I love Hawaiian pizza because it’s the one time ham and pineapple get to be dramatic together and no one judges. This version leans into sweet-and-savory, with a little char on the pineapple for extra attitude. It’s not “gourmet” in the way a terrace-dining influencer would approve, but it’s perfect for nights when you want something comforting, slightly controversial, and fast enough that you can pretend you didn’t plan dinner at 5:45 p.m.

My husband once tried to impress everyone by flambéing the pineapple. He forgot that flambé and polyester shirts are not compatible, and now he has a permanent smoky hairline and a story that gets told at every party. The kids cheered because fire is exciting and also because Dad looked like a pirate for five minutes. I, of course, stood there with a towel and a smug face because I’d only asked him to preheat the oven. True teamwork: one of us cooks, one of us nearly burns the house down, and I clean up while muttering about pan sizes.

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Why You’ll Love This Delish Hawaiian Pizza Recipes

– It hits salty, sweet, and cheesy notes like a tiny pop song for your mouth.
– It’s the perfect gas-station-to-gourmet upgrade: pineapple + ham = instant crowd pleaser.
– Quick to assemble and faster to disappear—your kids and/or house guests will eat it suspiciously fast.
– It’s delightfully arguable. Invite a pineapple hater just to watch them change their stance mid-slice.

Time-Saving Hacks

– Use pre-shredded cheese and call it “rustic.” Nobody will fact-check their happiness.
– Buy pre-sliced ham or deli ham—time saved equals patience earned.
– Skip the dough drama: use a store-bought crust or naan for instant pizza vibes and fewer dishes.
– Line the baking tray with foil so you only touch one pan; I’m not above this level of laziness.
– Microwave pineapple rings briefly to coax out extra sweetness if your fruit looks shy.

Serving Ideas

– Serve with a crisp green salad—because someone at the table should feel virtuous.
– Slice thin and make party bites. If you’re lucky, guests will forget forks exist.
– Offer hot honey on the side for people who want to escalate things.
– Serve with beer if you’re casual, wine if you’re pretending it’s a date. Kids? Pizza and a juice box, obviously.

What to Serve It With

– Simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette (peppery leaves cut the sweetness).
– Garlic butter roasted broccoli because vegetables need pizza friends too.
– Sweet potato fries for anyone who refuses to be basic.
– A fruity soda or a chilled lager—depending on how loud the household is.

Tips & Mistakes

– Don’t overload the pizza. Too much pineapple makes the crust soggy and the flavor confused.
– If your oven runs hot, place the pizza on a lower rack so the cheese doesn’t burn while the crust cooks.
– Use a light hand with sugar in any glaze—pineapple already brings sugar; you don’t need to invite a sugar coma.
– Burnt edges = flavor if intentional; charred dough = regret. Know the difference.

Storage Tips

Store it in the fridge… if there’s any left. Cold midnight leftovers? Sometimes better than fresh.
If you insist on reheating, a dry skillet over medium heat keeps the crust crispier than the microwave. Or pretend it’s a pizza salad and eat it cold with dignity.

Variations and Substitutions

Swap whatever you want—sugar ↔ honey, soy sauce ↔ tamari, or skip steps and call it “deconstructed.” It still counts.
– Want smoky? Use smoked ham or a drizzle of liquid smoke.
– Vegetarian? Swap ham for smoky tempeh or savory seitan.
– Spicy? Add red pepper flakes or a drizzle of sriracha-honey.
– Gluten-free crust? Go for cauliflower or your fave store-bought gf crust.

Frequently Asked Questions

I can’t have gluten… will this still work?

Yep. Use tamari or coconut aminos. You’ll survive and still brag about it online.

Do I have to peel the pineapple first?

Unless you enjoy chewing bark… yes, peel it. Your teeth will thank you.

Can I use canned pineapple instead of fresh?

Sure. Just drain it well or enjoy syrup soup. Still tasty, though.

How sweet is this? Can I tone it down?

Absolutely. Cut the sugar—or don’t, and embrace the sugar rush.

What if I skip the sesame oil?

Then you’ll miss the nutty vibe, but relax—it’s still food. You’ll live.

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