How to make Hawaiian Pizza

Although it may cause division, this recipe for Hawaiian pizza has the potential to unite us all. Featuring a blend of gooey melted mozzarella cheese, savory tomato sauce, and bits of sweet, fresh pineapple and salty ham, this handmade pie dish is easy to make (even with a store-bought crust!) and a great addition to any pizza party. Pizza lovers, continue reading to find out how to prepare this famous dish at home: pineapple on pizza

Ingredients

• 1 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil
• 4 oz. ham, cut into 1/4″ pieces
• 1 c. fresh pineapple, cut into 1/4″ pieces
• Cooking spray (optional)
• 3 Tbsp. semolina flour
• 1 lb. store-bought or homemade pizza crust, room temperature
• 1/2 c. store-bought or homemade pizza sauce
• 1 c. grated fresh mozzarella

Directions

1. Step 1Place a rack in center of oven; preheat to 500°. If you have a pizza stone, place in oven to preheat.
2. Step 2In a large skillet over medium heat, heat oil. Cook ham, stirring occasionally, until crisp and lightly browned, about 2 minutes. Transfer ham to a plate.
3. Step 3In same skillet, cook pineapple, stirring occasionally, until golden brown on all sides, about 2 minutes. Transfer to plate with ham.
4. Step 4If not using a pizza stone, grease a pizza pan or baking sheet with cooking spray. Sprinkle with flour. If using a pizza stone, sprinkle a pizza peel with flour.
5. Step 5Carefully shape dough on prepared pan or peel to a 1/2″-thick round about 12″ in diameter. If you have trouble getting the dough to hold its shape, let it rest a few minutes, then try again.
6. Step 6Spread pizza sauce over dough in an even layer, leaving a 1/2″ border. Top with ham, pineapple, and cheese.
7. Step 7Bake pizza until crisp, golden brown, and melty, 12 to 15 minutes.

PHOTO: BRYAN GARDNER; FOOD STYLING: MAKINZE GORE

How To Make Hawaiian Pizza

Ingredients

• Ham: Ham, cut into small pieces, is my personal choice for this pizza. If you’re looking for a leaner option, go with Canadian bacon instead.
• Pineapple: It just wouldn’t be a Hawaiian pizza without pineapple! I strongly recommend fresh pineapple over canned, as it has a brighter, more naturally sweet flavor and has less moisture.
• Semolina Flour: Semolina flour not only keeps the pizza dough from sticking, it also helps crisp up the bottom of the crust by letting hot air underneath. I suggest using plenty of it!
• Pizza Crust: The secret to every great pie is to start with a high-quality crust. If you’re buying pizza dough at the store, be sure to choose a source you trust. Or take matters into your own hands and make this foolproof homemade pizza dough recipe.
• Pizza Sauce: On top of the dough, you’ll need a basic pizza sauce for this recipe. You can also find great pizza sauce at the grocery store; just be sure it doesn’t contain added sugar since you’ll be adding plenty of sweetness to your pie with the pineapple. Delish’s popular homemade pizza sauce recipe is also quick to put together and wonderfully savory.
• Mozzarella: You can use pre-shredded mozzarella or shred your own, but you’re better off not using the fresh stuff that comes packed in water, as it adds a lot of moisture to the pie that can leave your crust soggy.

Step-By-Step Instructions

After preheating your oven (and your pizza stone if you have one), it’s time to get started on cooking your toppings. First, cook the ham pieces on the stovetop until lightly browned and perfectly crisp.

PHOTO: LAUREN PRUITT

Set that aside, then add your fresh pineapple pieces to the same pan, cooking until they are golden-brown on all sides.

PHOTO: LAUREN PRUITT

Now, it’s time to move on to our dough. Prepare your surface by sprinkling with a bit of flour. Then, shape your dough into the perfect circle. Having trouble forming and holding the shape? Simply let the dough rest for a few minutes, then try again.

PHOTO: LAUREN PRUITT

Once your pizza dough is shaped into the desired circle, add on your prepared pizza sauce in an even spread over your dough.

PHOTO: LAUREN PRUITT

Next, layer on your toppings: the ham, the pineapple, and sprinkles of the mozzarella cheese (don’t be afraid to get really cheesy here).

PHOTO: LAUREN PRUITT

Bake your pizza until the crust is crisp, the top is golden-brown, and the cheese is melty and stretchy.

PHOTO: LAUREN PRUITT

Recipe Tips

If you want to ensure that your pie stays crisp and golden, not floppy and sad, keep these tips in mind:
• First, preheat your oven for an hour before you put the pizza in. Since home ovens can’t reach the same blazing temperatures as wood-fired pizza ovens, it’s important to give yours enough time to get as hot as it can.
• Pre-cook your ham and pineapple on the stove. This removes excess liquid, concentrates their flavors, and adds some nice caramelized flavors to your crust.
• Use a pizza stone if you have one. These absorb heat so your pizza starts cooking from the bottom up as soon as it hits the oven.

PHOTO: BRYAN GARDNER; FOOD STYLING: MAKINZE GORE

Storage

If you have any leftover pizza, store it in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days.