The Best Hawaiian Pizza Recipe

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If you’re a pizza lover, you’ve surely indulged in the delightful flavors of a Hawaiian pizza.

The perfect combination of sweet and savory flavors, this pizza variety can transport you to a tropical paradise with just one bite.

But have you ever wondered about the origins of this beloved pizza variety, or how to make Hawaiian pizza at home? 

Let’s dive into the world of the Hawaiian pizza and unravel its delicious mysteries.

Making Best Hawaiian Pizza on a Pizza Oven

Cooking Hawaiian pizza in a pizza oven takes the flavor to another level.

The high heat of the pizza oven creates a crispy crust that’s golden brown, and perfectly charred on the edges, and it gives the toppings a delightful smoky flavor. 

To make Hawaiian pizza in a pizza oven, follow the same instructions for preparing your pizza, but make sure to preheat your pizza oven for about 20 minutes before you’re ready to cook.

Use a pizza peel sprinkled with cornmeal to transfer your prepared pizza into the oven. Be sure to rotate the pizza halfway through to ensure even cooking.

The intense heat of the pizza oven will cook the pizza quickly, usually in about 60-90 seconds, so keep a close eye on it.

Once the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly, use the pizza peel to remove the pizza from the oven.

Let it cool for a few minutes, then slice and enjoy your homemade Hawaiian pizza, complete with the distinctive flavor that only a pizza oven can provide.

The Origins of Best Hawaiian Pizza

Did you know that the Hawaiian pizza, one of the most loved (and controversial!) pizza varieties, was not invented in Hawaii?

In fact, the pizza was created in the early 1960s by Sam Panopoulos, a Greek immigrant to Canada. His culinary innovation was born out of the desire to create something unique and exciting for his customers, and he surely succeeded!

With a delicious blend of Canadian bacon and pineapple toppings, the pizza was named “Hawaiian” after the brand of canned pineapple Panopoulos used.

This delightful pizza is now a staple in pizzerias worldwide, making best Hawaiian pizza the perfect example of a culinary innovation that transcends borders.

Hawaiian Pizza Toppings – What Goes On Hawaiian Pizza?

A traditional and best Hawaiian pizza is characterized by a unique combination of sweet and savory toppings that make it distinct from other types of pizzas.

Here are the key ingredients that give Hawaiian pizza its signature taste:

• Pineapple: Pineapple is arguably the most defining ingredient of a Hawaiian pizza, giving it its trademark sweet tang. You can use fresh or canned pineapple, but be sure to drain the canned pineapple thoroughly to prevent your pizza from getting soggy.
• Ham or Canadian Bacon: Adding either ham or Canadian bacon brings a salty, savory element to balance the sweetness of the pineapple. Canadian bacon, also known as back bacon, tends to be leaner and has a slightly sweeter taste compared to regular ham.
• Mozzarella Cheese: Mozzarella cheese is used for its excellent melting properties, resulting in a pizza that is delightfully gooey and stretchy. When the cheese is melted and bubbly, it forms the perfect base that holds all the toppings together.
• Pizza Sauce: Typically, a tomato-based pizza sauce is spread on the pizza dough before adding the toppings. The sauce adds a tangy note, which complements the sweet and savory toppings.

While these are the classic Hawaiian pizza toppings, the beauty of pizza is in its versatility. You can modify the toppings according to your preference.

Some people love to add extra ingredients to their Hawaiian pizza such as bell peppers for a bit of crunch, or jalapenos for a spicy kick.

Others might sprinkle some bacon on top for added flavor and crunch.

Pairing Hawaiian Pizza with Drinks

When it comes to pairing Hawaiian pizza with drinks, you want something that complements the sweet and savory flavors.

A chilled beer, particularly a lager or a blonde ale, pairs well with the pizza’s savory ham and sweet pineapple.

For non-alcoholic options, a fruity lemonade or iced tea can enhance the tropical vibes of your best Hawaiian pizza night.

Takeout Hawaiian Pizzas

Making best Hawaiian pizza at home is always fun, but sometimes, you may find yourself craving the convenience of takeout.

