For The Best Grilled Cheese, Make It Hawaiian Style

The culinary world will probably never run out of ways to put a spin on the classic grilled cheese. While it evidently fares well on its own, an unexpected Hawaiian addition might just tickle your fancy. The next time you're making this handheld, try adding pineapple and Canadian bacon or ham. The key is to add a sweet and savory component to make the sandwich all the more interesting. 

Why does it work, you ask? It's a bit like Hawaiian pizza, so there'll be some folks who will be averse to the idea (you won't even catch Gordon Ramsay ordering a slice). But if you're a fan of the divisive dish, you're bound to like this, too. It's refreshing on the taste buds, as the fruit's acidity cuts through the heaviness of the cheese, which works even better on a crispy grilled cheese sandwich with caramelized bread. Meanwhile, the meat adds a salty, smoky component. It's a feast for the senses, dare we say.

If you want to switch it up, you can introduce a handful of prosciutto, which has a subtle sweetness and a strong aroma that can make eating the sandwich an event in itself. Depending on your nearest deli, you might even have access to other varieties laced with herbs and spices, like black pepper and rosemary, which can add a compelling touch to your grilled cheese.

Making the classic sandwich with a meld of sweet and savory is pretty straightforward, and you might already have a go-to cheese and bread combination that suits your palette. But if you have a taste for adventure, try combining the butteriness of Havarti with the nuttiness of Gruyère for a flavorful contrast, wrapping them in the sturdy embrace of sourdough bread. Another route is introducing the mild, delicate notes of Monterey Jack, which tastes heavenly with the sweet pineapple and meat, creating a lovely dynamic without all the ingredients trying to one up each other.

If you want to be a little extra with the already extravagant handheld, you can grill your pineapples to add a smoky punch and sweet caramelization. Combined with the subtle sweet and smoky notes of the Canadian ham or bacon, you'll have a delicious balance of flavors that might just have you reaching for a second helping. Alternatively, sauté the pineapple in butter, adding a touch of soy sauce and sugar to draw out its sweetness even better while introducing a savory depth. For another layer of flavor, you can serve the sandwich alongside a spicy tomato sauce or a flavorful fruit ketchup for a more unique taste.