.
Cheese Crusted Hawaiian Grilled Cheese Ingredients
Gather 2 slices thick sourdough bread, 2–3 slices extra-thin deli ham, 1 canned pineapple slice or ¼ cup pineapple chunks, 1 cup shredded mozzarella divided, ½ teaspoon dried oregano, and 2 tablespoons salted butter.
The photographed ingredient option uses three ham slices and one pineapple ring, both within the exact source. Pat the pineapple dry before assembly.
If you enjoy this recipe, you may also like Beef Cheddar Sliders.
How to Make Cheese Crusted Hawaiian Grilled Cheese
- Lay one sourdough slice flat. Add 2–3 ham slices, the dried pineapple, about ½ cup mozzarella, and a pinch of oregano.
- Add the second bread slice and spread the remaining mozzarella over its outer top surface.
- Melt 2 tablespoons salted butter in a nonstick or cast-iron skillet over medium-high, coating the bottom.
- Place the sandwich in the pan with the loose cheese facing up. Cook 3–5 minutes until the plain bottom is golden.
- Flip carefully so the exterior cheese faces the pan. Cook 3–5 minutes until it forms a golden crust and the center melts.
- Rest 30 seconds, cut diagonally, and serve.
Use Exactly Two Thick Bread Slices
Layer Two to Three Thin Ham Slices
Dry the Pineapple Thoroughly
Add Half the Mozzarella Inside
Place Cheese on Top of the Closed Sandwich
Coat the Skillet with Salted Butter
Cook the Plain Bottom First
Flip the Loose Cheese Side Down
Crisp the Cheese for Three to Five Minutes
Do Not Press the Sandwich
Rest for Thirty Seconds
Cut One Sandwich Diagonally
Understand the Thirteen-Minute Timing
Keep the Hawaiian Balance Intact
Conclusion
On one of 2 thick sourdough slices, layer 2–3 thin ham slices, one dried pineapple ring or ¼ cup chunks, about ½ cup mozzarella, and oregano. Close with the second slice and put the remaining mozzarella on its outer top. Melt 2 tablespoons salted butter over medium-high. Cook cheese-side up for 3–5 minutes, flip, and cook the cheese side against the pan for 3–5 minutes. Rest 30 seconds and cut the single sandwich diagonally.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → How many bread slices are used?
Use exactly 2 thick sourdough slices to make one sandwich.
- → Can I use pineapple chunks instead of a ring?
Yes. Use either one canned pineapple slice or exactly ¼ cup drained, dried pineapple chunks.
- → Where does the mozzarella go?
Put about ½ cup inside the sandwich and the remaining ½ cup on the outer top slice to form the cheese crust after flipping.
- → How long does each side cook?
Cook the plain bread side for 3–5 minutes, then the exterior cheese side for another 3–5 minutes.