I love making Hawaiian pizza at home because it’s always a family favorite. The mix of sweet pineapple with savory toppings creates such a fun balance of flavors. Instead of using ham, I like to use turkey slices. They’re lighter, leaner, and still give that delicious, savory bite that works perfectly with the juicy pineapple.

I have made this version many times for family nights, and it always brings everyone to the table quickly. I keep things simple with pizza dough, rich mozzarella cheese, tender turkey slices, and golden pineapple chunks. Every slice is cheesy, colorful, and satisfying, and it feels just a little healthier than the traditional version.

Serving it is easy and flexible. Sometimes I keep it classic with a simple side salad, other times I add garlic bread or breadsticks to make it heartier. If you want to bring out even more flavor, a light sprinkle of oregano or red pepper flakes on top makes it extra tasty. No matter how I serve it, this pizza always disappears fast.

Why I Love This Recipe

• The sweet pineapple and savory turkey slices make such a delicious balance.
• Using turkey instead of ham keeps it lighter but still full of flavor.
• It’s quick to put together with simple, everyday ingredients.
• The gooey mozzarella makes every bite cheesy and satisfying.
• My family always loves it, and it disappears from the table fast.
• Works for dinner, parties, or even a fun weekend pizza night.

Ingredients

• 1 (12-inch) pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
• 1/2 cup pizza sauce
• 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup cooked turkey slices, cut into small pieces
• 1/2 cup pineapple chunks (fresh or canned, drained)
• 1 tbsp olive oil (for brushing crust)
• 1/2 tsp dried oregano or Italian seasoning
• Red pepper flakes (optional)

Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need

• Mixing bowl (if making homemade dough)
• Rolling pin (to shape the dough)
• Baking sheet or pizza stone
• Parchment paper (optional, for easy cleanup)
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Spoon or ladle (to spread sauce)
• Pizza cutter or sharp knife

Making Hawaiian Pizza From Scratch

1. Preheat oven: Set oven to 475°F (245°C). If you have a pizza stone, place it in the oven while heating.
2. Prepare the dough: Roll out the pizza dough on a floured surface to about 12 inches. Transfer to a baking sheet or hot stone. Spread the pizza sauce evenly over the surface.
3. Add toppings: Sprinkle mozzarella over the sauce. Layer on the turkey slices and pineapple chunks. Finish with oregano or Italian seasoning.
4. Bake: Brush the crust edges with olive oil. Bake for 12–15 minutes, until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbling.
5. Serve: Remove from oven, slice, and enjoy hot. Sprinkle red pepper flakes if you like a little spice.

Notes

• Use fresh dough – fresh or homemade dough gives the crust a soft and chewy texture. Letting it rest before rolling makes it easier to shape.
• Drain the pineapple well – too much juice can make the pizza soggy. Patting the chunks dry helps keep the crust crisp.
• Slice turkey thinly – thin slices spread evenly and cook quickly. This way, every bite has the right balance of turkey and pineapple.
• Don’t overload toppings – a light layer of turkey, pineapple, and cheese works best. Too much can weigh down the dough and make it uneven.
• Bake in a hot oven – preheat to 475°F for a golden crust and bubbly cheese. A pizza stone makes it even crispier.
• Add a cheese layer on top – sprinkling cheese over the toppings helps lock them in place. It also makes the pizza extra gooey.

Optional Ingredients

• Red onion slices – add sharpness and extra flavor balance.
• Jalapeños – for a spicy kick that cuts through the sweetness.
• Bell peppers – add crunch, color, and a fresh touch.
• Barbecue sauce drizzle – swap or mix with pizza sauce for a smoky twist.

How to serve Hawaiian Pizza

The best way to serve Hawaiian pizza is hot out of the oven while the cheese is still bubbly and the crust is golden. Slice it into wedges and enjoy it as the main star of the meal. It’s fun, colorful, and always a crowd-pleaser.

For a balanced dinner, pair it with a fresh green salad or a light Caesar salad. The crisp vegetables help balance the rich cheese and sweet pineapple. Garlic bread or breadsticks on the side make it even more filling and cozy.

