Hawaiian Pizza Recipes: The Sweet & Savory Pie You’ll Crave Again and Again
There are few pizzas that stir up as much debate — and as much passion — as the Hawaiian pizza. Some call it the ultimate comfort food, others argue pineapple has no place on a pizza. But me? I’ll say it right here: I absolutely love Hawaiian pizza.
There’s just something magical about that combo — the salty kick of ham, the creamy melt of cheese, and the burst of sweetness from pineapple. When it’s done right, it’s not just pizza; it’s a flavor vacation. A bite that feels like sunshine on your tongue.
Over the years, I’ve tinkered and tested countless Hawaiian pizza recipes in my kitchen. From the traditional ham-and-pineapple pie to gourmet versions with prosciutto, smoky bacon, or even jalapeños, I’ve learned how to strike that perfect sweet-savory balance.
Today, I’m going to walk you through everything: ingredients, my go-to method, variations, tips, FAQs, and why this controversial pizza deserves a permanent spot in your recipe collection.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s a simple version for a classic Hawaiian pizza that serves 2–3 people (one large pie).
| Ingredient | Measurement | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Pizza dough | 1 batch (about 250–300g) | Homemade or store-bought |
| Pizza sauce | ½ cup | Tomato-based, lightly seasoned |
| Shredded mozzarella cheese | 1 ½ cups | Low-moisture mozzarella works best |
| Ham | 1 cup, diced | Canadian bacon or cooked ham |
| Pineapple chunks | 1 cup | Fresh or canned, well-drained |
| Olive oil | 1 tbsp | For brushing crust |
| Dried oregano | ½ tsp | Optional, adds an herby kick |
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare your dough
If you’re making dough from scratch, let it rise until doubled in size. For me, nothing beats a homemade base. I stretch mine by hand into a 12-inch round, leaving the edges just a little thicker for that chewy, bubbly crust.
2. Preheat your oven
Crank your oven as hot as it goes — usually 475–500°F (245–260°C). Place a pizza stone or baking steel inside if you have one. The hotter the base, the crisper the crust.
3. Build your Hawaiian pizza
Brush the stretched dough lightly with olive oil. Spread the pizza sauce evenly, leaving about an inch at the edges. Sprinkle a generous layer of mozzarella, then scatter diced ham and pineapple chunks. Make sure the toppings are balanced — too much pineapple and the pizza can turn watery.
4. Bake it
Slide the pizza onto your preheated stone or baking tray. Bake 10–12 minutes until the cheese is golden and bubbly, and the crust is crisp.
5. Finish and serve
Once it’s out, I sometimes add a sprinkle of oregano or fresh basil. Slice it hot, let that cheese stretch, and dig in.
Variations of Hawaiian Pizza Recipes
This is where things get fun. Hawaiian pizza is versatile, and you can spin it a dozen different ways. Here are my personal favorites:
- Hawaiian BBQ Pizza – Swap tomato sauce for tangy BBQ sauce, use grilled chicken instead of ham, and keep the pineapple. Smoky, sweet, and addictive.
- Spicy Hawaiian – Add sliced jalapeños or crushed chili flakes to balance the sweetness with a fiery kick.
- Gourmet Hawaiian – Prosciutto, caramelized onions, and fresh mozzarella with pineapple. A restaurant-worthy twist.
- Bacon & Pineapple Pizza – Because bacon makes everything better.
- Veggie Hawaiian – Skip the ham, add roasted peppers, onions, and pineapple. Lighter, fresher, but still satisfying.
Tips & Tricks for the Best Hawaiian Pizza
- Fresh pineapple is a game-changer. Canned works fine, but fresh chunks give a brighter, juicier pop.
- Dry your pineapple. If using canned, pat the pieces dry with paper towels to avoid a soggy pizza.
- Don’t overload. Less is more with toppings. Let the cheese melt and caramelize instead of drowning in juice.
- Balance is key. Match the sweetness of pineapple with a salty or smoky topping — ham, bacon, or even a sharp cheese.
- Use high heat. A blazing oven mimics a pizzeria, giving you that perfect crust.
FAQs About Hawaiian Pizza Recipes
Q: Who invented Hawaiian pizza?
It was actually created in Canada in the 1960s by Sam Panopoulos, who thought pineapple would be a fun topping. It’s been dividing pizza lovers ever since!
Q: Can I make Hawaiian pizza on the grill?
Yes! Grilled pizza is incredible. Just oil the grates, cook one side of the dough, flip, add toppings, and cook until cheese melts.
Q: What cheese works best?
Mozzarella is classic, but try provolone or gouda for a richer flavor.
Q: Can I make this pizza gluten-free?
Absolutely. Just use a gluten-free pizza dough recipe, and all other toppings remain the same.
Q: What sauce is best — tomato or BBQ?
Tomato sauce is traditional, but BBQ sauce makes a smoky-sweet twist that pairs beautifully with pineapple.
My Personal Hawaiian Pizza Story
I’ll admit it: I wasn’t always a Hawaiian pizza fan. For years, I thought fruit didn’t belong on pizza. Then one summer, at a backyard party, someone pulled a Hawaiian pizza off the grill. One bite changed my mind forever. The contrast of salty ham and juicy pineapple was unlike anything I’d tasted before.
Now, Hawaiian pizza is a go-to in my house. It’s what I make when I want something playful, colorful, and crowd-pleasing. And honestly, I love watching people’s faces light up when they take that first bite — skeptics included.
Final Thoughts
At the end of the day, food should make us happy. And Hawaiian pizza does just that. Whether you’re a long-time fan or trying it for the first time, these Hawaiian pizza recipes will show you just how good the sweet-and-savory combo can be.
So roll out some dough, grab some pineapple, and fire up your oven. You might just discover your new favorite pizza.
See Also: Gozney Pizza Dough Recipe | Authentic Neapolitan-Style Crust at Home
