How to make delicious Hawaiian pizza at home for friends and family

Interestingly, the preference for pineapple on pizza may reflect broader taste habits. People who enjoy it often appreciate contrasting flavours, such as sweet paired with salty.
After years of debate, the verdict is in: yes, pineapples do belong on pizza - and fans of the tropical topping are more common than many might think.
Hawaiian pizza has remained a staple on menus worldwide for decades, proving that plenty of people genuinely enjoy the sweet-and-savoury combination.
Interestingly, the preference for pineapple on pizza may reflect broader taste habits. People who enjoy it often appreciate contrasting flavours, such as sweet paired with salty.
"The difference between soggy, disastrous pizza and crispy perfection comes down to moisture management," explains Chef Mohammed Shaib of Trademark Hotel.
Studies show that using bread flour instead of all-purpose flour boosts gluten structure by 23 per cent, creating the chewy-yet-crispy base that many home bakers struggle to achieve.
According to Shaib, the trick to handling pineapple’s excess moisture is to pre-roast the chunks at 218°C for 8–10 minutes.
This concentrates the flavours while reducing the water content that usually ruins pizza crusts.
Ingredients
For the dough (or use store-bought):
• Pizza dough
• Flour for dusting
Toppings:
• ½ cup pizza sauce or marinara
• 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 6–8 slices of cooked ham, diced or thinly sliced
• ¾ cup pineapple chunks (fresh or canned, drained)
• Optional: red onion slices, jalapeños, capsicum
Method
Step 1: Preheat oven to 245°C.
Step 2: Roll out the dough on a floured surface into a 12–14-inch circle.
Step 3: Transfer the dough to a greased pizza pan or parchment paper.
Step 4: Spread the pizza sauce evenly, leaving a 1-inch border for the crust.
Step 5: Sprinkle half the mozzarella, then layer on the ham and pineapple. Add the remaining cheese on top.
Step 6: Bake for 12–15 minutes until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly and lightly browned.
Step 7: Remove from the oven and let it rest for 2–3 minutes before slicing. Serve and enjoy.
Note: The FDA advises against leaving prepared pizzas at room temperature for more than two hours.
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