If you’re hosting, serve it alongside a mix of pizzas so everyone can pick their favorite. A simple fruit salad or roasted vegetables also makes a great side. No matter how it’s served, this pizza disappears quickly every time.

Variations and Substitutions

Classic Hawaiian – the simple combo of ham, pineapple, and mozzarella. It’s the traditional version everyone knows and loves, perfect for first-timers.

BBQ Hawaiian Pizza – swap pizza sauce for barbecue sauce. The smoky flavor pairs beautifully with the pineapple’s sweetness and savory ham.

Spicy Hawaiian Pizza – add jalapeños, chili flakes, or hot sauce. The heat cuts through the sweetness and creates a bold flavor contrast.

Veggie Hawaiian Pizza – load it with bell peppers, onions, and mushrooms along with pineapple. It’s a lighter, more colorful take on the classic.

Chicken Hawaiian Pizza – swap the ham for grilled or shredded chicken. It’s a leaner protein option and works especially well with BBQ sauce.

Cheese Lover’s Hawaiian – mix mozzarella with cheddar, provolone, or Monterey Jack. The blend makes it cheesier, gooier, and more indulgent.

Gluten-Free Hawaiian – use a gluten-free crust or cauliflower crust. All the toppings stay the same, so you still get the classic sweet-savory taste.

How to Store

If you have leftovers, let the pizza cool completely before storing. Place slices in an airtight container or wrap them tightly in foil, separating layers with parchment paper. Keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, or freeze for up to 2 months for longer storage.

How to Reheat

For the best results, reheat slices in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for 8–10 minutes until the crust is crisp and the cheese is bubbly again. You can also use a skillet on low heat with a lid to re-crisp the base. The microwave works in a pinch, but it may leave the crust softer.

FAQ

Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned?
Yes! Fresh pineapple gives a brighter, less sweet flavor. Just cut it into small chunks and drain any extra juice.

Can I make Hawaiian pizza without cheese?
You can, but mozzarella is what holds the toppings together. For dairy-free, use vegan mozzarella alternatives.

Is Hawaiian pizza really Italian?
No, it was actually invented in Canada! But it’s become a popular twist on traditional Italian-style pizza.

Can I make this with a thin crust?
Definitely. Thin crust makes the pizza crispier, while thick crust gives it more of a chewy, bread-like base.

How do I stop the crust from getting soggy?
Drain pineapple well and don’t overload with toppings. Brushing the crust with olive oil before baking also helps.

Hawaiian Pizza

Recipe by Wasian CookeryCourse: MainCuisine: CanadaDifficulty: Easy

Servings

4

servings

Prep time

15

minutes

Cooking time

15

minutes

Total time

30

minutes

This Hawaiian pizza combines sweet pineapple, savory ham, and gooey mozzarella on a golden crust. It’s a fun twist on classic pizza with the perfect balance of flavors. Quick, cheesy, and family-approved—great for dinner or parties.

Ingredients

• 1 (12-inch) pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)

• 1/2 cup pizza sauce

• 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

• 1/2 cup cooked turkey slices, cut into small pieces

• 1/2 cup pineapple chunks (fresh or canned, drained)

• 1 tbsp olive oil (for brushing crust)

• 1/2 tsp dried oregano or Italian seasoning

• Red pepper flakes (optional)

Directions

• Preheat oven: Set oven to 475°F (245°C). If you have a pizza stone, place it in the oven while heating.
• Prepare the dough: Roll out the pizza dough on a floured surface to about 12 inches. Transfer to a baking sheet or hot stone. Spread the pizza sauce evenly over the surface.
• Add toppings: Sprinkle mozzarella over the sauce. Layer on the turkey slices and pineapple chunks. Finish with oregano or Italian seasoning.
• Bake: Brush the crust edges with olive oil. Bake for 12–15 minutes, until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbling.
• Serve: Remove from oven, slice, and enjoy hot. Sprinkle red pepper flakes if you like a little spice.