How to Make Hawaiian Pizza

Hawaiian pizza seems to be one of those varieties that people either love or hate. For those of us who love it, it is lucky that this tasty treat is simple to make at home. There is something delicious about the blending of the tomato sauce, the salty ham, the sweet pineapple, and the creamy cheese that makes this recipe special.

Hawaiian pizza was not invented in Hawaii. In fact, according to the food critic at the Honolulu Star Bulletin, it is only mildly popular there. As hard as it may be to believe, they do not eat pineapple on everything in Hawaii.

Pizza Recipe

The real story behind Hawaiian pizza goes that a man named Sam Panopoulos created Hawaiian pizza in Chatham, Ontario, Canada in 1962. The recipe has stuck around now for more than forty years, and has become a staple offering at many pizza restaurants around the world.

Making your own Hawaiian pizza allows you to choose your toppings. If you like ham, use ham. If you prefer Canadian bacon, use that. You can choose to use pineapple chunks, tidbits, or rings. Pineapple's acidic sweetness is tempered by cooking, making it less acidic and softening the fibers of the fruit. When cooked on the grill, this pizza is elevated to something truly special, as the grill really makes the pineapple develop its sweet flavor while lessening the acidity and adding a delicious, smoky flavor.

For most pizzas, fruit, outside of tomatoes, are off limits as toppings. The exception is made for dessert pizzas, which may include many kinds of fruit and be made with a cookie crust. The Hawaiian pizza retains the distinction of one of the few pizzas widely accepted by the public with fruit on it. If you have never tried pizza Hawaiian style, it is worth a taste. You may discover a whole new taste sensation that you love.

Recipe for Easy Hawaiian Pizza

What You Need

1/4 ounce active dry yeast
1-1/4 cups warm water (110 to 115 degrees F)
3 cups all-purpose flour
1 Tablespoon sugar
1 teaspoon salt
1 jar marinara sauce
3 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
1 cup cooked ham, diced
1 8-ounce can pineapple chunks, drained

How to Make It

Dissolve the yeast in the warm water in a mixing bowl. Add the sugar and salt. Add the flour 1 cup at a time, stirring well until mixed thoroughly. Turn dough onto a floured work surface and knead until the dough feels elastic; about 6 to 8 minutes. Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl and cover with plastic wrap. Set in a warm corner of the kitchen for about an hour so to let the dough rise.

Punch the dough down. Roll it out and shape it into a pizza pan. Spread the marinara sauce on the dough. Sprinkle liberally with cheese, ham, and pineapple.

Bake the pizza at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 20 to 25 minutes. The crust should be browned and the cheese should be bubbly.

How to Make Hawaiian Pizza

Hawaiian pizza is just one of many types of pizza you can choose to make at home. If you like the idea of a fruit pizza recipe, give it a try. Your kids will love the novel concept and the cookie crust.

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