Hawaiian Pizza Recipe
You’re about to discover how to craft an authentic Hawaiian pizza that perfectly balances sweet and savory flavors. While this controversial pizza variation didn’t originate in Hawaii, it’s become a modern classic that combines traditional Italian-American pizza elements with tropical flair. The key to mastering this recipe lies in precise ingredient preparation and specific cooking techniques that prevent a soggy crust – critical details that separate mediocre attempts from restaurant-quality results.
Overview
- Preheat oven to 450°F with pizza stone, then stretch room temperature dough to 14-inch diameter on floured surface.
- Layer pizza sauce, mozzarella cheese, diced ham, and well-drained pineapple chunks on prepared dough.
- Pat pineapple chunks completely dry and slightly precook ham to prevent a soggy pizza.
- Bake pizza on middle rack until cheese melts and crust turns golden brown.
- Essential ingredients include pizza dough, sauce, mozzarella cheese, diced ham, and pineapple chunks.
Introduction to Hawaiian Pizza
Hawaiian Pizza
This classic fusion pizza combines Italian-American pizza tradition with tropical flair, creating a perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors. The signature combination of ham and pineapple, controversial yet beloved, delivers a unique taste experience that has become a modern pizza classic since its creation in Canada in 1962. The caramelized pineapple and salty ham pair beautifully with melted mozzarella, all atop a crispy-yet-chewy crust.
Ingredients
- 1 (14-inch) pizza dough
- 3/4 cup pizza sauce
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 8 ounces diced ham
- 1 cup pineapple chunks, well-drained
- Cornmeal for dusting
- Dried oregano (optional)
- Extra virgin olive oil (optional)
Instructions
- Place pizza stone in oven and preheat to 450°F (232°C)
- Allow pizza dough to reach room temperature
- Roll dough on floured surface to 14-inch diameter with 1/4 inch thickness
- Transfer dough to cornmeal-dusted pizza peel
- Spread pizza sauce in concentric circles, leaving 1/2-inch border
- Layer 1 1/2 cups mozzarella cheese over sauce
- Distribute ham and pineapple chunks evenly
- Top with remaining 1/2 cup mozzarella
- Slide pizza onto preheated stone
- Bake 12-15 minutes until cheese is golden-brown
- Rest 2-3 minutes before cutting into 8 slices
Top Tips
- Pat pineapple chunks thoroughly dry to prevent soggy pizza
- Use room temperature dough for best stretch and texture
- Precook ham slightly to remove excess moisture
- Position oven rack in middle position for even cooking
- Allow cheese to set before cutting
- Use high-quality mozzarella for better melting
Variations
- Spicy Hawaiian: Add jalapeños and red pepper flakes
- BBQ Hawaiian: Replace tomato sauce with BBQ sauce
- Canadian Hawaiian: Use Canadian bacon instead of ham
- Meat Lovers Hawaiian: Add crispy bacon and pepperoni
- White Hawaiian: Use white sauce instead of tomato sauce
- Veggie Hawaiian: Replace ham with roasted red peppers
Nutritional Guide
Per slice (1/8 of pizza):
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 290 |
| Fat | 12g |
| Carbohydrates | 31g |
| Protein | 15g |
| Fiber | 2g |
| Sodium | 680mg |
Additional notes: This pizza provides a good source of protein and calcium from the cheese. The pineapple adds vitamin C and natural sweetness, while the ham contributes essential B vitamins. For a lighter version, use part-skim mozzarella and lean ham.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who Invented Hawaiian Pizza and When Was It First Created?
You’ll find Hawaiian pizza’s origins in 1962 when Sam Panopoulos created it in Ontario, Canada – not Hawaii. Despite cultural debates about pineapple on pizza, this Greek-Canadian restaurateur introduced your beloved fusion dish.
Is Hawaiian Pizza Actually From Hawaii?
You’ll be surprised to learn that Hawaiian pizza has no cultural significance in Hawaii. Its historical origins trace back to Ontario, Canada, where Sam Panopoulos created it in 1962 at his restaurant, Satellite.
Why Do Some People Strongly Dislike Pineapple on Pizza?
You’ll find that opposition to pineapple on pizza stems from cultural differences in traditional pizza preparation and personal taste preferences. The sweet-savory combination challenges conventional flavor expectations that many pizza purists hold dear.
What Cheese Alternatives Work Best for Hawaiian Pizza?
You’ll find that dairy-free mozzarella alternatives like Daiya or Follow Your Heart melt perfectly on Hawaiian pizza. Vegan cheese options made from cashews or coconut oil provide excellent stretch and tangy flavor profiles.
Can I Use Fresh Pineapple Instead of Canned Pineapple?
You’ll find fresh pineapple’s superior freshness works well, but you’ll need to pat it dry first. Its firmer texture can release more moisture while baking. For consistent results, consider pre-cooking your fresh chunks briefly.
Before You Go
Mastering your Hawaiian pizza technique requires precise attention to moisture control and ingredient preparation. You’ll achieve ideal results by thoroughly draining pineapple chunks for 15-20 minutes and pre-cooking diced ham at 350°F for 5 minutes. Maintain sauce-to-topping ratio at 1:2, and position toppings evenly with 1-inch spacing. Bake at 450°F until cheese reaches golden-brown caramelization and crust exhibits proper crispness (12-15 minutes).
