Hawaiian pizza is a delightful fusion of flavors that ignites the taste buds with its bold combination of sweet and savory. With every bite, it offers a playful contrast that captivates both the adventurous and the traditional pizza lover. Its tropical touch evokes images of warm beaches and relaxed island vibes, making it more than just a meal—it’s an experience. Often considered one of the most debated pizza styles, its charm lies in its ability to surprise and delight, offering something unexpected yet thoroughly satisfying. Whether you love it or love to debate its place in the pizza world, Hawaiian pizza remains a beloved classic that adds a touch of the exotic to an otherwise familiar comfort food.
Hawaiian Pizza
Hawaiian pizza is a unique style of pizza known for its combination of sweet and savory flavors. It typically features a crust topped with tomato sauce, cheese, and a distinctive mix of ham and pineapple.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for pan
- 2 slices applewood-smoked bacon
- 4 canned pineapple rings
- 1 pound fresh pizza dough, at room temperature
- ½ cup pizza sauce
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ¼ cup thinly sliced red onion
- 4 slices Canadian bacon, cut into 1-inch triangles
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 500°F (260°C), placing the rack in the lower position. Lightly grease a large rimmed baking sheet with olive oil. Preheating the oven to a high temperature ensures the pizza bakes quickly, achieving a crispy crust. Positioning the rack lower helps the base cook evenly without over-browning the top. Greasing the baking sheet prevents the dough from sticking, making it easier to remove the pizza after baking.
- In the meantime, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the bacon and cook, turning occasionally, until it’s golden brown and crispy, about 5 to 7 minutes. Remove and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain. Cooking the bacon at medium heat ensures it crisps up without burning. Flipping it occasionally allows for even cooking. The paper towel helps absorb excess grease, leaving the bacon crispy and ready to be added to the pizza.
- Discard the pan drippings without wiping the pan, then return the skillet to heat. Add the pineapple and cook for about 3 minutes on each side until it’s lightly browned and caramelized. Remove from the pan. Chop the bacon and cut the pineapple into 3/4-inch pieces. Keeping the bacon's drippings in the pan adds flavor to the pineapple as it cooks, giving it a rich, caramelized finish. The pineapple becomes sweeter and more flavorful after being browned, while chopping it into smaller pieces helps it distribute evenly on the pizza.
- On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough into a 12-inch circle and transfer it to the oiled baking sheet. Use a fork to prick the dough several times to prevent air bubbles. Evenly spread pizza sauce over the dough, leaving a 1 1/2-inch border around the edges. Top with cheese, red onion, Canadian bacon, chopped pineapple, and chopped bacon. Rolling the dough evenly ensures a consistent thickness for even baking. Pricking the dough prevents it from puffing up too much during cooking. Leaving a border creates a crust that holds the toppings in place while baking, and evenly distributing the sauce and toppings helps ensure each bite is balanced with flavor.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 10 to 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, the toppings are lightly charred, and the crust is golden brown. Let the pizza rest for 5 minutes before serving. Baking the pizza at a high temperature ensures a crispy crust and perfectly melted cheese. Allowing the pizza to rest before serving helps the cheese set and makes it easier to slice, preventing the toppings from sliding off.
