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If you love salty-sweet and savory flavors, then Hawaiian Pizza is nearly impossible to resist. It features the combination of pineapple and ham paired with plenty of mozzarella cheese, and a sprinkle of smoky bacon puts those flavors over the top. You can start with my super simple no-knead gluten free pizza dough, or your favorite recipe or pre-made crust.
Pineapple on pizza – is it the best?
I know this is a polarizing topic, but what do you think about pineapple on pizza?
Some people think it is a crime against pizza. And as a Jersey girl for the first 35 years of my life (trust me, we know our pizza), I tend to be a pizza purist. So you’d think I would be with the anti-pineapple crowd who claim it is too sweet or too acidic or just too weird.
But I just can’t help it, that side of me that loves sweet and savory wins out. I love sinking my teeth into all that cheesy pizza goodness and getting little juicy bursts with that salty ham. And if that isn’t good enough, add the smoky flavor of bacon. Trust me.
Yes, I’m officially a fan of pineapple on pizza. And if you think I like it, well, I am nothing compared to my kids who want nothing other than Hawaiian Pizza.
Naturally that means I had to start making it myself, and you can too! It’s so easy!
Hawaiian Pizza Toppings
Hawaiian Pizza starts with the three main elements of any good pizza – crust, tomato sauce, and mozzarella cheese. Then, of course, you add the pineapple. After that is where things do vary a bit. Many people use sliced or cubed ham or Canadian bacon. Others even make a Hawaiian pizza with pepperoni. And bacon can be used instead of or in addition to any of those toppings.
It was actually created by Sam Panopoulos at the Satellite Restaurant in Ontario, Canada. While it is now known as the combination of ham and pineapple, his original creation was simply the addition of the pineapple with any other toppings to introduce that sweet and salty pairing. The name came from the brand of canned pineapple he used!
Making Hawaiian Pizza Gluten Free
If you are a fan of pineapple on pizza but haven’t been able to find a wheat-free version to enjoy, then you have to start with my easy gluten free pizza crust. It only requires a few simple ingredients, no rising time or kneading, and just 5 minutes of elbow grease. You’ll create a pliable dough that you can press into a circle and bakes into a tasty, crisp crust that doesn’t get soggy or disintegrate.
I’ll give you the steps to make the crust in the recipe card below, but if you read how to make gluten free pizza dough, you’ll get all the details and answers to any questions you might have.
Feel free to use your favorite crust recipe, gluten free or not. You can also use a mix, such as the Bob’s Red Mill Pizza Crust Mix, or purchase a pre-made crust, like the ones from Cauli-Power.
Ingredients
If you’ve read this far, you probably know exactly what you need. But I’m going to give you a bit more detail about the ingredients and even substitutions so that you end up with the best final product. For the full amounts, scroll to the recipe card.
- Pizza dough or crust: As mentioned above, you can use the recipe here for an easy gluten free crust, or choose your favorite. The quantity of toppings is based on a crust that is about 10 inches in diameter.
- Pizza sauce: Make your own or keep it simple and buy a small jar of pizza sauce. About a quarter cup gives a nice thin coating on a 10-inch crust, but you can always use more.
- Mozzarella cheese: The classic pizza cheese. You could use fresh mozzarella, but the regular blocks you can shred are really the best for Hawaiian pizza. Don’t skimp on the cheese!
- Ham: This is a great way to use up leftover ham, whether you’ve made a big baked ham for a holiday or a smaller boneless ham in your air fryer. However, slices from the deli, a cubed ham steak, or even Canadian bacon will work.
- Pineapple tidbits: Yes, like the original, I use canned pineapple. If you can find tidbits, just cut chunks or slices into smaller pieces.
- Bacon: This is optional, but adds a nice smoky flavor.
- Parsley or Cilantro: A little sprinkle as an optional garnish adds a pop of color and a little freshness toi balance all of the rich ingredients.
How to Make Hawaiian Pizza
Prepare the crust
Preheat oven to 450°F or as required by the recipe or crust you are using. Line your baking sheet or pizza stone with parchment paper. Prepare and par-bake the crust as directed.
If you are following my recipe, dissolve the yeast in some warm water. Set aside while you whisk together the dry ingredients. Add the yeast mixture and oil, then stir for about 5 minutes to form a dough. Press into a 10-inch circle on the prepared pan (you can also make two 5-inch pizzas). Par-bake for 8-10 minutes.
Add the toppings
First spread a nice layer of sauce, then add the cheese. Next, you’ll scatter on the ham and pineapple, and then add the bacon if you are using it.
Bake and serve
Finish baking the pizza for about another 10-15 minutes. Garnish with the fresh herbs, if desired, slice, and serve.
Make it a Meal – What to Serve with Hawaiian Pizza
I always like tp balance out my gluten free pizza with a veggie side dish. Sometimes I go for a classic Caesar salad, but here are some other ideas.
- Mozzarella Parmesan Cauliflower Tots are what I call “pizza tots” that you can dunk in extra sauce.
- Spinach Artichoke Cheesy Cauliflower Bread Sticks will add plenty of veggies even though it’s like eating breadsticks with your pizza.
- Air Fryer Asparagus is simple to make while the pizza is in the oven, and you can even add a tasty parmesan crust.
Things You’ll Need
- You’ll save yourself a lot of stress if you line that pan with parchment paper.
- I love using my paddle grater to shred cheese.
- As I mentioned, be sure to get Instant Yeast, if you are using this recipe.
- And while I use a variety of 1:1 gluten free flour blends, Bob’s Red Mill is usually my go-to.
Gluten Free Hawaiian Pizza
Equipment
- Oven
Ingredients
For the Crust
- 1 cup warm water
- 2 teaspoon instant dry yeast
- 2 cups gluten-free 1:1 baking flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 Tablespoon sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 Tablespoon olive oil
For the Pizza
- 1/4 cup pizza sauce or more, if desired
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup cubed ham (or about 2-3 ounces, if you are using slices of ham or Canadian bacon)
- 1/4 cup pineapple tidbits, from a can and drained (if you only have chunks or slices, cut them into tidbits)
- 1 slice bacon, cooked and crumbled (optional)
- Minced parsley or cilantro for garnish, if desired
Instructions
For the Crust
- Preheat oven to 450°F, arrange a rack in the bottom third of the oven, and line a baking sheet with baking paper.
- In a small bowl or jug, combine the warm water and instant dry yeast. Let sit for about 5 minutes to allow the yeast to dissolve and become foamy.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, sugar, and baking soda.
- Using a wooden spoon, create a well in the middle of the combined dry ingredients.
- Pour in the yeast mixture and oil and mix together.
- Stir the dough until it is smooth and well combined, about 5 minutes.
- Once dough is ready, place on the prepared baking sheet and press into a thin, even 10-inch circle (or 2 5-inch circles).
- Par-bake for 8 – 10 minutes, or until the top of the base is dry and starting to brown.
For the Pizza
- Prepare and par-bake the crust as directed above or following the directions of your favorite homemade or storebough crust.
- Spread an even layer of sauce over the crust and cover with the mozzarella cheese. Scatter the ham, pineapple, and bacon, if using, over the top of the pizza.
- Return to the oven and bake for a further 10 – 15 minutes, or until golden brown.
- Remove from the oven, garnich with parsley or cilantro, if desired, and slice and serve.
Notes
Did you make this?
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