Hawaiian Pizza: Recipe + 6 useful tips

Today we bring you a recipe that marks a gap between those who like it and those who don’t: Hawaiian Pizza. For pizza fundamentalists, pineapple is sacrilege, but for sweet and sour fans, it can be a perfect combination of flavors.

This pizza is a feast for the palate, and preparing it is very easy. In this note we are going to learn everything about this innovative recipe, from its unexpected origin to the details of its preparation and some tips to make it come out perfect.

As usual, We share a Hawaiian pizza recipe to make at home and enjoy every last slice.

About Hawaiian pizza

Hawaiian pizza is a unique creation that combines Italian tradition with a tropical touch. Unlike classic pizzas, this specialty is characterized by its combination of sweet and salty flavors, ideal for lovers of sweet and sour dishes.

The base of the Hawaiian is the same as that of any other pizza: a thin, crispy dough, tomato sauce and melted cheese. However, what sets it apart is the incorporation of two key ingredients: pineapple and ham.

Where pineapple pizza was invented

Hawaiian pizza was not invented in Hawaii, as its name might suggest, but in Canada. Although its exact origin may be the subject of debate, the creation of this pizza recipe is commonly attributed to Sam Panopoulos, a Greek immigrant who along with his brother opened a restaurant in the Chatham township of Ontario, Canada, called “The Satellite Restaurant“.

In the 1960s, looking to innovate their menu, they decided to add pineapple as an ingredient to a traditional pizza, along with ham and cheese. They then dubbed this new creation “Hawaiian pizza,” possibly in reference to the brand of canned pineapple they used in the recipe. The combination turned out to be a success, and pineapple pizza quickly became popular.

Its unique flavor

The flavor of this pizza is truly unique. The natural sweetness of pineapple combines with the saltiness and smokiness of ham to create an unforgettable experience for the taste buds.

The pineapple provides a tropical freshness that contrasts perfectly with the crunchy texture of the dough and the creaminess of the melted cheese. This balance of flavors is what has made Hawaiian pizza a beloved classic around the world.

Why is it called Hawaiian pizza?

Although Hawaiian pizza conjures up images of white sand beaches and palm trees, its name is not directly related to Hawaii, but was instead created in Canada, as we mentioned earlier in a Greek immigrant’s restaurant, during the 1960s.

The name of this creation is simply due to the brand of pineapple they used for this innovative recipe, and the intention of finding a name that attracts attention and attracts diners.

What does Hawaiian pizza have?

The simplicity of Hawaiian pizza is part of its charm. In addition to the basics: dough, tomato sauce and cheese, this variety adds two ingredients: pineapple and ham. Fresh pineapple, cut into pieces or slices, adds a fresh, sweet touch, while ham, preferably cooked ham or ham, gives a salty, smoky flavor that contrasts with the pineapple.

Although this is the classic recipe, some people also add toppings like onion, pepper, or even bacon to customize their Hawaiian pizza.

The keys to this recipe

The preparation of the Hawaiian pizza recipe does not have much difference from any pizza.

1. We simply need to know how to make homemade pizza dough or we can buy a pre-made dough if we don’t have the time.
2. The dough is brushed with a little pizza sauce and placed in the oven for a few minutes.
3. Once it is pre-cooked, add a little more sauce, on top of the mozzarella cheese, the ham and finally the pineapple pieces, which can be fresh or previously browned in a pan.
4. Then place it in a hot oven and cook for a few minutes until the ingredients are cooked and the cheese is melted.

6 Tips for the Perfect Hawaiian Pizza

1. Oven heat: The oven needs to be hot enough to achieve a crispy, golden crust.
2. For me: To ensure crispness, it is best to roll the dough as thin as possible.
3. Balanced sauce: Don’t overdo it with the tomato sauce; a thin layer is enough to prevent the pizza from getting soggy.
4. Mozzarella: Use a good mozzarella to achieve a smooth and creamy texture.
5. Cook pineapple: The pineapple can be cooked for a few minutes in the oven or in a pan so that it browns slightly on the edges and deepens its flavor.
6. Variations: The contribution of caramelized onion, bacon or some filleted mushrooms can be some of the extra ingredients that add flavor to Hawaiian pizza.

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Hawaiian pizza recipe

Yield: 4 portions

Preparation: 30 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 ball of pizza dough
• 1/2 cup tomato sauce
• 1 cup grated mozzarella cheese
• 200 grams of cooked ham, cut into pieces
• 1 cup pineapple in pieces
• Optional: caramelized onion, roasted pepper or bacon

How to make Hawaiian pizza step by step

1. Preheat the oven to high temperature. Roll out the dough on a floured surface to the desired thickness and place on a baking sheet.
2. Spread an even layer of tomato sauce over the dough, leaving a sauce-free edge. Cook for about 3 or 4 minutes until the sauce is absorbed and the dough is lightly cooked.
3. Then remove from the oven and add a little more sauce, without overdoing it. Then spread the grated mozzarella, the pieces of ham, and the pineapple on top. In this step, optional ingredients are added, if used.
4. Bake the pizza in the oven at high temperature for 8 -10, or until the dough is golden and the cheese is bubbly. Remove from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before cutting and serving.