Oh, Hawaiian pizza – that sweet and salty combo that somehow makes everyone either love it or start a heated debate! I still remember my first bite of ham & pineapple pizza at a sleepover when I was 12. That perfect balance of juicy pineapple and smoky ham on a crispy crust? Absolute magic. Now it’s my go-to when I want something quick, delicious, and guaranteed to please a crowd. Whether you’re team pineapple-on-pizza or still skeptical, this homemade version will make you a believer. Trust me, once you try it fresh from your own oven, there’s no going back to delivery!
Why You’ll Love This Ham & Pineapple (Hawaiian Pizza)
Listen, I know pineapple on pizza gets people fired up, but hear me out – this version will convert even the biggest skeptics. First off, it comes together in under 30 minutes flat (perfect for those “I need pizza NOW” nights). That magical sweet-salty combo? The juicy pineapple cuts through the rich ham and melty cheese like nobody’s business. Plus, it’s your canvas – throw on some jalapeños for heat or swap in bacon if you’re feeling fancy. Every time I make this for friends, the whole pan disappears before I can say “aloha!”
Ingredients for Ham & Pineapple (Hawaiian Pizza)
Okay, let’s talk ingredients – because using the right stuff makes all the difference between “meh” and “aloha, delicious!” You’ll need:
- 1 pizza dough (12-inch) – store-bought works great, but homemade if you’re feeling fancy
- 1/2 cup pizza sauce – my secret? Add a pinch of garlic powder to jazz it up
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella – go for the good stuff that melts like a dream
- 1 cup diced ham (about 5 oz) – leftover holiday ham works wonders here
- 1 cup pineapple chunks – fresh is amazing, but drained canned works in a pinch
- 1 tsp dried oregano – the sprinkle that makes it smell like a pizzeria
Pro tip: Pat your pineapple chunks dry with paper towels – nobody wants a soggy pizza!
Equipment You’ll Need
Don’t worry, you don’t need fancy pizza-making gadgets for this! Just grab:
- A rolling pin (or wine bottle in a pinch – I’ve been there!)
- Baking sheet or pizza stone if you’re feeling fancy
- Measuring cups – eyeballing works, but cheese is too precious to waste
- Sharp knife and cutting board for the ham
That’s it! See? Told you this was easy. Now let’s get to the fun part – making magic happen!
How to Make Ham & Pineapple (Hawaiian Pizza)
Alright, let’s turn these simple ingredients into pizza magic! I’ve made this so many times I could do it in my sleep, but I’ll walk you through every step so yours comes out perfect on the first try.
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
First things first – crank that oven to 475°F (245°C) so it’s piping hot when your pizza goes in. While it heats, flour your counter (or baking sheet if you’re lazy like me) and roll that dough into a 12-inch circle. Don’t stress about perfection – rustic circles taste better anyway! If it keeps shrinking back, let it rest for 5 minutes – the gluten just needs to chill out.
Step 2: Add Toppings
Now the fun part! Spread your sauce evenly, leaving a little border for the crust. Pro tip: use the back of a spoon in spiral motions – it’s like giving your pizza a little massage. Sprinkle that glorious mozzarella all over (no bare spots!), then artfully arrange your ham and pineapple. I like to tuck pineapple pieces under ham slices so they don’t dry out. Finish with an oregano snowfall – just a light dusting makes all the difference!
Step 3: Bake to Perfection
Slide that beauty onto the middle rack and set a timer for 12 minutes. Peek at the 10-minute mark – you want golden brown edges and bubbly cheese with a few toasted spots. If your oven runs hot, it might be done already! Let it cool for just a minute before slicing – I know it’s hard to wait, but molten cheese burns are no joke. That first bite of crispy crust with sweet pineapple and salty ham? Pure aloha spirit in every bite!
Tips for the Best Ham & Pineapple (Hawaiian Pizza)
After making this pizza more times than I can count, I’ve picked up some tricks that take it from good to “aloha-wow!” First, always pat your pineapple chunks dry with paper towels – I use paper towels and press gently. Soggy pizza is a crime! Preheat your baking sheet in the oven while it heats up – that extra blast of heat gives you an extra crispy crust.
