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Savory Hawaiian Ham and Pineapple Quesadillas

Hawaiian ham and pineapple quesadillas - featured image

A quick and easy recipe combining savory ham, sweet pineapple, and a blend of sharp cheddar and mozzarella cheeses in crispy, melty quesadillas perfect for parties or weeknight dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 large flour tortillas (about 10 inches each)
  • 1 cup diced or thinly sliced ham (quality deli or leftover baked ham)
  • 1/2 cup fresh diced pineapple (canned drained well as alternative)
  • 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 2 tablespoons softened butter
  • 2 tablespoons thinly sliced green onions (optional)
  • 1 small jalapeño, finely diced (optional)
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • Small handful fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)

Instructions

  1. Dice the ham into small, bite-sized pieces (about 1/2 inch). Chop fresh pineapple into similar-sized chunks. Slice green onions and finely dice jalapeño if using. Shred cheese if not pre-shredded.
  2. Heat a large non-stick skillet or cast iron pan over medium heat and add 1 tablespoon of butter. Let it melt completely, coating the pan evenly.
  3. Lay one tortilla flat on a clean surface. Evenly sprinkle half of the cheese blend over the entire tortilla. Scatter diced ham, pineapple chunks, green onions, and jalapeño evenly on top. Finish with the remaining cheese.
  4. Carefully slide the assembled tortilla into the hot skillet. Immediately top with the second tortilla or fold the single tortilla in half. Cook for about 3-4 minutes until the bottom is golden brown and crispy.
  5. Using a spatula, gently flip the quesadilla and add the remaining tablespoon of butter to the pan’s edge to help crisp the other side. Cook another 3-4 minutes until cheese is fully melted and the tortilla is golden.
  6. Transfer the quesadilla to a cutting board and let it rest for 2 minutes to allow the cheese to set slightly.
  7. Cut into 6-8 wedges using a sharp knife or pizza cutter. Garnish with fresh cilantro if desired and serve immediately with salsa or sour cream on the side.

Notes

[‘Do not overload the quesadilla to avoid sogginess and difficulty flipping.’, ‘Use medium heat to prevent burning the tortilla while ensuring cheese melts properly.’, ‘Butter adds richness and a crispy crust but burns faster than oil; alternatively, use neutral oil like avocado oil for higher heat tolerance.’, ‘Let the quesadilla rest for 2 minutes before slicing to prevent cheese from oozing out.’, ‘Fresh pineapple is preferred for brightness and juiciness; canned pineapple must be well drained.’, ‘For dairy-free, swap cheese for vegan alternatives and butter for olive oil.’, ‘Protein swaps include cooked shredded chicken, turkey, smoked sausage, or vegetarian options like sautéed mushrooms or black beans.’, ‘Cheese alternatives include pepper jack or vegan cheese blends.’, ‘Can be cooked using a panini press or baked at 375°F (190°C) for about 10 minutes per side.’]

Nutrition

Keywords: Hawaiian quesadillas, ham and pineapple quesadillas, party appetizers, quick dinner, cheesy quesadillas, savory and sweet, easy recipes