Getting a delicious, juicy slice of pizza that bursts with sweet pineapple and crispy, savory bacon takes just about 30 minutes with this Hawaiian Pineapple Pizza with Crispy Bacon Recipe. Let's dive right into a perfect balance of flavors and textures you can easily recreate at home.
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Why You'll Love This Recipe
I’ve made this Hawaiian Pineapple Pizza with Crispy Bacon Recipe dozens of times, and it’s always a crowd-pleaser because it hits that magical spot between sweet, salty, and cheesy. Plus, it’s one of those recipes that’s actually fun to make and perfectly customizable.
- Flavor harmony: The juicy sweetness of pineapple complements the smoky, crispy bacon beautifully, creating a satisfying taste combo every time.
- Easy prep: Using store-bought dough and simple toppings means you’re into the oven quickly, yet get that fresh homemade feel.
- Perfect crust: Brushing garlic butter parmesan on the crust adds a golden, crispy layer that makes every bite memorable.
- Customizable: Want it less sweet? Swap pineapple for mango slices, or add jalapeños for a spicy kick. You’ve got options!
Ingredients & Why They Work
Each ingredient plays a role in delivering those classic Hawaiian pizza vibes with a crispy twist. Here’s why I stick to these essentials — plus a couple of tips for picking the best.
- Pizza dough: I prefer store-bought refrigerated dough for ease, but homemade dough takes it up a notch if you have the time.
- Pizza sauce: A good-quality sauce sets the flavor foundation. I love Rao’s for that authentic Italian taste.
- Ham: Diced cooked ham or Canadian bacon works well — it adds savory depth without overpowering keywords like pineapple.
- Pineapple chunks: Fresh or canned, but be sure to dry them on paper towels to avoid soggy crusts.
- Bacon strips: Crisp and crumble your own for fresh, smoky bites that complement every forkful.
- Mozzarella cheese: Use low-moisture whole-milk mozzarella shredded from a block for the best melt and stretch.
- Melted butter, Parmesan, and garlic powder: This trio elevates your crust to restaurant-quality golden perfection.
- Garnishes (red pepper flakes, parsley, oregano): They bring color, a hint of spice, and fresh herbal notes to finish things off.
Make It Your Way
This Hawaiian Pineapple Pizza with Crispy Bacon Recipe is a fantastic base that I love to tweak depending on my mood or who I’m cooking for. Don’t hesitate to get creative — the best pizzas are personal!
- Variation: Once, I swapped ham for grilled chicken for a savory twist, and the family loved it. It’s all about balancing sweet and savory to suit your taste buds.
- Vegetarian option: Try omitting bacon and ham and add extra pineapple and bell peppers instead for a meatless but still satisfying version.
- Spicy kick: Add sliced jalapeños or a drizzle of hot honey post-bake if you like a little heat with your sweet and salty pizza.
Step-by-Step: How I Make Hawaiian Pineapple Pizza with Crispy Bacon Recipe
Step 1: Prep the dough and pineapple the right way
Start by preheating your oven to 450°F (230°C). If you have a pizza stone, pop it in now to heat up while you prepare the toppings—it’ll help crisp the crust perfectly. Lay your dough on a baking sheet or pizza peel and stretch it into a roughly 12-inch circle. To prevent bubbling during baking, I like poking tiny holes all over with a fork. For the pineapple, slice each chunk thinner and press between paper towels—this step saves your crust from turning soggy, which is key for success.
Step 2: Layer your magic
Spread about half a cup of pizza sauce evenly over the dough, leaving a small border for that golden crust. Then sprinkle a generous 2 cups of shredded mozzarella over the sauce as your melty base. Next, scatter diced ham, pineapple slices, and crispy crumbled bacon on top. The contrast of textures here is what makes each bite exciting.
Step 3: Bake and finish with garlic butter parmesan crust
Bake your loaded pizza on the middle rack for about 13 minutes. Once it comes out, mix 1 tablespoon melted butter with 1 teaspoon Parmesan cheese and ¼ teaspoon garlic powder, then brush this over your crust edges for that irresistible flavor boost. Pop the pizza back in for 2-3 more minutes until the crust crisps and browns beautifully.
Step 4: Garnish and serve
Once out of the oven, I sprinkle red pepper flakes, freshly chopped parsley, and a pinch of oregano on top. These finishing touches add a little heat, freshness, and herbal aroma that round out the pie wonderfully. Slice it up and enjoy!
Top Tip
After making this Hawaiian Pineapple Pizza with Crispy Bacon Recipe several times, I’ve learned a few little secrets that saved me from disappointments and made it way better every time.
- Dry that pineapple well: Moisture is the enemy of crisp crusts, so pat pineapple slices dry with paper towels before adding.
- Cook bacon ahead: Crisping bacon separately prevents greasy pizza and gives you control over the perfect crunch level.
- Use a hot oven and stone: A blazing hot oven with your pizza stone preheated is key for a chewy, blistered crust.
- Brush crust post-bake: Waiting until after the first bake before brushing garlic butter prevents sogginess and keeps the crust crisp and golden.
