Hawaiian Pizza
A classic sweet-and-savory pizza loaded with smoky ham and juicy pineapple chunks on a bed of tangy tomato sauce and gooey mozzarella, all on a golden, crispy homemade crust. Perfect for pizza night, ready in under 30 minutes of active time.
For 4 servings
- prep · ~7 min
Activate the yeast.
In a small bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and active dry yeast. Let it sit for 5 to 7 minutes until the mixture becomes frothy and bubbly.
TIPMake sure the water is warm (110°F) — too hot and it will kill the yeast; too cold and it won't activate. - knead · ~10 min
Knead the dough.
1.In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt.2.Pour in the activated yeast mixture and olive oil.3.Mix with a wooden spoon until a shaggy dough forms, then turn out onto a lightly floured surface.4.Knead for 8 minutes until the dough is smooth, elastic, and springs back when poked.TIPIf the dough feels too sticky, add flour a tablespoon at a time; if too dry, add a teaspoon of water. - rest · ~60 min
Rest the dough.
Place the dough ball in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a damp kitchen towel, and let it rest in a warm spot for 1 hour or until it doubles in size.
- prep · ~5 min
Preheat the oven and shape the dough.
1.Preheat the oven to 475°F and place a baking sheet or pizza stone inside to heat up.2.Punch down the risen dough to release air bubbles.3.On a floured surface, stretch or roll the dough into a 12- to 14-inch round.TIPDon't use a rolling pin aggressively — use your hands to stretch the dough to keep more air in the crust. - assemble · ~3 min
Assemble the pizza.
1.Carefully transfer the stretched dough onto the hot baking sheet or a floured pizza peel.2.Spread the tomato sauce evenly over the surface, leaving a 1-inch border for the crust.3.Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the sauce.4.Evenly distribute the diced ham and pineapple chunks across the cheese.5.Finish with a pinch of dried oregano. - bake · ~14 min
Bake until golden and bubbly.
Bake in the preheated oven for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbling with light brown spots.
TIPFor an extra-crispy bottom, bake directly on a preheated pizza stone or the back of a cast-iron skillet. - rest · ~2 min
Rest briefly before slicing.
Remove the pizza from the oven and let it cool for 2 minutes on a wire rack to let the cheese set slightly, making it easier to slice.
- serve
Slice into 8 wedges and serve hot.
Use a pizza cutter or large chef's knife to slice the pie into 8 even wedges. Serve immediately while the cheese is stretchy.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Use fresh pineapple instead of canned to avoid excess moisture and a mushy pizza.
- 2Preheat your baking sheet or pizza stone for at least 30 minutes for a crispier bottom crust.
- 3Pat the pineapple chunks dry with paper towels before topping to prevent a soggy pizza.
- 4Let the dough rest at room temperature for 30 minutes if it's cold from the fridge — it stretches more easily.
- 5For deeper caramelization, broil the pizza for the last 1–2 minutes, watching closely to avoid burning.
Adapt it for your goals.
Spicy Hawaiian
Add sliced jalapeños or a drizzle of sriracha after baking for a spicy kick that cuts through the sweetness of the pineapple.
BBQ HawaiianBBQ Hawaiian
Swap the tomato sauce for your favourite BBQ sauce and replace ham with pulled pork or grilled chicken for a smoky-sweet twist.
Vegetarian HawaiianVegetarian Hawaiian
Omit the ham and add red onion, bell peppers, and mushrooms for a meatless version that still has plenty of texture and flavour.
Gluten FreeGluten-Free
Use a gluten-free pizza dough blend and follow the same instructions; ensure the dough is well-floured to avoid sticking.
Hawaiian FlatbreadHawaiian Flatbread
Use store-bought flatbread or naan as the base and bake for 8–10 minutes for a quick, individual-sized pizza.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Protein from Ham
Ham provides high-quality protein essential for muscle repair and satiety, helping to keep you full after a slice or two.
Vitamin C from Pineapple
Pineapple is a natural source of vitamin C, which supports immune function and helps the body absorb iron from other ingredients.
Calcium from Mozzarella
Mozzarella cheese is rich in calcium, vital for strong bones and teeth, as well as proper muscle function.
Antioxidants from Tomato Sauce
Tomato sauce contains lycopene, an antioxidant linked to reduced risk of chronic diseases, especially when cooked.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, but drain it very well and pat it dry with paper towels to remove extra liquid and prevent a soggy crust.
