If you have a craving for something delightfully sweet, savory, and utterly comforting, this Hawaiian Pizza Recipe is just what you need. Combining the smoky goodness of bacon and ham with the bright, juicy burst of fresh pineapple, all atop a crispy crust and gooey melted mozzarella, this pizza is a celebration of bold flavors and textures. Whether you’re making it for a quick weeknight dinner or sharing it with friends on a cozy weekend, this recipe brings sunshine and smiles to your table every single time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Hawaiian Pizza Recipe lies in simplicity. Each ingredient plays a crucial role, contributing to the perfect harmony of taste, texture, and color. From the chewy pizza dough to the melty cheese and vibrant toppings, every element is essential to creating an unforgettable pizza experience.
- Pizza dough (⅓ portion): Whether homemade or store-bought, this forms the crispy canvas that holds all your toppings together beautifully.
- Pizza sauce (½ cup): A rich, tangy base that adds moisture and flavor, enhancing every bite.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese (2 cups): The ooey-gooey layer that melts perfectly to create that classic pizza pull.
- Cooked bacon, chopped (½ cup): Adds a smoky crunch that perfectly complements the sweetness of the pineapple.
- Cooked ham, cubed (½ cup): A savory, tender protein that is a traditional Hawaiian pizza staple.
- Fresh pineapple, cubed (½ cup): Provides a juicy sweetness that brightens every mouthful.
- Sliced shiitake mushrooms, optional (½ cup): Adds an earthy depth for those who love an umami twist.
- Fresh basil, chopped (2 tablespoons): Sprinkle on top at the end for a fragrant, herbaceous pop.
- Ground black pepper, to taste: Finishes the pizza with a subtle bit of heat and complexity.
How to Make Hawaiian Pizza Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Start by preheating your oven to a high 500°F (260°C). This ensures a crisp crust with a perfectly melted cheese topping. If you’re lucky enough to have a pizza stone, place it inside the oven while it heats so that your pizza gets that professional, oven-baked texture and crunch.
Step 2: Assemble the Pizza
Roll out your pizza dough on a lightly floured surface until it’s about your preferred thickness—thin and crispy or a little bit thicker for pizzalovers who enjoy a softer bite. Transfer the dough carefully to your pizza stone or baking sheet. Spread half a cup of tangy pizza sauce evenly over the surface to serve as the flavorful base. Next, sprinkle the shredded mozzarella generously to cover the sauce so every bite will be cheesy and satisfying. Now, it’s time for the exciting toppings: spread cooked bacon chunks, cubed ham, juicy pineapple pieces, and if you want, the shiitake mushrooms evenly across the cheese layer.
Step 3: Bake to Perfection
Slide the pizza into the preheated oven and let it bake for about 10 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the crust turns a beautiful golden brown and the cheese melts into bubbly perfection. This quick bake time captures the freshness of the pineapple while ensuring the meat toppings remain tender and flavorful without drying out.
Step 4: Garnish and Serve
Once the pizza is out of the oven, sprinkle the chopped fresh basil over the top—that vibrant green adds a lovely aroma and a fresh finish. Add a pinch of freshly ground black pepper for seasoning. Slice up your masterpiece and serve immediately to enjoy its melty, savory, and sweet goodness at its best.
How to Serve Hawaiian Pizza Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh basil is the star garnish here, imparting herbal brightness that balances the sweet pineapple and smoky bacon perfectly. For an extra pop of flavor, consider a light drizzle of olive oil or a sprinkle of chili flakes if you like a little heat. A side of freshly cracked black pepper adds subtle depth.
Side Dishes
This pizza pairs wonderfully with light and fresh side dishes. A simple mixed greens salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette helps cut through the richness. You might also serve it alongside roasted garlic bread or crispy oven fries to satisfy any comfort food cravings.