Feeling adventurous? Try these twists: crispy bacon bits for extra smokiness, thin red onion slices for bite, or jalapeños if you like it spicy. My neighbor swears by adding a drizzle of sriracha honey after baking – sounds weird, tastes amazing! And if you’re using fresh pineapple, grill the slices first for an incredible caramelized flavor. Oh, and let your dough rest at room temp for 30 minutes – it rolls out so much easier!
Serving Suggestions
Listen, this pizza shines all on its own, but if you want to make it a full meal (or impress guests), here’s how I like to serve it. First rule – get it to the table piping hot! That melty cheese and crispy crust are at their prime right out of the oven. I love pairing it with a simple arugula salad – the peppery greens cut through the richness perfectly. Garlic knots or cheesy breadsticks? Yes please! And for the ultimate experience, whip up some garlic ranch or spicy marinara for dipping. Trust me, your pizza night just leveled up! You can find great tips on pairing pizza with salads from reputable food sources like Epicurious.
Storing and Reheating Ham & Pineapple (Hawaiian Pizza)
Okay, let’s be real – leftover pizza is a gift, but only if you reheat it right! First, store cooled slices in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Want to freeze some? Just wrap individual slices in foil and pop them in a freezer bag – they’ll keep for a month. When reheating, skip the microwave (soggy crust alert!) and use your oven or air fryer instead. 350°F for about 8 minutes brings back that perfect crispy texture. Pro tip: sprinkle a few drops of water on the crust before reheating – it works like magic to refresh the dough! For more on reheating pizza, check out advice from culinary experts like Serious Eats.
Ham & Pineapple (Hawaiian Pizza) FAQs
I get asked the same questions every time I make this pizza, so let’s tackle the big ones! First up – “Can I use canned pineapple?” Absolutely! Just drain it well and pat those chunks dry with paper towels. Fresh pineapple tastes amazing, but canned works in a pinch (and let’s be honest, sometimes it’s all we’ve got).
“What if I want to switch up the ham?” Go for it! Diced chicken works surprisingly well, especially if you toss it with a little BBQ sauce first. My cousin swears by Canadian bacon – it’s like ham’s fancy cousin. And yes, bacon lovers, crispy bacon bits make an awesome salty swap.
The million-dollar question: “How do I avoid soggy crust?” Two words: pre-bake magic. Pop your naked dough in the oven for 3-4 minutes before adding toppings. This creates a protective barrier against juicy pineapple attacks! Also – don’t overload the toppings. Less is more for that perfect crisp-to-chew ratio.
“Can I make this ahead?” You bet! Prep all your toppings and store them separately. The dough can hang out in the fridge overnight too. Just bring everything to room temp before assembling – cold dough is stubborn to work with! If you are looking for more advanced dough handling techniques, look into resources on King Arthur Baking.
Nutritional Information
Let’s talk numbers – because we all want to enjoy our pizza without any guilt trips! A typical slice of this ham & pineapple pizza comes in around 250 calories, with 10g fat (4g saturated), 30g carbs (2g fiber), and 12g protein. But here’s the thing – these are estimates, folks! The numbers will dance around depending on how generous you are with cheese, whether you use thick-cut ham, or if you sneak extra pineapple (no judgment here). My advice? Enjoy every bite – life’s too short to stress over a few extra calories when it tastes this good! Made this recipe? Rate it below so I know how it turned out for you!
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“Irresistible 30-Min Ham & Pineapple Pizza You’ll Crave”
- Total Time: 30 mins
- Yield: 1 pizza (4 servings)
- Diet: Low Lactose
Description
A classic Hawaiian pizza with ham and pineapple toppings on a crispy crust.
Ingredients
- 1 pizza dough (12-inch)
- 1/2 cup pizza sauce
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup diced ham
- 1 cup pineapple chunks
- 1 tsp dried oregano
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C).
- Roll out the pizza dough on a floured surface.
- Spread pizza sauce evenly over the dough.
- Sprinkle mozzarella cheese on top.
- Add diced ham and pineapple chunks.
- Sprinkle oregano over the toppings.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes until the crust is golden brown.
- Slice and serve hot.
Notes
- Use fresh pineapple for better flavor.
- Adjust cheese quantity to your preference.
- Add red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 15 mins
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American