Hawaiian pizza is a beloved dish that brings the tastes of the tropics right to your table. This delicious combination of sweet pineapple, salty prosciutto, crispy bacon, and gooey cheese results in a comforting and flavorful meal that lovers of this iconic pizza just can’t resist.
Why Make This Recipe
Making Hawaiian pizza at home is a delightful experience that allows you to customize flavors and ingredients to suit your taste. It’s a fun dish for family gatherings, casual dinners, or even just a cozy night in. Plus, making your own pizza is budget-friendly and can be healthier than ordering takeout. Imagine the satisfaction of pulling a beautifully golden, bubbling pizza out of your own oven, filled with mouthwatering ingredients. This recipe is straightforward enough for beginners while providing enough room for seasoned cooks to unleash their creativity.
How to Make Hawaiian Pizza
Now let’s dive into the delicious details of how to make your very own Hawaiian pizza. Follow these steps and enjoy an authentic pizza experience right from your kitchen!
Ingredients:
- 4 slices thick-cut bacon
- 1 tbsp butter
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1/4 tsp chile flakes
- 3 1/2-inch thick slices fresh pineapple, cored and cut into half-moons
- 1/2 recipe artisan pizza dough (one 15 oz dough ball)
- 1/3 cup pizza sauce
- 4 oz shredded low-moisture mozzarella (whole milk, if possible)
- 2 oz prosciutto, torn into bite-sized pieces
- 1/4 cup pickled jalapeños
Directions:
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Place a pizza steel or stone in the middle of your oven and preheat it to 500°F. Let your stone heat up for a full 45 minutes for perfect crust results. Generously flour a pizza peel and set it aside.
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In a large cast iron skillet, place the bacon slices. Set the heat to medium and cook, flipping once, until the fat has rendered and the bacon is crispy and browned—this should take about 15 minutes. Once cooked, transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to cool.
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Pour off all but 1 tablespoon of the bacon grease from the skillet. Add butter, honey, and chile flakes to the skillet, stirring until the mixture melts. Increase the heat to medium-high and add the pineapple slices. Cook while gently shaking and swirling the pan until the pineapple becomes golden brown, which should take about 4 to 5 minutes.
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Once the first side of the pineapple is caramelized, flip the slices and cook for an additional 5 minutes until they are tender and golden. Transfer the cooked pineapple to a cutting board to cool slightly, then roughly chop it along with the cooled bacon and set both aside.
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On a floured surface, flatten the middle of the dough ball into a large disk, leaving yourself a thick 1-inch lip around the edge. Pick up the disk, holding the thick edge, and use gravity to shape the dough into a 12-inch circle. Lay it on the prepared pizza peel and adjust the shape as necessary, ensuring it’s circular. Jiggle the peel gently to make sure the dough isn’t sticking. If it is, add a bit more flour.
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Spread the pizza dough with a generous layer of sauce, leaving a 1/2-inch border around the edge. Sprinkle mozzarella cheese evenly over the sauce. Scatter the caramelized pineapple, crispy bacon, and torn prosciutto across the top.
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Carefully slide the pizza onto the heated steel and bake for about 5 minutes. Then, turn on the broiler and broil for an additional 2 to 4 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and melted, and the crust has some lovely charred spots.
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Let the pizza cool slightly before topping it with pickled jalapeños, slicing it up, and serving hot!
Pro Tips for Success Hawaiian Pizza
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Dough Mastery: If you’re new to making pizza dough, consider practicing with a batch before making your Hawaiian pizza to get the hang of stretching and shaping it.
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Prepping Ingredients: You can prepare the bacon and caramelized pineapple in advance to speed up the assembly. Store them in the refrigerator until you’re ready to make your pizza.
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Cheese Choices: While low-moisture mozzarella is recommended for its melting qualities, feel free to experiment with other cheese varieties, like provolone or gouda, for a unique twist.
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Baking Stone: Ensure your pizza stone is thoroughly preheated for a crispy crust. A cold stone can lead to a soggy base.
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Ingredient Arranging: Layer your toppings in a way that allows for even cooking. Start with sauce, then cheese, followed by meats, and top it off with vegetables.
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Fresh Pineapple: For the best result, use fresh pineapple rather than canned. Fresh pineapple offers better texture and flavor to the dish.
Flavor Variations Hawaiian Pizza
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Veggie Lovers: Add bell peppers, onions, and mushrooms for a veggie-packed version of Hawaiian pizza.
