Aloha in Every Bite: My Favorite Hawaiian Pizza Recipe That’ll Make You Crave Sweet & Savory Together
You know what’s underrated? Pineapple. On. Pizza. Yes, I said it. Yes, I mean it. And no, I’m not here to debate. I’m here to show you how to make the best Hawaiian pizza of your life — the kind that turns skeptics into believers and has pineapple-haters going, “Wait, can I get another slice?”
This recipe is more than a combo of toppings. It’s an experience — bold, juicy, smoky, sweet, salty — every bite is a dance party in your mouth. I’ve played with versions of this over the years, but this one’s my forever favorite. I make it at least once a month, and it never lets me down.
So if you’re ready to step into the ring with a pizza that doesn’t play by the rules, let’s do this.
📅 Let’s Talk Ingredients: Fresh, Juicy, and Fully Loaded
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Pizza dough | 1 ball (homemade or store-bought) |
| Tomato sauce | 1/2 cup |
| Mozzarella cheese | 1.5 cups shredded |
| Pineapple chunks | 3/4 cup (fresh is best!) |
| Ham (smoked or baked) | 1/2 to 3/4 cup chopped |
| Olive oil | 1 tbsp |
| Italian seasoning | 1 tsp |
| Chili flakes (optional) | A pinch |
| Fresh basil (garnish) | A few leaves |
Tip: Don’t use pre-shredded cheese if you can help it — shred it fresh. Melts better. Tastes cheesier.
🍽️ Step-by-Step: My Hawaiian Pizza Ritual
Step 1: Prep That Dough
If I’m feeling fancy, I make my own dough. But on weeknights? Store-bought works just fine. Let it rest at room temp for 30 mins — makes it easier to stretch.
Roll it out into a 12-inch round. I like it a bit thick at the edges, like a real pizza shop pie. Brush it with olive oil, sprinkle Italian seasoning and a tiny pinch of salt.
Step 2: Build That Base
Spread tomato sauce thinly. Don’t drown it — we’re layering flavor, not swimming in it. Then sprinkle your mozzarella evenly.
Step 3: Add The Stars
Top with ham and pineapple chunks. Be generous but strategic. I want pineapple in every bite, but not a mountain of juice pooling in the middle.
Add chili flakes if you like a little heat — I always do.
Step 4: Bake It Like You Mean It
Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C). Slide your pizza onto a hot pizza stone or baking tray. Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until that crust is golden, and the cheese is bubbly with a few bronzed edges.
Step 5: Garnish & Devour
Fresh basil on top gives it that final touch. Let it rest for 2 mins, then slice it up and don’t hold back.
🌌 My Top Pizza-Making Tips
- Use fresh pineapple. The sweetness and texture blow canned out of the water.
- Dry your toppings. Wet toppings = soggy crust. Pat that pineapple dry.
- Layer smart. Cheese goes first, toppings after. Pineapple on top = caramelized edges.
- Crank the heat. Hot oven = crispy crust. Always.
❓ Hawaiian Pizza FAQ – Let’s Clear This Up
Q: Why is it called Hawaiian pizza?
A: Because the original guy who invented it (in Canada!) used canned pineapple branded “Hawaiian.” Go figure.
Q: Can I use bacon instead of ham?
A: Heck yes. Crispy bacon = smoky saltiness. Total win.
Q: How do I make it spicy?
A: Add jalapeños, hot honey drizzle, or chili oil post-bake. Epic.
Q: What cheese works best?
A: Mozzarella’s your base, but smoked gouda adds amazing depth. Pro tip.
🍕 Variations I Live For
BBQ Hawaiian Pizza
Swap the tomato sauce for BBQ sauce. Top with red onions. Finish with cilantro. It’s sweet, tangy, and smokin’ hot.
Grilled Hawaiian Pizza
Grill the dough directly, then add toppings. Smoky flavor + charred crust = magic.
Breakfast Version
White sauce base, mozzarella, pineapple, ham, and top it off with a runny egg. Yes, I went there.
🌿 Final Thoughts – Say Yes to Pineapple
Look, food is supposed to be fun. And this pizza? It’s fun, it’s bold, and it breaks the rules in the best way.
I’ve made it for skeptical friends, die-hard Italians, kids, and picky eaters — and they’ve all gone back for seconds. Hawaiian pizza is here to stay, and if you haven’t made it yourself yet, what are you waiting for?
Crank up your oven, chop that pineapple, and give this baby a whirl. You won’t regret it.
See Also: Best Fruit Pizza Recipe | Sweet, Creamy, and Freshly Fruity Dessert