Many pizza chains have put their unique spins on the classic Hawaiian pizza. Here’s a bit more about what some of the major chains offer:

• Domino’s Hawaiian Pizza: Domino’s version of the best Hawaiian pizza sticks pretty close to the classic recipe, with toppings of ham, pineapple, and a blend of mozzarella and provolone cheeses. What sets it apart is the option to customize your pizza with Domino’s wide variety of additional toppings and cheeses, allowing you to put your personal spin on this classic.
• Pizza Hut’s Hawaiian Pizza: Pizza Hut’s take on the Hawaiian pizza includes the traditional ham and pineapple but also adds green bell peppers. The green bell peppers add a delightful crunch and a bit of tanginess that offsets the sweetness of the pineapple.
• Papa John’s Hawaiian Pizza: Papa John’s keeps it simple with their best Hawaiian pizza, offering generous portions of Canadian bacon and pineapple. Their signature six-cheese blend is what elevates this pizza, giving it a creamy, melty finish that goes perfectly with the sweet and savory toppings.
• Little Caesars’ Hula Hawaiian Pizza: This pizza comes topped with a generous portion of ham or Canadian bacon, along with juicy pineapple. The classic pizza sauce and 100% real mozzarella cheese provide the perfect base for these toppings, resulting in a pizza that’s a tropical delight.

Hawaiian Pizza Variations

Variety is one of the best parts of pizza—you can change up the toppings to suit your mood or the occasion. Here are some variations on the classic and best Hawaiian pizza that you might want to try:

• Spicy Hawaiian Pizza: Add some jalapenos or red pepper flakes to your Hawaiian pizza to give it a kick. The heat of the peppers contrasts beautifully with the sweetness of the pineapple, giving your pizza a whole new dimension of flavor.
• BBQ Hawaiian Pizza: Swap the traditional tomato-based pizza sauce for barbecue sauce, and you’ve got a BBQ Hawaiian pizza. The smoky flavor of the BBQ sauce works wonders with the sweet pineapple and savory ham.
• Tropical Hawaiian Pizza: Add some additional tropical fruits, like diced mango or peaches, to your Hawaiian pizza. These fruits add an extra level of sweetness and a bit of tartness that really complements the other flavors.
• Hawaiian Pizza with Crispy Bacon: Substitute the traditional ham or Canadian bacon with crispy, crumbled bacon. The extra crunch and smoky flavor from the crispy bacon can make your Hawaiian pizza even more delicious.
• Hawaiian Pizza with a Twist: Consider adding some unconventional pizza toppings like macadamia nuts for a crunchy texture, or even a drizzle of homemade teriyaki sauce after baking for a unique umami flavor that complements the classic Hawaiian ingredients wonderfully.

Remember, the best pizza is the one that suits your taste buds. Don’t be afraid to experiment and make your pizza uniquely yours.

Final Thoughts on Hawaiian Pizza

Best Hawaiian pizza, with its intriguing mix of sweet and savory flavors, has been the subject of hot debate among pizza enthusiasts for years.

Despite its controversial status, this tropical delight continues to be a crowd-pleaser and a mainstay on pizza menus worldwide.

Why does it resonate so well with so many pizza lovers? One key reason is its perfectly balanced flavor profile.

The bright, fruity sweetness of the pineapple pairs beautifully with the salty, savory ham or Canadian bacon, creating a mouth-watering juxtaposition of flavors that keeps you coming back for more.

The velvety mozzarella cheese and tangy tomato sauce provide a delicious base that binds all the ingredients together. This unique combination of flavors makes Hawaiian pizza an exciting departure from more traditional pizza varieties.

Making Hawaiian pizza at home is also incredibly easy, making it a fantastic choice for a fun and delicious family cooking project.

It’s an opportunity to get creative and experiment with different variations of toppings, cheeses, and sauces, and who knows? You might just invent a new family favorite!

On the other hand, if you’re in the mood for a relaxing night in, Hawaiian pizza is available from various takeout pizza joints, each with their unique spin on this classic dish.

But perhaps the most appealing aspect of Hawaiian pizza is its versatility. It’s equally fitting for a casual dinner at home, a lively party with friends, or even a quick leftover lunch the next day.

Regardless of the ongoing pineapple-on-pizza debate, one thing is clear: Hawaiian pizza has made its mark in the world of pizza. Its perfectly balanced, sweet and savory taste, versatility, and the joy it brings to the dinner table ensure that this much-loved dish is here to stay.

So, the next time you’re planning a pizza night, don’t forget the best Hawaiian pizza. Whether you make it at home or order it from your favorite pizzeria, Hawaiian pizza is sure to add a touch of tropical delight to your meal.

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