Hawaiian pizza
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Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 1 large pizza
Introduction
Hawaiian pizza is a classic favorite, loved for its perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors. The combination of juicy pineapple, savory ham, and melted mozzarella cheese atop a crispy, golden crust makes for a delicious homemade treat. Whether you’re making this pizza for a family dinner, a casual get-together, or just satisfying a craving, this easy-to-follow recipe will help you create a restaurant-quality pizza right in your own kitchen.
Ingredients
For the Pizza Dough:
2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 packet (2 ¼ tsp) instant yeast
1 tsp sugar
¾ cup warm water
1 tbsp olive oil
½ tsp salt
For the Toppings:
½ cup pizza sauce
1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
½ cup cooked ham, diced
½ cup pineapple chunks (fresh or canned, drained)
¼ tsp dried oregano (optional)
¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
In a large mixing bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Stir gently and let the mixture sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes foamy. This indicates that the yeast is activated.
Add the flour, salt, and olive oil to the yeast mixture. Stir until a rough dough forms.
Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for 5–7 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for 30–45 minutes, or until it has doubled in size.
Step 2: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C). If you have a pizza stone, place it in the oven to preheat as well. A preheated stone helps achieve a crispier crust.
Step 3: Shape the Dough
Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release any air bubbles.
Transfer the dough to a floured surface and roll it out into a 12-inch circle.
Place the rolled-out dough onto a pizza pan or baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Step 4: Assemble the Pizza
Spread the pizza sauce evenly over the dough, leaving about a ½-inch border around the edges.
Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the sauce.
Add the diced ham and pineapple chunks, distributing them evenly.
If desired, sprinkle dried oregano and red pepper flakes for extra flavor.
Step 5: Bake the Pizza
Carefully transfer the pizza to the preheated oven.
Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly and slightly browned.
If using a pizza stone, slide the pizza onto the stone for a crispier bottom.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Remove the pizza from the oven and let it cool slightly before slicing.
Slice into 8 pieces and serve warm.
Enjoy your homemade Hawaiian pizza with a side of salad or a dipping sauce of your choice!
Tips for the Best Hawaiian Pizza
Use fresh ingredients: Fresh pineapple provides a more vibrant flavor than canned pineapple, but both work well in this recipe.
Pre-cook the ham: Lightly frying the ham before adding it to the pizza enhances its flavor.
Crispier crust: Baking the pizza on a hot stone or preheated pan will result in a crispier crust.
Prevent soggy crust: If using canned pineapple, drain it well and pat it dry with a paper towel to avoid excess moisture on the dough.
Variations and Customizations
BBQ Hawaiian Pizza: Replace the pizza sauce with barbecue sauce for a smoky, tangy twist.
Spicy Hawaiian Pizza: Add jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce for some extra heat.
Vegetarian Hawaiian Pizza: Skip the ham and add bell peppers or mushrooms for a meat-free alternative.
Extra Cheesy Hawaiian Pizza: Add cheddar or gouda cheese along with mozzarella for a richer cheese blend.
Storage and Reheating
Refrigeration: Store leftover pizza in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Freezing: You can freeze the baked pizza for up to 2 months. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before freezing.
Reheating: Reheat pizza in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 5–7 minutes or in a skillet over medium heat to keep the crust crispy. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the crust soggy.
Final Thoughts
Homemade Hawaiian pizza is a simple yet satisfying dish that brings together the best of sweet and savory flavors. With just a few basic ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, you can create a delicious, fresh, and homemade pizza that rivals any takeout option. Whether you enjoy the classic ham and pineapple combination or like to experiment with variations, this recipe is a great base for crafting your perfect pizza.
Give this recipe a try and enjoy a slice of homemade Hawaiian goodness!
