Hawaiian Pizza is a delightful twist on the traditional pizza, combining savory and sweet flavors. The combination of ham, pineapple, and cheese creates a unique taste that's both refreshing and satisfying. Here’s how you can make this tropical-inspired pizza at home.

Ingredients

For the dough:

• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1 tablespoon active dry yeast
• 3/4 cup warm water
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

For the toppings:

• 1 cup tomato sauce
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup cooked ham, diced
• 1 cup pineapple chunks (fresh or canned, drained)
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

Instructions

Preparing the Dough

1. Activate the Yeast: In a small bowl, combine the warm water and sugar. Sprinkle the yeast over the water and let it sit for about 10 minutes until it becomes frothy.

2. Mix the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Make a well in the center and pour in the yeast mixture and olive oil. Stir until the mixture begins to come together.

3. Knead the Dough: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 10 minutes until smooth and elastic.

4. Let it Rise: Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1-2 hours, or until it has doubled in size.

Assembling the Pizza

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C). If you have a pizza stone, place it in the oven while it preheats.

2. Shape the Dough: Punch down the dough and turn it out onto a lightly floured surface. Roll or stretch the dough into a 12-inch circle. If you're using a pizza stone, place the dough on a piece of parchment paper for easy transfer.

3. Add the Sauce: Spread the tomato sauce evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges.

4. Add the Cheese and Toppings: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the sauce. Evenly distribute the diced ham and pineapple chunks on top of the cheese.

5. Season and Bake: Sprinkle the dried oregano and basil over the pizza. Drizzle with extra virgin olive oil. Transfer the pizza to the preheated oven (or onto the pizza stone). Bake for about 10-12 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbling and slightly browned.

6. Finish with Parmesan: Remove the pizza from the oven and immediately sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the top.

Serving

Slice the pizza into wedges and serve hot. The delightful mix of sweet pineapple and savory ham, paired with the melty cheese and crispy crust, makes this pizza a favorite for many.

Tips for the Perfect Hawaiian Pizza

• Fresh Ingredients: Use fresh pineapple for a juicier, sweeter taste. If using canned pineapple, make sure to drain it well to avoid excess moisture.
• High-Quality Ham: Opt for a good-quality cooked ham for the best flavor.
• Hot Oven: A very hot oven helps achieve that perfect crispy crust.

Enjoy your homemade Hawaiian Pizza with friends and family, and bring a taste of the tropics to your dinner table. Happy cooking!

If you enjoyed this Pizza recipe, you can click HERE to find more recipes that will help you cook your dishes in a simple and fun way.