Creative Ways to Present
Why not turn your Hawaiian Pizza Recipe into a party centerpiece? Cut the pizza into smaller squares for easy sharing, or make personal-sized mini pizzas with the same toppings for a fun twist. Adding edible flowers or extra colorful herbs on top can elevate your presentation for special occasions without much effort.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Hawaiian pizza keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to 3 days. Wrap the slices tightly in plastic wrap or store them in an airtight container to maintain freshness and prevent the crust from becoming soggy.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, wrap the pizza securely with plastic wrap and aluminum foil before placing it in the freezer. Frozen pizza slices keep well for up to one month, making meal prep easy and convenient.
Reheating
To reheat, place the pizza slices on a baking sheet in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 8 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly again and the crust is crisp. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep the crust from becoming chewy and soggy.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cheese instead of mozzarella?
Absolutely! While mozzarella is classic for its meltiness and mild flavor, you can experiment with provolone, cheddar, or a blend of cheeses for a different twist. Just keep in mind that mozzarella’s stretch and melt are unique for pizza.
What can I substitute if I don’t have pizza dough?
If you’re short on pizza dough, using a pre-made flatbread or naan can work well as a base. They offer a quick alternative and still deliver the satisfying texture needed for this Hawaiian Pizza Recipe.
Is it necessary to cook the bacon and ham beforehand?
Yes, pre-cooking bacon and ham ensures they are fully cooked and their flavors intensify, preventing them from releasing excess moisture during baking which could make the crust soggy.
Can I add other toppings to this Hawaiian Pizza Recipe?
Definitely! While the traditional combo is delicious, mushrooms, bell peppers, or even jalapeños can add exciting layers of flavor and texture. Just make sure additional toppings complement the sweet and savory balance.
What can I serve with Hawaiian Pizza to make a complete meal?
A crisp green salad or a bowl of vegetable soup pairs excellently, balancing the pizza’s richness and adding a fresh, nourishing component to your meal.
Final Thoughts
There’s something so joyful about making this Hawaiian Pizza Recipe—the blend of sweet and smoky flavors, the melty cheese, and the crispy crust all come together in a way that’s comforting and fun. It’s the kind of dish that brings people around the table smiling with anticipation. I hope you give this recipe a try soon and make it your own go-to pizza for happy gatherings and cozy nights in.
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Hawaiian Pizza Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Pizza
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Hawaiian Pizza recipe features a crispy golden crust topped with savory cooked bacon and ham, sweet fresh pineapple, melty shredded mozzarella cheese, and optional shiitake mushrooms for added earthiness. Finished with fresh basil and a touch of black pepper, it’s a delicious blend of sweet and savory flavors perfect for a quick homemade meal.
Ingredients
Pizza Dough
- ⅓ portion pizza dough (homemade or store-bought)
Toppings
- ½ cup pizza sauce
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup cooked bacon, chopped
- ½ cup cooked ham, cubed
- ½ cup fresh pineapple, cubed
- ½ cup sliced shiitake mushrooms (optional)
Garnish
- 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped
- Ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Preheat and Prep: Preheat your oven to 500°F (260°C). If you have a pizza stone, place it inside the oven during the preheating process to get it nice and hot, which helps achieve a crispy crust.
- Assemble Pizza: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the pizza dough to your desired thickness. Transfer the dough onto the hot pizza stone or a baking sheet if you don’t have one. Spread the pizza sauce evenly across the dough’s surface. Next, sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the sauce. Then, evenly distribute the chopped cooked bacon, cubed ham, fresh pineapple pieces, and sliced shiitake mushrooms if using.
- Bake: Place the pizza in the oven and bake for about 10 minutes or until the crust turns golden brown and the cheese is fully melted and bubbling.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the pizza from the oven. Sprinkle fresh chopped basil over the top and season with ground black pepper to your taste. Slice the pizza and serve hot for the best experience.
Notes
- Using a pizza stone helps in achieving a crispier crust but is optional.
- If you prefer a less sweet pizza, reduce the amount of pineapple or omit it.
- Cook the bacon and ham beforehand to avoid extra grease on the pizza.
- Add mushrooms based on preference; shiitake adds an earthy flavor that complements the ham and pineapple.
- Allow pizza dough to come to room temperature before rolling out for easier handling.
