If you’ve ever indulged in a slice of sweet and savory delight, then you already know the magic of the Hawaiian Pizza Recipe. This classic favorite brings together the smoky charm of bacon and ham, the juicy burst of fresh pineapple, and the melty goodness of mozzarella cheese all atop a perfectly crisp crust. It’s a dish that’s simple to create yet guaranteed to brighten any meal with its vibrant flavors and comforting textures. Ready to bring a slice of sunshine to your kitchen? Let’s get started!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Hawaiian Pizza Recipe plays a crucial role, balancing sweetness, saltiness, and freshness. The beauty here is how straightforward these components are, yet they come together to create a pizza that’s colorful, flavorful, and utterly satisfying.
- Pizza dough: A â…“ portion, homemade or store-bought, forms the perfect crispy base for your toppings.
- Pizza sauce: ½ cup of rich, savory sauce that adds depth and moisture to every bite.
- Mozzarella cheese: 2 cups shredded, the essential gooey, melty layer that binds all toppings together.
- Cooked bacon: ½ cup chopped, bringing a smoky, salty crunch to the pizza.
- Cooked ham: ½ cup cubed, a classic component that defines Hawaiian pizza’s signature taste.
- Fresh pineapple: ½ cup cubed, the juicy sweetness that contrasts and complements the meats beautifully.
- Sliced shiitake mushrooms: ½ cup optional, for an earthy touch that adds complexity.
- Fresh basil: 2 tablespoons chopped, a bright herbal finish to lift the overall flavor.
- Ground black pepper: To taste, adds a subtle kick to round out the taste.
How to Make Hawaiian Pizza Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
The first step sets the stage for a perfect crust and flawlessly melted cheese. Preheat your oven to 500°F (260°C). If you have a pizza stone, place it inside while preheating to get that restaurant-quality crispiness on the bottom. A hot oven is key to quick baking and to locking in all those flavors.
Step 2: Roll Out and Assemble
Gently roll your pizza dough on a lightly floured surface until it reaches your preferred thickness—thin for a crisp bite or slightly thicker for a chewier crust. Transfer the dough onto your pizza stone or baking sheet. Next, spread ½ cup of pizza sauce evenly over the surface, ensuring a good balance so it doesn’t get soggy or dry. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese generously over the sauce to create that irresistibly gooey cheese layer.
Step 3: Add Your Toppings
Now comes the fun part: topping your pizza with ½ cup each of cooked bacon and ham for savory richness. Then, add ½ cup of fresh pineapple cubes—this is where the Hawaiian Pizza Recipe truly shines with its sweet contrast. For an optional twist, scatter sliced shiitake mushrooms to add an earthy flavor that pairs surprisingly well with the other ingredients.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Place your pizza in the preheated oven and bake for about 10 minutes. Keep an eye on it—the crust should turn a beautiful golden brown, and the cheese should bubble and melt evenly across the surface. This quick, high-temperature bake ensures a crispy crust without drying out the toppings.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Once baked, remove your Hawaiian pizza from the oven and immediately sprinkle the fresh chopped basil across the top. Finish it off with a little ground black pepper to taste, which adds the slightest, welcome heat. Slice it up and serve hot because nothing beats a freshly baked slice right out of the oven.
How to Serve Hawaiian Pizza Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh basil is your best friend when garnishing this pizza, providing a refreshing herbaceous note that lightens the richness. You could also try a drizzle of good-quality olive oil or sprinkle some red chili flakes if you enjoy a bit more heat. A touch of grated Parmesan can give a sharp, salty pop that pairs beautifully.
Side Dishes
To round out your meal, consider serving your Hawaiian Pizza Recipe with a crisp green salad tossed in a citrus vinaigrette or roasted vegetables like asparagus or bell peppers. Light and fresh sides help balance the richness and make for a complete dining experience.
