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Hawaiian Pineapple Ham Pie

Section: Impressive Recipes for Celebrations and Gatherings

This vibrant homemade pie layers juicy pineapple chunks with savory ham and melted mozzarella on a bed of rich tomato sauce. Starting with a crisp, high-quality crust, it’s essential to pre-cook the toppings gently to bring out caramelized flavors while preventing sogginess. The pie bakes to a golden-brown, melty finish that balances sweetness and savoriness in every bite. Ideal for gatherings, this easy-to-make dish uses simple techniques like flouring the surface to shape the dough and a well-preheated oven to achieve that perfect crisp base.

For best results, fresh pineapple is recommended over canned for brightness and a natural sweet punch. Ham should be cooked until lightly browned, while mozzarella adds creamy richness without extra moisture. Using a pizza stone can enhance the texture by drawing heat from beneath. Leftovers store well refrigerated, offering a quick, satisfying snack.

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A woman wearing a chef's hat and apron.
Published By Maria
Updated as of Sun, 04 Jan 2026 16:28:59 GMT
A pizza with a pineapple topping. Bookmark
A pizza with a pineapple topping. | foodbymary.com

This Hawaiian pizza brings together sweet and savory in a way that just works, with fresh pineapple chunks and salty ham melting under gooey mozzarella on a crispy crust. It’s a perfect quick homemade pizza, especially when you want to surprise guests or just mix up your pizza nights with something a little tropical.

I first tried making this pizza to settle a friendly debate about pineapple on pizza. Everyone ended up loving it so much that it became a regular at our gatherings.

Ingredients

  • Ham: cut into small pieces offers salty savoriness and cooks up crisp
  • Fresh pineapple: provides a bright natural sweetness and avoids soggy crusts
  • Semolina flour: helps prevent sticking and crisps the dough bottom beautifully
  • High-quality pizza crust: makes all the difference whether store-bought or homemade
  • Pizza sauce: smooth without added sugar balances the sweetness with zingy tomato flavor
  • Shredded mozzarella: melts evenly creating that classic gooey cheese pull, avoid watery fresh mozzarella to keep the base crisp

Step-by-Step Instructions

Searing the Ham:
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook the ham pieces until just lightly browned and crisp, about two minutes. Remove and set aside to keep their texture.
Caramelizing the Pineapple:
In the same pan, cook pineapple pieces until golden brown on all sides, about two minutes. This step draws out sugars and enhances their flavor. Remove and set aside with ham.
Preparing the Dough:
Sprinkle your work surface with semolina flour to prevent sticking. Shape the pizza dough on a floured pizza pan or peel into a half-inch thick circle about twelve inches across. If the dough resists stretching or holding shape, give it a short rest and try again.
Saucing the Base:
Spread an even layer of pizza sauce over the dough, leaving a half-inch border around the edges for the crust.
Topping the Pizza:
Distribute the crispy ham and caramelized pineapple evenly over the sauce. Generously sprinkle mozzarella cheese all over to cover the toppings well.
Baking to Perfection:
Bake your pizza in the preheated 500 degree oven for 12 to 15 minutes until the crust is golden and crisp and cheese is bubbly and melted. If you have a pizza stone, using it helps achieve a beautifully crispy bottom.
A slice of pizza with a pineapple topping. Bookmark
A slice of pizza with a pineapple topping. | foodbymary.com

I love the pineapple here as it brings a sunny, tropical burst that brightens up the whole pie. We always laugh when someone asks if pineapple belongs on pizza because this recipe makes a believer out of most skeptics.

Storage tips

Store any leftover slices in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. Reheat gently in a skillet or oven to retain crispiness and melt the cheese again. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep the crust crunchy.

Ingredient substitutions

  • Canadian bacon is a leaner swap for ham if you prefer less fatty meat
  • Canned pineapple can be used if fresh is not available but drain it well to reduce moisture
  • If you want a spicier edge, a sprinkle of red pepper flakes can add a nice kick to the sauce or toppings

Serving suggestions

Serve your Hawaiian pizza with a light crisp salad featuring citrus or greens with a tangy vinaigrette to balance the richness. A cold beer or fruity sparkling water pairs nicely to complement the tropical notes. Cut the pizza into smaller slices for parties so everyone can enjoy a taste without feeling full too fast.

