Hawaiian Pizza with Side Salad

Instructions

1. 1

   Preheat Oven and Pizza Stone

   • Place a pizza stone or pizza steel on the middle rack of your oven. If you don't have one, use an inverted heavy-duty baking sheet.
   • Preheat the oven to its highest setting, typically 500°F (260°C), for at least 45-60 minutes. A thoroughly heated surface is crucial for a crispy crust.
2. 2

   Prepare the Pizza Dough

   • While the oven preheats, let your pizza dough sit at room temperature for about 20-30 minutes. This makes it easier to stretch.
   • On a lightly floured surface, gently stretch the dough with your fingertips into a 12-inch circle. Avoid using a rolling pin if possible, as it can compress the air bubbles.
   • Lightly sprinkle a pizza peel (or a piece of parchment paper) with cornmeal and place the stretched dough on top.
3. 3

   Assemble the Pizza

   • Lightly brush the outer edge of the dough with olive oil to help it brown.
   • Spread the pizza sauce evenly over the dough, leaving a 1/2-inch border for the crust.
   • Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the sauce.
   • Arrange the Canadian bacon pieces over the cheese.
   • Scatter the well-drained and patted-dry pineapple chunks on top.
   • Finish with a sprinkle of dried oregano and optional red pepper flakes.
4. 4

   Bake the Pizza

   • Give the pizza peel a gentle shake to ensure the pizza is not sticking.
   • Carefully slide the pizza from the peel onto the hot pizza stone in the oven.
   • Bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly browned in spots.
5. 5

   Rest, Slice, and Serve

   • Using the pizza peel, carefully remove the pizza from the oven and transfer it to a cutting board.
   • Let it rest for 2-3 minutes. This allows the cheese to set, preventing the toppings from sliding off when you slice it.
   • Slice into 8 wedges and serve immediately.