Hawaiian Pizza Recipe: Sweet and Savory Combination
Description
Hawaiian pizza is a beloved creation that combines the sweetness of pineapple with the savory taste of ham and melted cheese. This unique pizza was invented in the 1960s by Sam Panopoulos, a Greek immigrant to Canada, who first added pineapple to a traditional pizza at his restaurant in Ontario. The combination of sweet and salty flavors quickly became a favorite, and while its origins are debated, Hawaiian pizza is now a popular choice for pizza lovers worldwide. Whether you love or dislike the pineapple topping, there’s no denying the appeal of this sweet and savory pizza.
Ingredients
- 1 pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 cup tomato sauce (preferably marinara or pizza sauce)
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup cooked ham, thinly sliced or diced
- 1 cup pineapple chunks (fresh or canned, drained)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper (to taste)
Process
- Preheat the oven to 475°F (245°C). If using a pizza stone, preheat for about 20 minutes.
- Roll out the pizza dough on a floured surface, stretching it to your desired thickness. Place it on a baking sheet or pizza stone.
- Spread a thin layer of tomato sauce over the pizza dough, leaving a small border around the edges for the crust.
- Top the pizza with shredded mozzarella cheese, spreading it evenly across the sauce.
- Add the cooked ham on top of the cheese, followed by the pineapple chunks, making sure they’re spread out evenly.
- Season with dried oregano, salt, and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Drizzle a little olive oil over the top for extra flavor.
- Bake the pizza for 10-12 minutes or until the crust is golden, the cheese is melted, and the pineapple is slightly caramelized.
- Remove from the oven and slice the pizza. Serve hot, and enjoy the delicious blend of sweet and savory flavors!