Cultural context

Hawaiian pizza was actually invented in Canada but has since ruffled feathers worldwide. Despite the debate, it remains a fan favorite for its unique combination of sweet pineapple and savory meat. This recipe honors the original while emphasizing fresh ingredients and a crisp crust you can be proud of.

Pro Tips

  • Make sure to preheat your oven for at least an hour to mimic high heat pizza ovens as much as possible
  • Toast ham and pineapple on the stove before topping to prevent a soggy pizza base and add caramelized flavor
  • Use semolina flour for shaping and launching the pizza to get a golden crispy bottom

Common Recipe Questions

→ What type of pineapple works best?

Fresh pineapple is preferred for its bright sweetness and lower moisture compared to canned, helping keep the crust crisp.

→ Can I use different cured meats instead of ham?

Yes, Canadian bacon or similar lean cured meats make excellent alternatives, providing a balanced savory flavor without overpowering the other toppings.

→ Why pre-cook the toppings before baking?

Pre-cooking ham and pineapple reduces excess moisture and develops caramelized flavors, which helps maintain a crisp crust and deeper flavor complexity.

→ What role does semolina flour play?

Sprinkling semolina flour under the dough prevents sticking and allows hot air to circulate, resulting in a firmer, crunchier bottom crust.

→ Is a pizza stone necessary?

While optional, a pizza stone absorbs heat and cooks the crust evenly from below, contributing to a crisper, golden finish.

Hawaiian Pineapple Ham Pie

A flavorful blend of pineapple, ham, mozzarella, and sauce baked on a crisp crust.

Prep Time
15 minutes
Cooking Time
15 minutes
Complete Time
30 minutes
Published By: Maria

Recipe Category: Special Occasions

Skill Level: Beginner-Friendly

Cuisine Type: Italian-American

Total Portions: 4 Serves How Many

Dietary Preferences: ~

Required Ingredients

→ Meat

01 113 g ham, cut into 6 mm pieces

→ Fruit

02 150 g fresh pineapple, cut into 6 mm pieces

→ Flours and Dough

03 3 tbsp semolina flour
04 450 g store-bought or homemade pizza dough, room temperature

→ Sauces

05 120 ml store-bought or homemade pizza sauce

→ Dairy

06 100 g shredded mozzarella cheese

→ Oils

07 15 ml extra-virgin olive oil

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 01

Place a rack in the center of the oven and preheat to 260°C. If using a pizza stone, place it in the oven to heat.

Step 02

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook ham pieces, stirring occasionally, until lightly browned and crisp, approximately 2 minutes. Remove from skillet and set aside.

Step 03

In the same skillet, cook pineapple pieces, stirring occasionally, until golden brown on all sides, about 2 minutes. Remove and combine with ham.

Step 04

If not using a pizza stone, grease a pizza pan or baking sheet with cooking spray and generously sprinkle with semolina flour. If using a pizza stone, sprinkle semolina flour on a pizza peel.

Step 05

Carefully form the dough into a 1.3 cm thick round approximately 30 cm in diameter on the prepared surface. If the dough resists shaping, let it rest for a few minutes then try again.

Step 06

Spread pizza sauce evenly over the dough, leaving a 1.3 cm border. Distribute cooked ham and pineapple evenly over the sauce, then sprinkle with shredded mozzarella cheese.

Step 07

Transfer pizza onto the pizza stone or place the pan in the oven. Bake until crust is crisp and golden and cheese is melted, approximately 12 to 15 minutes.

Handy Cooking Tips

  1. Preheat the oven for at least one hour to maximize oven temperature and achieve a crisp crust.
  2. Pre-cooking ham and pineapple reduces excess moisture and adds caramelized flavor.
  3. Use semolina flour to prevent sticking and to create a crisp bottom crust.
  4. If available, baking on a pizza stone will result in a superior crust texture.

Necessary Kitchen Tools

  • Oven
  • Large skillet
  • Pizza stone or pizza pan
  • Pizza peel

Allergy Details

Always check ingredient packaging for potential allergens and consult a healthcare professional when in doubt.
  • Contains dairy and gluten

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

These nutrition details are for guidance and don’t replace professional advice.
  • Calories: 320
  • Fat: 12 grams
  • Carbohydrates: 35 grams
  • Proteins: 15 grams