If you’ve ever found yourself craving that perfect blend of sweet, savory, and cheesy all in one bite, then this Hawaiian Pizza Recipe is your new best friend. It’s an absolute crowd-pleaser that balances juicy pineapple cubes with smoky ham and bacon over a golden, bubbly cheese layer, all hugging a crisp yet chewy crust. Whether you’re making it for a quick weeknight meal or a casual weekend gathering, this recipe never fails to deliver those comforting, tropical vibes with every slice.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to creating a delicious Hawaiian pizza. This list is short but packs a punch, featuring fresh and flavorful components that each bring something special to the table — from the tangy pizza sauce to the sweet pineapple and crispy bacon.
- ⅓ portion pizza dough: Whether homemade or store-bought, it forms the perfect base that’s crisp yet tender.
- ½ cup pizza sauce: Adds a rich, tangy layer that ties all the toppings together.
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully for that gooey, cheesy goodness every pizza needs.
- ½ cup cooked bacon, chopped: Brings smoky crunch and depth of flavor.
- ½ cup cooked ham, cubed: The classic savory counterpart balanced by the pineapple’s sweetness.
- ½ cup fresh pineapple, cubed: Bursts of juicy tropical sweetness make this pizza uniquely delightful.
- ½ cup sliced shiitake mushrooms (optional): For those who love an earthy twist, adding subtle umami.
- 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped: Adds a fragrant, herbaceous freshness just before serving.
- Ground black pepper, to taste: A little seasoning to finish it off with a mild kick.
How to Make Hawaiian Pizza Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Start by heating your oven to 500°F (260°C). If you have a pizza stone, make sure to place it inside while the oven preheats. This step ensures that the crust cooks evenly and gets that perfect crispness on the bottom.
Step 2: Assemble the Pizza
On a lightly floured surface, roll out your pizza dough to your desired thickness — thinner crusts bake more quickly and get crispier, while thicker crusts stay chewy and soft. Transfer the dough carefully onto your pizza stone or baking sheet. Spread the pizza sauce evenly across the entire surface, reaching close to the edges for a saucy bite every time.
Step 3: Add Cheese and Toppings
Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese generously over the sauce. Then, artfully arrange cooked bacon, cubed ham, fresh pineapple, and shiitake mushrooms if you’re using them. The topping distribution is key to each mouthful having that fantastic blend of sweet and savory flavors, so don’t skimp!
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Slide your pizza into the preheated oven and bake for about 10 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the crust turns a beautiful golden brown and the cheese bubbles up with slight browning. Keep an eye on it to avoid burning, especially if your oven runs hot.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Once out of the oven, sprinkle the freshly chopped basil over the top. Finish with a dash of ground black pepper to brighten the flavors and enhance that irresistible aroma. Slice it up and serve immediately for the best experience.
How to Serve Hawaiian Pizza Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh basil is a classic garnish that brings a lovely pop of green and a touch of herbal brightness. You might also consider sprinkling some crushed red pepper flakes if you like a bit of heat, or a drizzle of good-quality olive oil to add richness.
Side Dishes
Pair this Hawaiian pizza with a crisp green salad dressed simply with lemon and olive oil to cut through all the richness. Garlic breadsticks or a chilled cucumber salad also offer refreshing contrast, making your meal balanced and satisfying.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try cutting the pizza into small squares for a party platter, adding mini Hawaiian pizzas on naan bread as appetizers, or serving alongside a tropical fruit salsa to amplify the island vibes.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Hawaiian pizza is just as tasty the next day. Store slices in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days to keep the crust from going soggy and the flavors fresh.
Freezing
You can freeze leftover pizza slices by wrapping them individually in plastic wrap and then placing them in a freezer-safe bag. Frozen slices stay good for up to 1 month and are perfect for quick snacks or meals on busy days.
Reheating
The best method to reheat Hawaiian pizza is in a hot skillet over medium heat for a few minutes. This crisps the crust back up while warming the toppings without drying them out. Alternatively, a hot oven at 375°F (190°C) for 5-7 minutes works well too.
FAQs
Can I use different types of cheese instead of mozzarella?
Absolutely! While mozzarella is traditional and melts perfectly, you can experiment with provolone, Monterey Jack, or even a blend to add unique flavors. Just keep in mind how well they melt and their moisture content.
Is fresh pineapple better than canned for this Hawaiian Pizza Recipe?
Fresh pineapple offers a brighter, juicier sweetness that really elevates the pizza. Canned pineapple can work in a pinch, but draining it thoroughly is important to prevent a soggy crust.
Can I make this Hawaiian Pizza Recipe vegetarian?
Definitely! Simply omit the ham and bacon and add extra veggies like bell peppers, onions, or even smoked tofu for a tasty vegetarian version that still honors the sweet and savory balance.
What’s the best dough to use for making Hawaiian pizza?
A simple pizza dough made from flour, water, yeast, salt, and a little olive oil works perfectly. Store-bought dough is convenient and works wonderfully too, especially if short on time.
Can I add other toppings to this Hawaiian Pizza Recipe?
Yes, feel free to get creative! Some great additions include red onion slices for sharpness, jalapeños for spice, or even a drizzle of barbecue sauce for an extra flavor twist. Just be careful not to overload the pizza so it cooks evenly.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about a slice of homemade Hawaiian pizza that brings a little sunshine to your day. This Hawaiian Pizza Recipe is simple, quick, and endlessly satisfying, perfect for sharing with friends or indulging in a solo pizza night. Give it a try and treat yourself to that delightful mix of sweet and savory flavors that never goes out of style.
Print
Hawaiian Pizza Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Pizza
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Hawaiian Pizza recipe offers a delightful combination of savory ham, crispy bacon, juicy pineapple, and melted mozzarella cheese on a crispy homemade or store-bought pizza crust. With a simple pizza sauce base and optional shiitake mushrooms for an earthy flavor, this pizza is baked to golden perfection and garnished with fresh basil and black pepper for a fresh finish. Ready in just 20 minutes, it’s a perfect quick meal for pizza lovers craving a sweet and savory twist.
Ingredients
Pizza Base and Sauce
- â…“ portion pizza dough (homemade or store-bought)
- ½ cup pizza sauce
Toppings
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup cooked bacon, chopped
- ½ cup cooked ham, cubed
- ½ cup fresh pineapple, cubed
- ½ cup sliced shiitake mushrooms (optional)
Garnish and Seasoning
- 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 preheating to ensure a crispy base.
- Assemble Pizza: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the pizza dough to your desired thickness. Transfer the rolled dough onto a pizza stone or a baking sheet. Spread the pizza sauce evenly over the dough surface. Next, sprinkle a generous amount of shredded mozzarella cheese over the sauce. Arrange the cooked bacon, cubed ham, pineapple chunks, and sliced shiitake mushrooms evenly across the pizza.
- Bake the Pizza: Place the assembled pizza into the preheated oven. Bake for about 10 minutes or until the crust turns golden brown and the cheese melts into a bubbly, gooey topping.
- 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
- Using a pizza stone helps achieve a crispier crust but is optional.
- Shiitate mushrooms are optional; you can omit them or substitute with other mushrooms if preferred.
- Ensure bacon and ham are cooked before adding them to prevent undercooking.
- Adjust baking time slightly depending on your oven and pizza thickness.
- Fresh basil added after baking preserves its bright flavor and color.