How to Serve Hawaiian Pineapple Pizza with Crispy Bacon Recipe
Garnishes
I’m a big fan of the classic spicy-herb garnish combo—red pepper flakes bring a subtle heat, while chopped parsley and oregano add fresh, aromatic layers. If you want extra zing, a light drizzle of honey or hot sauce on the side works beautifully too.
Side Dishes
Pair it up with a fresh green salad tossed in a tangy vinaigrette to cut through the richness, or some crispy garlic breadsticks for carb lovers. If you’re feeling tropical, a simple mango salsa or coleslaw on the side can complement the pineapple nicely.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties, I like cutting this Hawaiian Pineapple Pizza with Crispy Bacon Recipe into bite-sized squares and serving them on a platter with mini skewers. It’s perfect finger food! Or, try a pizza board with a few dipping sauces — ranch, spicy aioli, or even BBQ sauce for variety.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I store leftover pizza slices in an airtight container in the fridge and they stay good for up to three days. To keep the crust from getting too soft, I separate layers with parchment paper.
Freezing
If you want to prep ahead, I freeze individual slices wrapped tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil for up to 3 months. When you want a quick meal, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best results.
Reheating
The best way I’ve found to reheat leftover pizza without losing that fresh-from-the-oven texture is baking it in the oven at 275°F. Cover the slices loosely with foil to keep them from drying out, and bake for 25-30 minutes—you’ll get warm melty cheese and a crisp crust just like the first time.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Fresh mozzarella tends to have too much moisture, which can make the pizza soggy. For this recipe, low-moisture shredded mozzarella is best.
While pineapple is traditional for Hawaiian pizza, you can substitute it with mango, sliced peaches, or even thin apple slices for a different sweet twist. Just dry the fruit to avoid sogginess.
Patting your pineapple dry and poking holes in the dough before baking are key steps. Also, baking on a hot pizza stone helps create a crisp bottom crust, while brushing the crust with garlic butter after the first bake keeps the edges crispy.
Absolutely! You can freeze fully baked slices wrapped tightly, keeping them fresh for up to 3 months. Just thaw in the refrigerator and reheat in the oven for best texture.
Final Thoughts
This Hawaiian Pineapple Pizza with Crispy Bacon Recipe is one of my personal go-tos when I want that combo of sweet, cheesy, and savory without too much fuss. Whether you’re making it for a casual dinner or impressing friends at game night, it never disappoints. Give it a try—you just might find it’s your new favorite slice!
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Delicious Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 8 slices
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
A delicious homemade Hawaiian Pizza featuring a crispy garlic butter Parmesan crust topped with savory ham, juicy pineapple chunks, crispy bacon, and melted mozzarella cheese. Perfectly balanced with a touch of sweetness and savory flavors, this pizza is baked to golden perfection.
Ingredients
Pizza
- 1 lb. pizza dough, at room temp
- ½ cup pizza sauce
- ½ cup sliced or diced cooked ham (3-4 oz.)
- 8 oz. pineapple chunks, drained and sliced thinner
- 4 strips bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 2 cups mozzarella cheese, whole milk/low moisture
Garlic Butter Parmesan Crust
- 1 tablespoon melted butter
- 1 teaspoon Parmesan cheese, grated
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
To Garnish
- Red Pepper Flakes
- Parsley
- Oregano
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 450 degrees Fahrenheit. Place a pizza stone inside while heating if you have one for a crispier crust.
- Prepare Pineapple: Slice each pineapple chunk into two thinner slices and place them between paper towels to absorb excess moisture.
- Shape Dough: Spread the pizza dough into an even 12-inch circle on a baking sheet or pizza peel. Poke holes in the dough using a fork to prevent bubbling.
- Add Toppings: Spread the pizza sauce evenly over the dough, then sprinkle mozzarella cheese on top. Add the sliced ham, prepared pineapple slices, and crumbled bacon evenly over the cheese.
- Bake Pizza: Bake the pizza for 13 minutes until the crust is mostly cooked and cheese is melting.
- Brush Garlic Butter: Mix the melted butter with Parmesan cheese and garlic powder. Brush this mixture over the crust edge of the partially baked pizza.
- Finish Baking: Return the pizza to the oven and bake for an additional 3 minutes or until the crust is golden brown.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle red pepper flakes, chopped parsley, and oregano over the pizza. Slice into 8 pieces and serve warm.
Notes
- Use store-bought refrigerated pizza dough for convenience or prepare homemade dough for better flavor.
- Low moisture whole milk mozzarella cheese is ideal for melting; avoid fresh mozzarella as it is too wet.
- For added smoky flavor, mix half pizza sauce and half barbecue sauce on the pizza.
- Ham or Canadian bacon works best as the meat topping; leftover ham can be repurposed.
- Always drain and pat dry pineapple slices to prevent soggy crust.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
- To reheat, cover leftover slices with foil and bake at 275 degrees Fahrenheit for 25-30 minutes to restore texture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 660 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 15 g
- Cholesterol: 40 mg
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