Hawaiian pizza Recipe
Sweet, salty, and unapologetically bold, Hawaiian pizza combines tropical flair with pizzeria comfort. The juicy burst of pineapple plays perfectly against savory ham and rich mozzarella, making each bite a balance of contrast and craveable flavor.
Ingredients Breakdown
When it comes to the foundation of your pizza, youโve got options. Homemade dough offers a tender, chewy texture with a rustic touch, while quality store-bought dough saves time and delivers consistent results. Whichever you choose, let it rest at room temperature before shaping to ensure elasticity and an even bake.
The sauce is your base note. A classic tomato pizza sauce brings acidity and depth, anchoring the sweetness of pineapple and the saltiness of ham. Spread it thin for balance and to avoid a soggy crust.
For that essential stretch and melt, mozzarella is the go-to cheese. Use between 1ยฝ and 2 cups, depending on how cheesy you want it. Shred it yourself if you canโpre-shredded versions often have added starches that inhibit melting.
Diced deli ham brings gentle savoriness that doesnโt overpower. Itโs lean, mild, and pairs naturally with the brightness of pineapple. Fresh pineapple is the star hereโsweet, tangy, and juicy when prepped correctly. Patting it thoroughly dry is crucial to keep the pizza base crisp.
A dusting of dried oregano adds subtle Mediterranean notes, while the finishing touchโa homemade garlic herb butterโtakes the crust to golden, aromatic perfection. Itโs brushed on just before baking to add a buttery richness and a hint of garlic warmth that completes the flavor profile.
Step-by-Step Preparation Guide
Begin by bringing your dough to room temperature. This small but crucial step makes it easier to stretch and shape without tearing. Shape it into your desired sizeโabout 12 to 14 inchesโand set it onto a prepped baking sheet, parchment, or a pizza stone.
Prick the surface of the dough gently with a fork to prevent bubbling, then brush it lightly with olive oil to encourage browning. Spread a thin, even layer of pizza sauce, keeping a border around the edges to allow for the crust to rise and crisp.
Sprinkle mozzarella evenly across the sauce. Next, scatter the diced ham, followed by the pineapple. Distribute everything uniformly, and avoid layering too heavily to keep the crust from becoming weighed down. A pinch of oregano gives the finishing touch before baking.
In a small bowl, combine melted butter, garlic powder, oregano, and a dash of salt. Use a pastry brush to generously coat the outer edges of the dough. This step ensures a beautifully golden, flavorful crust.
Bake at 475ยฐF (245ยฐC) for 15 to 20 minutes. Look for bubbling cheese and crust thatโs golden brown and firm to the touch. Allow the pizza to cool slightly before slicingโit helps the toppings set and prevents burns from molten cheese.
Slice into eight portions and serve hot. Every piece delivers that perfect bite: melty cheese, juicy pineapple, savory ham, and buttery crust.
Recipe Tips
Letting dough rest at room temperature for easy handling
Cold dough is stiff and prone to tearing. Give it at least 30 minutes to relax for smooth shaping.
Avoiding soggy crusts by drying pineapple thoroughly
Moisture is your crustโs enemy. Pat pineapple with paper towels until itโs nearly dry before topping.
Preventing cheese overload: balancing quantity for melt and texture
Use just enough cheese to coat without pooling. Too much can smother the other ingredients and weigh down the crust.
How to customize garlic butter to match your flavor preference
Add grated parmesan, chili flakes, or even lemon zest to your melted butter for extra depth.
Using parchment or a pizza stone for an even bake
A stone ensures a crisp bottom, while parchment makes transfer and cleanup a breeze.
What to Serve With This Recipe
Pair this pizza with a bright saladโthink arugula with citrus vinaigrette or spinach with tropical fruit. The greens help balance the richness while echoing the pizzaโs fruity notes.
For appetizers, garlic parmesan breadsticks or lightly fried mozzarella bites add cheesy contrast and give guests something to snack on while the pizza bakes.
Sparkling water with lime, sweet iced tea, or a chilled white wine like Riesling or Pinot Grigio all make excellent drink pairings. Each complements the pineappleโs brightness and balances the butteriness of the crust.
Finish the meal with light, tropical-inspired desserts. Coconut macaroons, grilled pineapple skewers, or a scoop of pineapple sorbet keep the sunny theme going and cleanse the palate.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use canned pineapple instead of fresh?
Yesโjust make sure itโs well-drained and patted dry to avoid excess moisture.
Is it okay to skip the garlic butter?
Itโs optional, but highly recommended for a flavorful, golden crust.
Can I freeze this pizza after baking?
Definitely. Slice, wrap individually, and freeze. Reheat in a hot oven to restore texture.
What cheeses can I substitute for mozzarella?