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Spicy Twist: Mix in some sliced jalapeños or chili oil for a spicy kick.
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BBQ Inspiration: Swap out the pizza sauce for barbecue sauce for a smoky flavor. Just be sure to balance the sweetness with the pineapple.
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Meat Feast: Add ham or shredded rotisserie chicken for an even more meaty topping that will leave you satisfied.
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Sweet & Savory: Incorporate some figs or balsamic glaze for a complex flavor experience that balances sweetness with the saltiness of the prosciutto and bacon.
Serving Suggestions Hawaiian Pizza
Pair your Hawaiian pizza with:
- A crisp green salad: A simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette complements the richness of the pizza.
- Garlic knots: These cheesy, buttery bites are the perfect finger food to enjoy alongside your main dish.
- Refreshing drinks: Light craft beers or homemade fruit-infused lemonade enhance the tropical flavors of the pizza.
Storage and Freezing Instructions Hawaiian Pizza
If you have leftover Hawaiian pizza, you can store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the slices in an oven at 375°F for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through and crispy again.
For longer storage, freeze your pizza by wrapping individual slices in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, allow it to defrost in the fridge overnight, then reheat as mentioned above.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
- Calories: 350
- Protein: 18g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fat: 15g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sodium: 800mg
FAQ About Hawaiian Pizza
What is Hawaiian pizza?
Hawaiian pizza is a style of pizza that typically features a tomato base, cheese, ham or prosciutto, and sweet pineapple. It’s known for its unique sweet and savory flavor combination that engages the taste buds unlike any other pizza type.
Is Hawaiian pizza really from Hawaii?
Despite its name, Hawaiian pizza was actually created in Canada by a Greek immigrant named Sam Panopoulos in 1962. He named it after a brand of canned pineapple used in his recipe, illuminating a fascinating history that transcends geographical origins.
Can I make this pizza without bacon?
Absolutely! If you prefer not to use bacon, you can either skip it or substitute it with smoked turkey or a plant-based option like tofu or tempeh for a lighter, vegetarian spin.
Can I use store-bought pizza dough?
Yes, using store-bought pizza dough is a convenient option that can save time and still yield delicious results. Just make sure to follow the package instructions for best results.
How can I customize the toppings on Hawaiian pizza?
Hawaiian pizza is versatile when it comes to toppings. You can add various meats, vegetables, or even different cheeses to create a unique flavor profile that suits your personal taste.
H2: Final Thoughts
Making your own Hawaiian pizza is not only a rewarding culinary endeavor, but it also opens up a world of flavors that everyone can enjoy. Whether you stick with the traditional toppings or venture into unique ingredient combinations, this recipe is sure to satisfy. So grab your ingredients, heat up your oven, and treat yourself to a slice of delicious homemade Hawaiian pizza!
Print
Hawaiian Pizza
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
A delicious Hawaiian pizza featuring a combination of sweet pineapple, salty prosciutto, crispy bacon, and gooey cheese for a comforting meal.
Ingredients
- 4 slices thick-cut bacon
- 1 tbsp butter
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1/4 tsp chile flakes
- 3 slices fresh pineapple, cored and cut into half-moons
- 1/2 recipe artisan pizza dough (one 15 oz dough ball)
- 1/3 cup pizza sauce
- 4 oz shredded low-moisture mozzarella
- 2 oz prosciutto, torn into bite-sized pieces
- 1/4 cup pickled jalapeños
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 500°F with pizza steel or stone for 45 minutes.
- Cook bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crispy, about 15 minutes; transfer to a paper towel to cool.
- Remove excess bacon grease, add butter, honey, and chile flakes, and melt.
- Add pineapple to the skillet and cook until golden brown, about 4 to 5 minutes; flip and cook for another 5 minutes.
- Chop cooled bacon and pineapple.
- Shape pizza dough into a 12-inch circle and place on floured pizza peel.
- Spread pizza sauce, add mozzarella, then layer caramelized pineapple, bacon, and prosciutto.
- Slide pizza onto heated steel and bake for about 5 minutes. Broil for 2 to 4 minutes until cheese is bubbly.
- Cool slightly, top with pickled jalapeños, slice, and serve.
Notes
Use fresh pineapple for the best flavor and texture. Prep bacon and pineapple in advance to speed up cooking.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
