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Aloha Pizza: A Taste of the Tropics at Home

The first time I tasted ham and pineapple pizza, I was ten years old, perched on a wobbly stool at a local pizzeria after a little league game. The aroma of sweet pineapple mingling with smoky ham was intoxicating, a culinary contradiction that somehow worked perfectly. That first bite was an explosion of flavor, the tangy pineapple cutting through the richness of the ham, all held together by gooey, melted cheese. It was a simple pizza, but it sparked a lifelong love affair with this often-debated, always delicious combination. It’s a pizza that brings me right back to simpler times and I’m excited to share my version with you.

Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 6
Yield: 1 pizza
Dietary Type: Omnivore

Ingredients

1 refrigerated baked pizza dough (12-inch)
2 teaspoons olive oil
1 cup pizza sauce
2 cups chopped smoked ham
1 (20 ounce) can pineapple tidbits, well drained
½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1 cup shredded provolone cheese

Equipment Needed

Oven
Pizza pan or baking sheet
Pastry brush (optional)
Colander or strainer

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit (220 degrees Celsius). Ensure your oven rack is positioned in the middle for even baking.
Carefully remove the pizza dough from its packaging and gently stretch it to fit your pizza pan or baking sheet. If using a pizza stone, you can place the dough directly onto the preheated stone.
Using a pastry brush or your fingers, lightly brush the pizza crust with the olive oil. This helps to create a golden-brown and crispy crust.
Evenly spread the pizza sauce over the prepared crust, leaving a small border for the crust. Don’t over-sauce, as this can make the pizza soggy.
Distribute the chopped smoked ham evenly over the sauce. Feel free to adjust the amount of ham according to your preference.
Sprinkle the well-drained pineapple tidbits over the ham. Ensuring the pineapple is well-drained is crucial to prevent a soggy pizza. You can even pat them dry with a paper towel.
Evenly sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese and shredded provolone cheese over the ham and pineapple. The combination of mozzarella and provolone provides a delightful blend of meltiness and flavor.
Carefully place the pizza in the preheated oven and bake for 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the crust is lightly browned. Keep a close eye on the pizza during the last few minutes of baking to prevent burning.
Remove the pizza from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving. This allows the cheese to set slightly and prevents it from sliding off when you cut it.

Expert Tips & Tricks

Crispy Crust: For an extra crispy crust, preheat your pizza stone in the oven for at least 30 minutes before baking. This will help to create a perfectly crisp base.
Cheese Placement: For optimal melting, place a thin layer of mozzarella directly on the sauce before adding the ham and pineapple. This helps to bind the toppings to the crust.
Smoked Ham Alternative: If you don’t have smoked ham, you can use regular ham or even Canadian bacon. The smoked ham, however, adds a distinct smoky flavor that complements the pineapple beautifully.
Pineapple Perfection: Fresh pineapple can be used instead of canned. Just be sure to grill it lightly first to remove some of the moisture and concentrate its sweetness.
Dough Enhancement: If you’re using store-bought dough, try brushing the edges with garlic butter before baking for added flavor.
Preventing Soggy Pizza: To prevent a soggy crust, consider partially baking the crust for a few minutes before adding the toppings. This will help to firm it up.
Cheese Blend: Experiment with different cheese blends. A combination of mozzarella, provolone, and a touch of Parmesan can add depth of flavor.
Homemade Pizza Sauce: If you have the time, consider making your own pizza sauce. It’s surprisingly easy and allows you to control the ingredients and flavor.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

Serve your ham and pineapple pizza hot and fresh from the oven. A sprinkle of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of hot honey can add a touch of heat to balance the sweetness. Pair it with a crisp green salad or a side of roasted vegetables for a complete meal.

Leftover pizza can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, you can use a microwave, oven, or skillet. For the best results, reheat in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius) for about 5-10 minutes, or until heated through. You can also reheat slices in a skillet over medium heat for a crispy crust.

For longer storage, you can freeze leftover pizza. Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer bag. Frozen pizza can be stored for up to 2 months. To reheat, thaw the slices in the refrigerator overnight and then reheat in the oven or skillet.

Nutritional Information

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value
Calories	377 kcal	19%
Total Fat	17g	26%
Saturated Fat	8g	40%
Cholesterol	40mg	13%
Sodium	900mg	38%
Total Carbohydrate	42g	14%
Dietary Fiber	2g	8%
Sugars	10g	–
Protein	16g	32%

Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.

Variations & Substitutions

Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free pizza crust for a gluten-free version of this recipe.
Vegetarian: While traditionally made with ham, you could substitute it with smoked tofu or tempeh for a vegetarian option that still provides a smoky flavor.
Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the pizza sauce or sprinkle some on top of the finished pizza for a spicy kick.
Hawaiian BBQ: Use BBQ sauce instead of pizza sauce for a Hawaiian BBQ pizza.
Different Cheeses: Experiment with different cheeses such as Gruyere, Gouda, or Pepper Jack for a unique flavor profile.
Herbs: Sprinkle fresh basil or oregano on top of the pizza after baking for added freshness.
Roasted Garlic: Rub the crust with roasted garlic before adding the sauce for a deeper, more complex flavor.
Onions & Peppers: Add some sliced onions and bell peppers for extra vegetables.
Jalapeños: For added heat, consider thinly sliced jalapeños.
Deluxe: Add bacon, mushrooms and black olives for a classic deluxe flavor.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned?
A: Yes, you can definitely use fresh pineapple. Just be sure to grill it lightly first to remove some of the moisture and concentrate its sweetness.

Q: How do I prevent the crust from getting soggy?
A: Make sure the pineapple is well-drained, and consider partially baking the crust before adding the toppings. A hot pizza stone also helps!

Q: Can I freeze this pizza after baking?
A: Yes, you can freeze leftover pizza slices. Wrap them individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer bag for up to 2 months.

Q: What if I don’t have provolone cheese?
A: You can substitute provolone with mozzarella, fontina, or any other cheese that melts well.

Q: How can I make the crust crispier?
A: Preheating your pizza stone and brushing the crust with olive oil will help to create a crispier crust.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re a die-hard fan or a curious newcomer, I encourage you to give this ham and pineapple pizza recipe a try. It’s a simple yet satisfying dish that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or a weekend gathering. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different variations and substitutions to create your own unique version. Most importantly, have fun in the kitchen and enjoy the delicious results! Let me know what you think and share your favorite toppings combinations.

Ham and Pineapple Pizza Recipe