The Ultimate Recipe for Hawaiian Pizza – Sweet, Savory & Irresistible
There’s something magical about a Hawaiian pizza — the way the sweet, juicy pineapple meets the salty, savory ham and melty cheese. For years, pizza purists argued over whether pineapple belongs on pizza, but for those of us who love balance, flavor contrast, and a touch of adventure, Hawaiian pizza is pure bliss.
Today, I’ll walk you through my perfected recipe for Hawaiian pizza — authentic, easy to make, and bursting with flavor. This recipe is ideal for home cooks, pizza lovers, and anyone craving that sweet-and-savory harmony.
Whether you make pizza dough from scratch or use your favorite store-bought crust, this recipe will make you a Hawaiian pizza believer.
Why This Recipe Works
What makes this recipe stand out is attention to balance and detail. The sweetness of pineapple is complemented by savory ham, tangy tomato sauce, and melty mozzarella.
The crust — whether homemade or store-bought — is golden, crisp on the edges, and soft inside. The toppings are layered thoughtfully so every bite is a delightful blend of flavors.
By the end of this guide, you’ll not only know how to make a Hawaiian pizza — you’ll know how to make it perfectly every single time.
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Table of Ingredients & Measurements
This recipe makes two 12-inch Hawaiian pizzas.
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Pizza dough (homemade or store-bought) | 2 balls (about 250 g each) |
| Tomato pizza sauce | 1 cup |
| Fresh mozzarella cheese | 2 cups (200 g), shredded |
| Ham | 200 g, thinly sliced |
| Pineapple chunks (fresh or canned) | 1 cup |
| Olive oil | 2 tbsp |
| Fresh basil or oregano | 1 tbsp, chopped |
| Red pepper flakes (optional) | To taste |
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1 – Preheat Your Oven
Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C). If you have a pizza stone, place it in the oven to preheat — this will give your crust a perfect crisp.
Step 2 – Prepare Your Dough
If using homemade dough, roll it out into a thin circle about 12 inches wide. If using store-bought dough, follow the package instructions for shaping. Sprinkle a little flour or cornmeal on your work surface to prevent sticking.
Step 3 – Add the Sauce
Spread 1/2 cup of tomato pizza sauce evenly over each dough base, leaving a small border around the edges.
Step 4 – Add Cheese
Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the sauce. This creates a rich, gooey layer that binds your toppings together.
Step 5 – Layer Ham and Pineapple
Distribute 100 g of ham slices evenly over the cheese, then add 1/2 cup pineapple chunks. The sweet pineapple will caramelize in the oven, adding depth to the flavor.
Step 6 – Final Touches
Drizzle a little olive oil over the pizza, sprinkle chopped basil or oregano, and if you like a kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes.
Step 7 – Bake the Pizza
Transfer the pizza onto a preheated pizza stone or baking tray. Bake for 10–12 minutes until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly.
Step 8 – Serve & Enjoy
Slice into pieces and serve hot. Hawaiian pizza is best enjoyed fresh out of the oven, with a crisp crust and melted cheese.
Tips & Tricks for the Perfect Hawaiian Pizza
- Use fresh pineapple if possible – it adds brightness and prevents excessive sweetness from canned fruit.
- Balance flavors – the sweetness of pineapple should be matched with a salty, smoky ham for harmony.
- Don’t overload toppings – too much ham or pineapple makes the pizza soggy.
- Preheat your oven – high heat is essential for a crispy crust.
- Experiment with cheese – try blending mozzarella with provolone or gouda for extra flavor.
- Fresh herbs matter – fresh basil or oregano elevates your pizza to restaurant quality.
FAQ – Hawaiian Pizza Recipe
Q1: Can I make this pizza gluten-free?
A1: Absolutely. Use a gluten-free pizza dough recipe and your favorite gluten-free sauce.
Q2: Can I make Hawaiian pizza without ham?
A2: Yes! Try substituting with cooked chicken, bacon, or even a vegan alternative for a plant-based version.
Q3: Should I use canned or fresh pineapple?
A3: Fresh pineapple works best, but canned pineapple (drained) is a convenient option and still delicious.
Q4: How do I store leftover Hawaiian pizza?
A4: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a preheated oven for the best texture.
Q5: Can I freeze Hawaiian pizza?
A5: Yes — prepare the pizza and freeze before baking. Bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes.
Creative Hawaiian Pizza Variations
- Spicy Hawaiian Pizza – add jalapeños and a sprinkle of chili flakes for heat.
- BBQ Hawaiian Pizza – swap tomato sauce for BBQ sauce and add smoked chicken.
- Deluxe Hawaiian – add red onion slices, green bell peppers, and extra cheese for a loaded version.
- Vegan Hawaiian Pizza – use plant-based cheese and tempeh or seitan instead of ham.
Why Hawaiian Pizza is Worth Loving
Hawaiian pizza has its critics, but it deserves a place in the pantheon of pizza creations. It’s the perfect combination of sweet and savory, crispy and melty, fresh and indulgent. This recipe is proof that Hawaiian pizza isn’t just a novelty — it’s a masterpiece when made with care.
From the crust to the toppings, each step of this recipe is designed to bring harmony and flavor to your plate. Every slice delivers a moment of joy — the tang of tomato sauce, the richness of cheese, the saltiness of ham, and the tropical sweetness of pineapple.
Final Thoughts & Encouragement
If you’ve never tried making Hawaiian pizza at home, this is your invitation. This recipe for Hawaiian pizza is approachable for home cooks and flexible enough for experimentation.
The secret is balance: balancing flavors, textures, and ingredients so that each bite feels satisfying.
Once you master this recipe, Hawaiian pizza can become a staple in your cooking repertoire — a dish to impress friends, enjoy with family, or simply treat yourself.
Pizza is more than food; it’s joy, culture, and creativity. Hawaiian pizza adds a little sunshine to every meal, and this recipe makes it easy to bring that sunshine to your kitchen.
See Also: Best Recipe for Gluten Free Pizza Crust | Crispy, Chewy & Easy
