There’s something irresistibly joyful about biting into a freshly baked Hawaiian Pizza: that simultaneously sweet and savory hit from tender ham and golden pineapple, the gooey melt of mozzarella, and the aroma of oregano. This iconic pizza is a playful twist that wins over kids and grownups alike, delivering sunshine and a tropical vibe straight to your kitchen, no matter the weather. Whether you’re celebrating pizza night or tackling dinner after a busy day, Hawaiian Pizza is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that’s easy to make and even more delightful to share.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Making a delicious Hawaiian Pizza doesn’t require a long shopping list, just a handful of key ingredients that each bring something special. When these simple flavors come together, they create that crave-worthy combo everyone falls in love with.
- Pizza Dough: The base of your pizza, this can be store-bought for ease or homemade if you want to impress with a personal touch.
- Pizza Sauce: Savory and a little tangy, it sets the stage for all the other ingredients to shine.
- Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: Melts to bubbly, golden perfection, holding everything together in cheesy bliss.
- Cooked Ham: Adds meaty, smoky flavor that pairs perfectly with pineapple for that signature Hawaiian Pizza bite.
- Pineapple Chunks: Bring sweetness and a refreshing pop — make sure to drain them well to avoid a soggy crust.
- Red Pepper Flakes (optional): For a subtle kick, sprinkle these on if you like a little heat.
- Olive Oil: Brushing the dough edges gives your crust a tasty golden sheen and a bit of crunch.
- Dried Oregano: A sprinkle of this classic pizza herb brings an aromatic finish that ties the toppings together.
- Fresh Basil (optional): For a burst of color and fresh flavor right before serving.
How to Make Hawaiian Pizza
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to a sizzling 475°F (245°C). Getting your oven hot is key for that beautifully crisp crust and bubbling golden cheese. If you have a pizza stone, set it in the oven now for the ultimate pizza-shop texture.
Step 2: Roll Out the Dough
On a lightly floured surface, use your hands or a rolling pin to shape the pizza dough into a 12-inch round. Don’t stress about a perfectly even circle — a rustic look means it’s homemade and full of love! Transfer the dough onto a greased or parchment-lined baking sheet or your preheated pizza stone.
Step 3: Brush the Edges with Olive Oil
Take a tablespoon of olive oil and lightly brush the edges of the dough. This simple step creates that golden, slightly crisp crust everyone swoons over when the pizza comes out of the oven.
Step 4: Add Sauce and Cheese
Spoon the pizza sauce over the crust, spreading it out evenly but leaving about an inch border for those pillowy edges. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese generously on top, covering the sauce in a snowy layer that will bake up gorgeous and gooey.
Step 5: Top with Ham and Pineapple
Time for the stars of your Hawaiian Pizza! Scatter the diced cooked ham and pineapple chunks evenly across the cheese for sweet and savory bites in every slice. If you love a little spice, now’s the moment to sprinkle over those red pepper flakes.
Step 6: Season and Bake
Sprinkle dried oregano over the whole pizza for a classic herby finish. Slide your pizza into the hot oven and bake for 12 to 15 minutes. Watch closely as the cheese bubbles and the crust turns golden brown — that’s your sign it’s ready!
Step 7: Cool, Slice, and Garnish
Once your Hawaiian Pizza is out of the oven, let it cool for about 5 minutes to make slicing easier and to keep the cheese from sliding off. Garnish with fresh basil if you want to add a burst of green and extra freshness before serving warm.
How to Serve Hawaiian Pizza
Garnishes
Hawaiian Pizza shines with a simple touch of garnishes. Fresh basil leaves add a dash of color and a pop of herby brightness. If you love heat, a few extra red pepper flakes or a drizzle of hot honey can really jazz things up.
Side Dishes
Keep things breezy and fun with easy sidekicks like a crisp green salad, garlic knots, or roasted veggies. For a true pizza night vibe, a tangy coleslaw or even tropical fruit salad pairs incredibly well, letting the flavors of your Hawaiian Pizza stand out.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re feeling playful, cut your Hawaiian Pizza into squares for a party platter, or serve mini personal pies for each guest. You can even double the recipe, bake on a big sheet pan, and let everyone grab and go — perfect for game night or backyard get-togethers.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, store slices in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Placing a piece of parchment paper or wax paper between slices keeps them from sticking together and helps maintain that perfect texture.
Freezing
Hawaiian Pizza freezes like a dream. Cool the pizza completely, wrap slices individually in plastic wrap or foil, and stash them in a freezer-safe bag. The pizza will be good for up to 2 months, ready for a quick meal whenever a craving strikes.
Reheating
For the best results, reheat leftover Hawaiian Pizza in the oven or a toaster oven at 375°F until the cheese is bubbly and the crust is crisp, about 7–10 minutes. Microwaving is fast but can make the crust a bit chewy, so the oven is your friend for reviving that just-baked magic.
FAQs
Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned?
Absolutely! Fresh pineapple gives your Hawaiian Pizza bright, vibrant flavor and a nice bite. Just make sure to cut it into small chunks and pat dry with paper towels to avoid extra moisture on your crust.
What kind of ham works best for this pizza?
Diced cooked ham is classic, or try Canadian bacon for a smoky twist. Smoked ham slices, leftover holiday ham, or even deli ham all taste fantastic and complement the sweet pineapple.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, making pizza dough ahead is a real time saver! Prepare your dough a day in advance, keep it in the fridge, and let it come to room temperature before rolling out for the freshest, easiest Hawaiian Pizza night.
Is there a gluten-free version of Hawaiian Pizza?
You bet! Simply use your favorite gluten-free pizza dough, and follow the recipe as usual so everyone can enjoy those signature Hawaiian flavors worry-free.
How can I keep the crust from getting soggy?
Be sure to drain your pineapple well and pat it dry. Also, avoid overloading the pizza with sauce or toppings. Preheating your oven and using a pizza stone can also help achieve a delightfully crisp crust every time.
Final Thoughts
Give this Hawaiian Pizza recipe a try and bring a tropical twist to your next pizza night! The sweet pineapple, savory ham, and bubbling mozzarella are bound to turn any meal into a mini celebration. Don’t be surprised if it becomes a new favorite in your home!
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Hawaiian Pizza Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 8 slices
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American, Italian-Inspired
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Hawaiian Pizza recipe combines the perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors on a crispy crust. With a layer of tangy pizza sauce, gooey melted mozzarella, savory ham, and juicy pineapple, each bite is a taste of paradise.
Ingredients
Pizza Dough:
- 1 pound pizza dough, homemade or store-bought
Toppings:
- 1/2 cup pizza sauce
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup cooked ham, diced
- 1 cup pineapple chunks, drained
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Fresh basil for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 475°F (245°C).
- Prepare the dough: Roll out the pizza dough on a lightly floured surface into a 12-inch round. Transfer to a greased or parchment-lined baking sheet or pizza stone.
- Add toppings: Brush the edges of the dough lightly with olive oil. Spread pizza sauce evenly over the dough, leaving a 1-inch border. Sprinkle with mozzarella cheese, ham, pineapple, oregano, and red pepper flakes.
- Bake: Bake for 12-15 minutes until golden and bubbly.
- Serve: Let cool for 5 minutes, garnish with fresh basil, slice, and serve warm.
Notes
- For extra flavor, use smoked ham or Canadian bacon.
- If you prefer a crispier crust, pre-bake the pizza dough for 5 minutes before adding toppings.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 260
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 640 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 4.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 29 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 12 g
- Cholesterol: 25 mg
