Few pizza varieties spark as much debate—or as much craving—as Hawaiian pizza. With its signature topping combination of sweet pineapple and savory ham, this pizza strikes a delicious balance between tangy, smoky, and cheesy goodness. Perfect for family pizza night, casual gatherings, or even as a quick weeknight dinner, Hawaiian pizza is an easy way to bring something a little different (and a lot tasty) to the table.
This recipe celebrates the playful pairing of tropical pineapple and salty ham layered over gooey mozzarella and tangy tomato sauce. It’s a pizza that feels both indulgent and refreshing, offering a unique flavor profile that has earned fans around the world.
Why You’ll Love This Hawaiian Pizza
- Sweet & Savory Combo: Pineapple and ham create an irresistible contrast
- Easy to Make at Home: Use store-bought dough or homemade
- Customizable: Adjust the toppings to fit your taste
- Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for kids and adults alike
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Pizza Base:
- 1 ball pizza dough (homemade or store-bought)
- 1/2 cup pizza sauce (tomato-based)
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
For the Toppings:
- 1 cup diced pineapple (fresh or canned, well-drained)
- 1 cup diced cooked ham (Canadian bacon works too)
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for brushing crust)
Optional Garnishes:
- Fresh basil or parsley, chopped
- Extra Parmesan cheese
- Drizzle of hot honey or BBQ sauce for a twist
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C). If you have a pizza stone, place it in the oven while it preheats for a crispier crust.
2. Prepare the Dough
Roll or stretch the pizza dough into a 12-inch circle on a lightly floured surface. Place on parchment paper or a lightly oiled pizza pan.
3. Assemble the Pizza
Spread pizza sauce evenly over the dough, leaving about 1 inch around the edges for the crust.
Sprinkle half of the mozzarella cheese over the sauce. Evenly distribute the diced ham and pineapple chunks on top. Add the remaining mozzarella cheese. Sprinkle with red pepper flakes if you like a hint of spice.
4. Bake to Golden Perfection
Transfer the pizza to the oven (use the pizza stone if preheated) and bake for 12–15 minutes, until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly and slightly browned.
5. Add Finishing Touches
Remove from oven and brush crust edges with olive oil for shine and flavor. Garnish with fresh basil, parsley, or Parmesan if desired. Slice and serve immediately.
Tips for the Best Hawaiian Pizza
- Use Fresh Pineapple: Fresh pineapple gives a brighter, less syrupy flavor compared to canned.
- Drain Well: If using canned pineapple, drain and pat dry to avoid soggy pizza.
- Get Crispy Ham: Lightly sear or crisp the ham in a pan before adding to the pizza for extra flavor.
- Balance the Sweetness: Add red pepper flakes, jalapeños, or hot honey for a sweet-heat combo.
Pairing Suggestions
Enjoy your Hawaiian pizza with:
- Crisp Green Salad: With citrus vinaigrette to complement the pineapple
- Grilled Veggies: Light and smoky sides pair well with pizza
- Refreshing Drinks: Try sparkling water with lime, iced tea, or a crisp lager
Storage & Reheating Tips
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Wrap slices tightly and freeze for up to 2 months.
- Reheating: For best results, reheat in a skillet over medium heat or in a 375°F oven until hot and crisp. Avoid the microwave to keep the crust from getting soggy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Hawaiian pizza really from Hawaii?
Surprisingly, no! It was created in Canada in the 1960s by a Greek immigrant. The tropical flavors, however, gave it its famous name.
Can I make it vegetarian?
Yes—simply omit the ham and add extra veggies like bell peppers or onions.
What other meats work with pineapple?
Bacon, prosciutto, or even BBQ chicken pair beautifully with pineapple.
Fun Variations to Try
BBQ Hawaiian Pizza
- Use BBQ sauce instead of tomato sauce
- Add bacon crumbles along with ham
Spicy Hawaiian Pizza
- Add jalapeños or banana peppers for heat
- Drizzle with hot honey before serving
Gourmet Hawaiian Pizza
- Use prosciutto instead of ham
- Top with arugula after baking for a fresh finish
Final Thoughts: Sweet Meets Savory in Every Bite
Hawaiian pizza may be unconventional, but that’s what makes it special. The playful contrast of pineapple’s juicy sweetness with the salty richness of ham and gooey cheese creates a flavor that’s hard to resist.
Whether you’re a lifelong fan or giving it a try for the first time, this homemade Hawaiian pizza will make your next pizza night a deliciously memorable one.
Print
Sweet & Savory Hawaiian Pizza Recipe with Pineapple and Ham
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Yield: 1 (12-inch) pizza, 2–4 servings 1x
Description
Hawaiian pizza is one of those divisive dishes that sparks passionate opinions — and for good reason. The combination of sweet pineapple and savory ham atop a bed of gooey melted cheese and zesty tomato sauce creates a balance that’s hard to resist. Whether you’re a long-time lover or a first-time taster, this pizza brings a tropical twist to classic comfort food.
Ingredients
For the Dough (or use store-bought pizza dough):
-
2 ¼ teaspoons (1 packet) active dry yeast
-
1 teaspoon sugar
-
¾ cup warm water (110°F or 45°C)
-
2 cups all-purpose flour
-
1 teaspoon salt
-
1 tablespoon olive oil
For the Toppings:
-
½ cup pizza sauce (store-bought or homemade)
-
1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
-
1 cup diced cooked ham (Canadian bacon or sliced deli ham also works)
-
¾ cup pineapple chunks (fresh or canned, drained well)
-
½ teaspoon dried oregano or Italian seasoning
-
1 tablespoon olive oil (for brushing the crust)
-
Optional: crushed red pepper flakes or sliced red onion for extra flavor
Instructions
-
Make the dough: In a small bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy. In a large mixing bowl, combine flour and salt. Add the yeast mixture and olive oil, and mix until dough forms. Knead on a floured surface for 5–7 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place in a lightly oiled bowl, cover, and let rise for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
-
Preheat the oven: If using a pizza stone, place it in the oven and preheat to 475°F (245°C) for at least 30 minutes. If using a baking sheet, lightly grease it and preheat the oven to the same temperature.
-
Shape the dough: Punch down the risen dough and turn it onto a floured surface. Roll or stretch into a 12-inch circle for a traditional pizza or shape it to fit your baking sheet or pizza pan. Transfer to a sheet of parchment paper if using a stone.
-
Assemble the pizza: Spread pizza sauce evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edge. Sprinkle with shredded mozzarella, then evenly distribute the ham and pineapple chunks over the top. Sprinkle with oregano or Italian seasoning.
-
Bake: Transfer the pizza to the oven — either directly onto the preheated stone or with the baking sheet. Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
-
Finish and serve: Remove from the oven, brush the crust edges with olive oil for extra shine and flavor, and let cool for 5 minutes before slicing. Serve hot, and add red pepper flakes or extra herbs if desired.
- Prep Time: 1 hour 15 minutes (including dough rising)
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
