Hawaiian Farmer Sandwiches
A delightful grilled sandwich featuring diced chicken, ham, pineapple, and melted mozzarella, perfect for a tropical-inspired lunch or casual dinner with vibrant flavors.
Ingredients
- 12 slices white bread ⓘ
- 1 1/3 cups cooked, diced chicken ⓘ
- 1 1/2 cups cooked, diced ham ⓘ
- 1/2 cup diced celery ⓘ
- 1/2 cup crushed pineapple, drained ⓘ
- 1/3 cup mayonnaise ⓘ
- 3 tablespoons finely chopped pecans ⓘ
- 1 1/2 tablespoons finely chopped green pepper ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon green onion tops, sliced ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon salt ⓘ
Instructions
- Spread butter on the bread slices.
- Mix together the cooked, diced chicken, cooked, diced ham, diced celery, crushed pineapple, mayonnaise, chopped pecans, chopped green pepper, green onion tops, and salt.
- Divide the mixture equally onto the unbuttered side of 6 slices of bread.
- Top each with one slice of mozzarella cheese.
- Place the remaining bread slices on top, buttered side out.
- Grill the sandwiches on both sides until the bread is golden and the cheese starts to melt.
Tips & Substitutions
For added crunch, consider substituting walnuts for pecans. You can also use Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise for a lighter version. If you prefer a vegetarian option, try using chickpeas or tofu instead of chicken and ham. Make sure to grill the sandwiches on medium heat to ensure the cheese melts evenly without burning the bread.
Serving Suggestions
These Hawaiian Farmer Sandwiches are perfect for a picnic or casual lunch. Serve with a side of fresh fruit or a light salad, like K. K.'S Favorite Salad, for a refreshing contrast. You can also pair them with chips or a creamy soup for a complete meal. They are great for gatherings, making them a hit at parties.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover sandwiches in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, place the sandwiches in a preheated skillet over medium heat or in a toaster oven until warmed through and crispy. Avoid microwaving to maintain the bread's texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Hawaiian Farmer Sandwiches contains roughly 538 calories, with 9g protein, 19g carbohydrates, and 51g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (102% of the Daily Value) and dietary fiber (30% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and iron. It also contributes 8g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use other types of bread for this recipe?
Absolutely! While white bread is traditional, you can use whole grain, sourdough, or even gluten-free bread if preferred. Just ensure the bread is sturdy enough to hold the filling without becoming soggy.
How can I make this sandwich spicier?
To add a kick, incorporate diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce into the mixture. You can also opt for pepper jack cheese instead of mozzarella for an extra layer of flavor.
Can I prepare this sandwich in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the filling a day ahead and store it in the refrigerator. Assemble the sandwiches just before grilling to ensure the bread remains fresh and toasty. This is great for meal prep or quick lunches.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).