Are you looking for a delicious pizza recipe that is easy to make at home? Look no further than the classic Pizza Hawaiian! This pizza is the perfect combination of sweet and savory flavors, making it a crowd-pleaser for all ages. In this article, we'll walk you through the steps to make this delicious pizza, as well as provide some additional tips and variations to take your pizza game to the next level.

Ingredients

To make a 12-inch Pizza Hawaiian, you will need the following ingredients:

1 pre-made pizza crust 

1 cup tomato sauce

1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

1 cup diced pineapple

1/2 cup sliced ham

1/4 cup sliced red onion

1/4 cup chopped cilantro

Instructions

Now that you have your ingredients, it's time to start making the pizza! Follow these simple steps to create a delicious Pizza Hawaiian:

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 425°F.

Step 2

Spread the tomato sauce evenly over the pizza crust.

Step 3

Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the sauce.

Step 4

Add the diced pineapple, sliced ham, and sliced red onion on top of the cheese.

Step 5

Bake the pizza in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Step 6

Remove the pizza from the oven and sprinkle the chopped cilantro over the top.

Step 7

Slice and serve hot, and enjoy!

The History of Pizza Hawaiian

The origins of Pizza Hawaiian can be traced back to the 1960s, when a man named Sam Panopoulos, who owned a pizza restaurant in Canada, decided to experiment with different pizza toppings. 

He wanted to create a pizza that would be sweet and savory, and after trying several combinations, he landed on the perfect one: ham and pineapple. He named the pizza "Hawaiian" as a nod to the pineapple's tropical origins.

The Pizza Hawaiian quickly became popular in Canada and the United States and eventually made its way to other parts of the world. While some pizza purists may turn their nose up at the combination of ham and pineapple, there's no denying that Pizza Hawaiian has become a classic pizza flavor enjoyed by many.

Variations of Pizza Hawaiian

While the classic Pizza Hawaiian recipe is delicious on its own, there are many variations that you can try to mix things up. Some popular variations include:

BBQ Chicken Hawaiian: This pizza swaps out the ham for BBQ chicken and adds some red onions and cilantro for a tangy and savory flavor.

Vegetarian Hawaiian: For those who don't eat meat, a vegetarian version of Pizza Hawaiian can be made by substituting the ham for mushrooms or tofu. Add some extra veggies like bell peppers or spinach for added flavor.

Spicy Hawaiian: Add some heat to your Pizza Hawaiian by topping it with sliced jalapeños or red pepper flakes. This version is not for the faint of heart!

Hawaiian Breakfast Pizza: Who says pizza is only for dinner? This breakfast version of Pizza Hawaiian swaps out the tomato sauce for breakfast gravy, adds scrambled eggs, bacon, and diced potatoes on top of the ham and pineapple for a delicious breakfast treat.

How Long Can You Keep Pizza Hawaiian?

Pizza Hawaiian can be kept in the refrigerator for up to four days or frozen for up to two months. When storing leftover pizza, be sure to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place it in an airtight container to prevent the pizza from drying out or absorbing any odors from the refrigerator or freezer.

When reheating pizza, it's best to use an oven or toaster oven to keep the crust crispy. A microwave can also be used, but the crust may become soggy. Simply preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C), place the pizza on a baking sheet, and bake for 10-15 minutes until the cheese is melted and the crust is crispy. I also like a trick my mom uses, if you're just heating a few slices: Put slices in a large skillet, cover with the lid, and let cook on medium low for 3-5 minutes, until the crust is crispy and the cheese is melty.

It's important to note that leftover pizza should be consumed within four days if kept in the refrigerator, or within two months if frozen, to ensure food safety and prevent any risk of foodborne illness.

Secrets for a Great Pizza Hawaiian

While making a Hawaiian Pizza may seem simple, there are a few tips and tricks that can help take your pizza beyond the ordinary. Here are some secrets to a great Hawaiian Pizza:

• Precook the ham: To ensure that the ham is fully cooked and doesn't release excess moisture, precook it before adding it to the pizza.

• Drain the pineapple: Pineapple contains a lot of juice, so be sure to drain it well before adding it to the pizza. This will prevent the pizza from becoming too soggy.

• Use a mix of cheeses: A blend of mozzarella and cheddar cheese adds a delicious flavor and texture to the Pizza Hawaiian.

• Add some spice: To balance out the sweetness of the pineapple, add some red pepper flakes or sliced jalapeños to give the pizza a bit of heat.

Global Cooking: Try Something New with Rice and Bean Tacos

Looking to switch up your usual taco night? Give this recipe for Rice and Bean Tacos a try! This delicious recipe combines the flavors of rice and beans with fresh toppings like avocado, cilantro, and lime juice for a tasty and nutritious meal.

Not only is this recipe easy to make, but it's also a great way to use up any leftover rice or beans you may have in your pantry. Plus, it's a budget-friendly meal that can be customized to your liking by adding your favorite toppings or swapping out ingredients as needed.

The Pizza Hawaiian is a beloved classic that has been enjoyed by pizza lovers for decades. With its perfect blend of sweet and savory flavors, it's no wonder why this pizza has remained a popular choice on menus worldwide. 

 You can make a Pizza Hawaiian that is sure to impress. And if you're feeling adventurous or cooking in a global taste fashion, don't forget to try out the recipe for Rice and Bean Tacos for a delicious and nutritious twist on taco night.