Creative Ways to Present
Looking to impress? Serve your pizza on a wooden board for that rustic vibe, garnished with extra basil and perhaps a small bowl of garlic butter for dipping the crust. For parties, slice it into smaller bite-sized pieces and arrange on a platter topped with colorful edible flowers or microgreens for a playful twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, wrap your pizza tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and refrigerate. This keeps your slices moist without becoming soggy. Leftover pizza is best eaten within 2 to 3 days for optimal flavor and texture.
Freezing
Hawaiian Pizza Recipe also freezes well. Freeze individual slices on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer them to a freezer bag. This layered freezing prevents them from sticking together and makes reheating a breeze for quick meals later on.
Reheating
To revive your pizza slices, heat them in a skillet over medium-low heat with a lid on for a few minutes. This method crisps the crust while melting the cheese again. Alternatively, use an oven set at 375°F (190°C) for about 8 minutes for a more even reheat without sogginess.
FAQs
Can I use canned pineapple instead of fresh for the Hawaiian Pizza Recipe?
Absolutely! Canned pineapple chunks work just fine if fresh isn’t available. Just be sure to drain them well to avoid excess moisture that can make the pizza soggy.
What’s the best cheese for Hawaiian pizza?
Traditional mozzarella is the best choice due to its melting qualities and mild flavor, which lets the ham and pineapple shine. You can mix in some provolone or cheddar for extra depth if you like.
Is it necessary to use a pizza stone?
Not at all! While a pizza stone helps create a crispier crust, a regular baking sheet will do just fine. Just make sure your oven is fully preheated to get the best results.
Can I make this Hawaiian Pizza Recipe vegetarian?
Yes, by simply omitting the bacon and ham and adding extra veggies like bell peppers, olives, or caramelized onions, you’ll still have a delicious pizza bursting with flavor.
How thick should I roll the pizza dough?
That depends on your crust preference! Thin rolled dough results in a crisp pizza, while a thicker roll means a softer, chewier crust. Both work well for this Hawaiian Pizza Recipe.
Final Thoughts
There’s something incredibly joyful about making and sharing this Hawaiian Pizza Recipe with friends or family. The blend of sweet, savory, and fresh elements in every slice creates a truly memorable meal that’s quick to prepare and impossible not to love. So grab your dough and toppings, fire up your oven, and treat yourself to a slice of this delightful classic—it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser every time!
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Hawaiian Pizza Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This classic Hawaiian Pizza recipe combines a crispy homemade or store-bought pizza dough base with savory ham and bacon, sweet pineapple chunks, and melty mozzarella cheese. Optional shiitake mushrooms add an earthy depth, while fresh basil and black pepper finish it off perfectly. Ready in just 20 minutes, this crowd-pleasing pizza is perfect for a quick and delicious meal.
Ingredients
Pizza Base
- â…“ portion pizza dough (homemade or store-bought)
Pizza Sauce and Cheese
- ½ cup pizza sauce
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Toppings
- ½ cup cooked bacon, chopped
- ½ cup cooked ham, cubed
- ½ cup fresh pineapple, cubed
- ½ cup sliced shiitake mushrooms (optional)
Finishing Touches
- 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 in the oven while it’s heating to ensure an evenly crisp crust.
- Assemble Pizza: Roll out the pizza dough on a lightly floured surface to your desired thickness. Transfer the dough onto the preheated pizza stone or a baking sheet. Spread the pizza sauce evenly across the surface, ensuring full coverage but leaving a small border for the crust.
- Add Toppings: Evenly sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the sauce. Arrange the chopped cooked bacon, cubed cooked ham, fresh pineapple chunks, and optional sliced shiitake mushrooms on top of the cheese.
- Bake the Pizza: Place the assembled 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: Carefully remove the pizza from the oven, sprinkle fresh chopped basil over the top, and season with ground black pepper to taste. Slice the pizza and serve immediately for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- For a crispier crust, use a preheated pizza stone.
- You can substitute bacon and ham with turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
- Optional shiitake mushrooms add a rich umami flavor but can be omitted if preferred.
- Use fresh mozzarella for a creamier texture if desired.
- Adjust baking time slightly depending on your oven and thickness of the crust.
