Hawaiian Pizza - Two Ways
Pineapple on pizza is a very controversial topic in the food world. Often fought over about why it's either the best or the worst, there is no in-between in this argument. I personally love pineapple on pizza, meaning I'm a sucker for a good Hawaiian Pizza. The best Hawaiian Pizza I have had to date was in South Carolina. What made it so great? The ham was in chunks, not slices, the pineapple was cubed just right, and they added their own little touch -- cinnamon. Ever since I have had that pizza, I've been putting cinnamon on every Hawaiian pizza I've ordered. Despite this, I found myself to not be as satisfied with those Hawaiian pizzas, as their ham was sliced or their ratio of pinapple to ham was not right. This led me to make my own Hawaiian pizza, where I could basically copy the one I had in South Carolina, to make it, what in my head is, perfect!
the details of hawaiian pizza #1
Pineapple, ham, and cinnamon are a triple threat. The three flavors blend so well together-- fruity, juicy, and sweet, they make a delicious meal and even better pizza toppings. Starting with the pineapple, the juices from the fruit cook into the pizza, allowing it to sweeten. This sweetness is not too strong and pairs great with the salt in the pizza sauce, cheese, and ham. As for the ham, the meat brings a new texture to the pizza, is juicy, and provides a nice salty flavor. Finally, the secret weapon-- cinnamon. While the pizza is already sweetened from the pineapple, cinnamon brings the whole flavor palette together. It adds a different type of sweetness, as the pineapple is more tropical. Don't load the pizza with cinnamon though, just a few dashes around the pizza will do.
the details of hawaiian pizza #2
What makes this pizza different than the one above? Well, instead of having cinnamon, it has a more savory flavor palette, as the three toppings are pineapple, ham, and onion. What makes onion pair so well with ham and pineapple? Honestly, I couldn't tell you. The flavors go so well together though that they don't need an explanation. If you're looking for something more savory than sweet, this Hawaiian pizza is for you.
hawaiian pizza subsitutes
If you are too afraid to put cinnamon on pizza or don't like onion, the simple combination of pinapple and ham still provides you with a killer dish. On the other hand, if you want to spice things up on either version of the pizza, add jalapeño peppers. This makes the pizza more like a salsa, spicy, and even more savory than before.
Another way you can change the pizza is by using barbecue sauce instead of original pizza sauce. Whether your sauce is more vinegar based or is sweeter (like a brown sugar base), pinapple, ham, and jalapeño will pair super well. It gives you a twist on the classic barbecue chicken pizza.
Overall, if you make this recipe, please leave a comment below or tag me on Instagram. I love to hear from you guys and see how you put your own twist on my recipes!
Hawaiian Pizza - Two Ways
Ingredients
- 1 pineapple there may be leftover
- 1 small red onion
- 1 lb ham cubed or in chunks
- cinnamon to taste
- 2 Pillsbury refrigerated classic pizza crusts can make your own dough. Use this for convenience
- 16 oz shredded Mozzarella cheese
Pizza Sauce
- 6 oz tomato paste 1 can
- 15 oz crushed tomatoes
- 1-2 tbsp oregano to taste
- 2 tbsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp sugar
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425°F.
- To make the pizza sauce bring tomato pasta and crushed tomatoes to a simmer. Add seasonings and let simmer for 15-20 minutes or until thick. If you prefer a thinner sauce, take off of the burner sooner.
- While the sauce is cooking, prepare the ham, onion, and pineapple.
- Put dough on baking sheet with parchment paper or a pizza stone.
- When the sauce is done, spread it on both pizzas. Then sprinkle mozzarella cheese on until the pizza is fully covered.
- Next, top your pizza! If you prefer version 1, then top with pineapple, ham, and cinnamon. If you prefer version 2, top with pineapple, ham, and onion.
- Put the pizzas in the oven and bake for 14-18 minutes or until crust is golden brown.
- Cut into slices and enjoy!
2 Comments
I make Hawaiian pizzas and love them. I’ve never tried it with a touch of cinnamon but I believe it will be on the menu tonight. Onions though……yum, great choice. What I use for my crust is;
“Stonefire” authentic flat breads original Naan which is around $3 for 2 in a pkg.
Now I’m hungry for dinner.
Thank you
Let me know if you like the cinnamon! I always think it adds a nice touch. I love that you use flat breads! Sounds tasty and even easier than the refrigerated dough.