Provolone, gouda, Monterey Jack, or a mild cheddar all work well in this recipe.
Creative Variations
Add thinly sliced jalapeรฑos or red chili flakes for a spicy counterpoint to the sweetness of the pineapple.
Swap ham for Canadian bacon, prosciutto, or even smoked chicken for a twist on the savory element.
Use BBQ sauce in place of tomato sauce for a smoky-sweet base that pairs especially well with pineapple.
Try mixing cheesesโblend provolone and mozzarella, or add a bit of smoked gouda for a touch of complexity and depth.
Hawaiian pizza strikes a beautiful balanceโsalty, sweet, cheesy, and crisp. Itโs a crowd-pleasing option that works for weeknight dinners or laid-back weekend gatherings. With its punchy flavors and customizable elements, itโs the kind of pizza that always keeps things interesting.
Ingredients
ยฝ cup fresh diced pineapple, thoroughly patted dry (plus more to taste)
ยฝ cup diced deli ham (plus more to taste)
1ยฝ to 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
ยฝ cup pizza sauce (plus more as desired)
Homemade pizza dough or store-bought, as preferred
Dried oregano, to taste
Melted Garlic Butter (for brushing)
3 tablespoons melted unsalted butter
ยฝ teaspoon garlic powder
ยฝ teaspoon dried oregano
Salt, to taste
Instructions
Begin by preparing your pizza dough. If using a homemade recipe, follow it through step 9โyouโll need just one dough ball. For store-bought dough, allow it to come to room temperature for easier handling and stretch.
Preheat your oven to 475ยฐF (245ยฐC) and ensure your baking surface or pizza stone is ready to go.
Once your dough is shaped and brushed with olive oil, prick it all over with a fork to help prevent bubbling during baking. Spread a generous layer of pizza sauce over the base, stopping just short of the edges. Scatter the shredded mozzarella evenly on top, followed by diced ham and pineapple chunks. Be sure the pineapple is well-dried before using to prevent excess moisture that can make the crust soggy. Finish with a light dusting of dried oregano.
In a small bowl, mix the melted butter with garlic powder, oregano, and a pinch of salt. Brush this aromatic mixture along the outer crust for added flavor and a golden finish.
Transfer the pizza to the oven and bake for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbling and the crust is deep golden brown around the edges.
Once baked, let the pizza cool slightly before slicing into 8 even pieces. Serve hot and enjoy the balance of savory, cheesy, and subtly sweet flavors.
Hawaiian pizza Recipe
Ingredients
- ยฝ cup fresh diced pineapple thoroughly patted dry (plus more to taste)
- ยฝ cup diced deli ham plus more to taste
- 1ยฝ to 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ยฝ cup pizza sauce plus more as desired
- Homemade pizza dough or store-bought as preferred
- Dried oregano to taste
Melted Garlic Butter (for brushing)
- 3 tablespoons melted unsalted butter
- ยฝ teaspoon garlic powder
- ยฝ teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Begin by preparing your pizza dough. If using a homemade recipe, follow it through step 9โyouโll need just one dough ball. For store-bought dough, allow it to come to room temperature for easier handling and stretch.
- Preheat your oven to 475ยฐF (245ยฐC) and ensure your baking surface or pizza stone is ready to go.
- Once your dough is shaped and brushed with olive oil, prick it all over with a fork to help prevent bubbling during baking. Spread a generous layer of pizza sauce over the base, stopping just short of the edges. Scatter the shredded mozzarella evenly on top, followed by diced ham and pineapple chunks. Be sure the pineapple is well-dried before using to prevent excess moisture that can make the crust soggy. Finish with a light dusting of dried oregano.
- In a small bowl, mix the melted butter with garlic powder, oregano, and a pinch of salt. Brush this aromatic mixture along the outer crust for added flavor and a golden finish.
- Transfer the pizza to the oven and bake for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbling and the crust is deep golden brown around the edges.
- Once baked, let the pizza cool slightly before slicing into 8 even pieces. Serve hot and enjoy the balance of savory, cheesy, and subtly sweet flavors.
Notes
- This recipe yields one 12-inch pizza, cut into 8 slices.
- Using store-bought dough: Choose your favorite ready-made dough. Before adding toppings, brush it with olive oil to help crisp the crust and prick it with a fork to prevent bubbling during baking.
- Pineapple prep: Always pat the pineapple dry before adding it to the pizzaโexcess moisture can make the crust soggy.
- Topping tip: Avoid overcrowding the pizza. Too many toppings packed together can trap steam and lead to a soggy base.
- Oven temperature: Bake at a high heatโ475ยฐF is ideal for a crispy, golden crust. 450ยฐF works but may produce a softer crust. If youโre experienced and your equipment allows, 500ยฐF is also an option. Just be sure your baking surface can handle it.