Sweet, salty, and unapologetically bold, Hawaiian pizza combines tropical flair with pizzeria comfort. The juicy burst of pineapple plays perfectly against savory ham and rich mozzarella, making each bite a balance of contrast and craveable flavor.
Ingredients Breakdown
When it comes to the foundation of your pizza, you’ve got options. Homemade dough offers a tender, chewy texture with a rustic touch, while quality store-bought dough saves time and delivers consistent results. Whichever you choose, let it rest at room temperature before shaping to ensure elasticity and an even bake.
The sauce is your base note. A classic tomato pizza sauce brings acidity and depth, anchoring the sweetness of pineapple and the saltiness of ham. Spread it thin for balance and to avoid a soggy crust.
For that essential stretch and melt, mozzarella is the go-to cheese. Use between 1½ and 2 cups, depending on how cheesy you want it. Shred it yourself if you can—pre-shredded versions often have added starches that inhibit melting.
Diced deli ham brings gentle savoriness that doesn’t overpower. It’s lean, mild, and pairs naturally with the brightness of pineapple. Fresh pineapple is the star here—sweet, tangy, and juicy when prepped correctly. Patting it thoroughly dry is crucial to keep the pizza base crisp.
A dusting of dried oregano adds subtle Mediterranean notes, while the finishing touch—a homemade garlic herb butter—takes the crust to golden, aromatic perfection. It’s brushed on just before baking to add a buttery richness and a hint of garlic warmth that completes the flavor profile.
Step-by-Step Preparation Guide
Begin by bringing your dough to room temperature. This small but crucial step makes it easier to stretch and shape without tearing. Shape it into your desired size—about 12 to 14 inches—and set it onto a prepped baking sheet, parchment, or a pizza stone.
Prick the surface of the dough gently with a fork to prevent bubbling, then brush it lightly with olive oil to encourage browning. Spread a thin, even layer of pizza sauce, keeping a border around the edges to allow for the crust to rise and crisp.
Sprinkle mozzarella evenly across the sauce. Next, scatter the diced ham, followed by the pineapple. Distribute everything uniformly, and avoid layering too heavily to keep the crust from becoming weighed down. A pinch of oregano gives the finishing touch before baking.
In a small bowl, combine melted butter, garlic powder, oregano, and a dash of salt. Use a pastry brush to generously coat the outer edges of the dough. This step ensures a beautifully golden, flavorful crust.
Bake at 475°F (245°C) for 15 to 20 minutes. Look for bubbling cheese and crust that’s golden brown and firm to the touch. Allow the pizza to cool slightly before slicing—it helps the toppings set and prevents burns from molten cheese.
Slice into eight portions and serve hot. Every piece delivers that perfect bite: melty cheese, juicy pineapple, savory ham, and buttery crust.
Recipe Tips
Letting dough rest at room temperature for easy handling
Cold dough is stiff and prone to tearing. Give it at least 30 minutes to relax for smooth shaping.
Avoiding soggy crusts by drying pineapple thoroughly
Moisture is your crust’s enemy. Pat pineapple with paper towels until it’s nearly dry before topping.
Preventing cheese overload: balancing quantity for melt and texture
Use just enough cheese to coat without pooling. Too much can smother the other ingredients and weigh down the crust.
How to customize garlic butter to match your flavor preference
Add grated parmesan, chili flakes, or even lemon zest to your melted butter for extra depth.
Using parchment or a pizza stone for an even bake
A stone ensures a crisp bottom, while parchment makes transfer and cleanup a breeze.
What to Serve With This Recipe
Pair this pizza with a bright salad—think arugula with citrus vinaigrette or spinach with tropical fruit. The greens help balance the richness while echoing the pizza’s fruity notes.
For appetizers, garlic parmesan breadsticks or lightly fried mozzarella bites add cheesy contrast and give guests something to snack on while the pizza bakes.
Sparkling water with lime, sweet iced tea, or a chilled white wine like Riesling or Pinot Grigio all make excellent drink pairings. Each complements the pineapple’s brightness and balances the butteriness of the crust.
Finish the meal with light, tropical-inspired desserts. Coconut macaroons, grilled pineapple skewers, or a scoop of pineapple sorbet keep the sunny theme going and cleanse the palate.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use canned pineapple instead of fresh?
Yes—just make sure it’s well-drained and patted dry to avoid excess moisture.
Is it okay to skip the garlic butter?
It’s optional, but highly recommended for a flavorful, golden crust.
Can I freeze this pizza after baking?
Definitely. Slice, wrap individually, and freeze. Reheat in a hot oven to restore texture.
