Hawaiian Pizza

Yes, it can be polarizing, but this Hawaiian pizza recipe just might be the one to bring us all together. With chunks of fresh, sweet pineapple and salty ham, plus gooey melted mozzarella cheese and savory tomato sauce, my recipe for this homemade pie is a breeze to make (with a store-bought crust!) and will be a welcome addition to any pizza party. Pineapple on pizza lovers—keep reading on to learn how to make this iconic pizza at home:

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.

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

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.

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

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

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

The full list of ingredients and instructions can be found in the recipe below.

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.

Storage

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