Grilled Cheese with Ham
10 min
Crispy, melty, and done in minutes — this classic toasted sandwich with ham and cheese is a crowd-pleaser every single time.
sandwichfor kidsquick
Ready in under 20 minutes and always a hit. The pineapple and cured ham combo under melted cheese is better than it has any right to be.
Instructions
- 1
Lay the cured ham slices on the bread slices. Put a pineapple ring on each slice, then top with the cheese slices. Finish with the leek rings.
- 2
Place the open-faced toasts on a baking tray lined with parchment paper. Put the tray in the middle of the oven and bake at 250 °C until the cheese has melted and turned a nice golden colour. Use a spatula to lift them off the tray.
- 3
Alternatively, cook them in a lidded frying pan over medium heat — they'll be done after 15–20 minutes.
Per average serving
2.4k
Calories
kcal
183.2
Protein
g
134
Carbs
g
126.6
Fat
g
8.4g
Fiber
38.3g
Sugar
9959mg
Sodium
Family Portions
2portions
Adults
2
Children
No children added
Ingredients
Per average serving
2.4k
Calories
kcal
183.2
Protein
g
134
Carbs
g
126.6
Fat
g
8.4g
Fiber
38.3g
Sugar
9959mg
Sodium
Tips from the kitchen
- Pat the pineapple rings dry before they go on, especially the canned ones. Too much juice and the bread under the cheese turns soggy.
- Slice the leek into thin rings so it softens under the cheese instead of staying raw and sharp.
- At 250 °C things move fast. Stay by the oven and pull the tray the moment the cheese is golden, usually around 6 to 8 minutes.
- Two ham slices and two cheese slices per toast is the right ratio, so keep the layers flat and the bread covered to the edges or the corners burn first.
- Lining the tray with parchment is worth it. Melted cheese welds to bare metal and you'll be scrubbing.
Ways to vary it
- Swap the leek for thin rings of red onion if you want a bit more bite on top.
- A smear of Dijon or grainy mustard on the bread before the ham is a nice option if you like a little sharpness against the pineapple.
- Cheddar or jarlsberg both melt well here if you want to change up the cheese.
Storage & leftovers
These keep in the fridge for up to two days in a sealed container, though the bread softens overnight. They don't freeze well because the pineapple goes watery once thawed. Reheat in a hot oven or under the grill for a few minutes rather than the microwave, which makes the bread rubbery.
What to serve with it
A simple green salad with a sharp vinaigrette cuts the cheese nicely. For the kids, a bowl of cherry tomatoes or cucumber sticks on the side works.
UC
By Untrained ChefPublished 1 June 2026 · Updated 11 July 2026
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