What cheeses can I substitute for mozzarella?
Provolone, gouda, Monterey Jack, or a mild cheddar all work well in this recipe.
Creative Variations
Add thinly sliced jalapeños or red chili flakes for a spicy counterpoint to the sweetness of the pineapple.
Swap ham for Canadian bacon, prosciutto, or even smoked chicken for a twist on the savory element.
Use BBQ sauce in place of tomato sauce for a smoky-sweet base that pairs especially well with pineapple.
Try mixing cheeses—blend provolone and mozzarella, or add a bit of smoked gouda for a touch of complexity and depth.
Hawaiian pizza strikes a beautiful balance—salty, sweet, cheesy, and crisp. It’s a crowd-pleasing option that works for weeknight dinners or laid-back weekend gatherings. With its punchy flavors and customizable elements, it’s the kind of pizza that always keeps things interesting.
Ingredients
½ cup fresh diced pineapple, thoroughly patted dry (plus more to taste)
½ cup diced deli ham (plus more to taste)
1½ to 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
½ cup pizza sauce (plus more as desired)
Homemade pizza dough or store-bought, as preferred
Dried oregano, to taste
Melted Garlic Butter (for brushing)
3 tablespoons melted unsalted butter
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon dried oregano
Salt, to taste
Instructions
Begin by preparing your pizza dough. If using a homemade recipe, follow it through step 9—you’ll need just one dough ball. For store-bought dough, allow it to come to room temperature for easier handling and stretch.
Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C) and ensure your baking surface or pizza stone is ready to go.
Once your dough is shaped and brushed with olive oil, prick it all over with a fork to help prevent bubbling during baking. Spread a generous layer of pizza sauce over the base, stopping just short of the edges. Scatter the shredded mozzarella evenly on top, followed by diced ham and pineapple chunks. Be sure the pineapple is well-dried before using to prevent excess moisture that can make the crust soggy. Finish with a light dusting of dried oregano.
In a small bowl, mix the melted butter with garlic powder, oregano, and a pinch of salt. Brush this aromatic mixture along the outer crust for added flavor and a golden finish.
Transfer the pizza to the oven and bake for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbling and the crust is deep golden brown around the edges.
Once baked, let the pizza cool slightly before slicing into 8 even pieces. Serve hot and enjoy the balance of savory, cheesy, and subtly sweet flavors.
Hawaiian pizza Recipe
Ingredients
- ½ cup fresh diced pineapple thoroughly patted dry (plus more to taste)
- ½ cup diced deli ham plus more to taste
- 1½ to 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup pizza sauce plus more as desired
- Homemade pizza dough or store-bought as preferred
- Dried oregano to taste
Melted Garlic Butter (for brushing)
- 3 tablespoons melted unsalted butter
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Begin by preparing your pizza dough. If using a homemade recipe, follow it through step 9—you’ll need just one dough ball. For store-bought dough, allow it to come to room temperature for easier handling and stretch.
- Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C) and ensure your baking surface or pizza stone is ready to go.
- Once your dough is shaped and brushed with olive oil, prick it all over with a fork to help prevent bubbling during baking. Spread a generous layer of pizza sauce over the base, stopping just short of the edges. Scatter the shredded mozzarella evenly on top, followed by diced ham and pineapple chunks. Be sure the pineapple is well-dried before using to prevent excess moisture that can make the crust soggy. Finish with a light dusting of dried oregano.
- In a small bowl, mix the melted butter with garlic powder, oregano, and a pinch of salt. Brush this aromatic mixture along the outer crust for added flavor and a golden finish.
- Transfer the pizza to the oven and bake for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbling and the crust is deep golden brown around the edges.
- Once baked, let the pizza cool slightly before slicing into 8 even pieces. Serve hot and enjoy the balance of savory, cheesy, and subtly sweet flavors.
Notes
- This recipe yields one 12-inch pizza, cut into 8 slices.
- Using store-bought dough: Choose your favorite ready-made dough. Before adding toppings, brush it with olive oil to help crisp the crust and prick it with a fork to prevent bubbling during baking.
- Pineapple prep: Always pat the pineapple dry before adding it to the pizza—excess moisture can make the crust soggy.
- Topping tip: Avoid overcrowding the pizza. Too many toppings packed together can trap steam and lead to a soggy base.
- Oven temperature: Bake at a high heat—475°F is ideal for a crispy, golden crust. 450°F works but may produce a softer crust. If you’re experienced and your equipment allows, 500°F is also an option. Just be sure your baking surface can handle it.
