Best Hawaiian Pizza with Smoked Ham & Fresh Basil

Looking to add a little island flair to your pizza night? This Best Hawaiian Pizza with Smoked Ham & Fresh Basil hits all the right notes: sweet, savory, cheesy, and herbaceous. Whether you’re hosting a casual dinner or just treating yourself after a long day, this recipe brings tropical comfort straight to your kitchen.

There’s something undeniably satisfying about the balance of smoky ham and juicy pineapple. Add to that melty mozzarella, zesty red onions, and a final hit of fresh basil—and you’ve got a pizza that stands out from the ordinary. With only 15 minutes of bake time and easy-to-find ingredients, it’s a no-brainer for busy weeknights.

Hawaiian pizza often sparks strong opinions, but this version earns its place at the table with bold flavors, simple execution, and an irresistibly crispy crust. Stick around—you’ll want this one on repeat. 🌴

🍽️ Brief Recipe History or Cultural Insight

Despite the name, Hawaiian pizza was actually invented in Canada in the 1960s. Combining pineapple with savory toppings like ham was revolutionary—and delicious. Over time, the recipe evolved with regional twists, like smoked ham and fresh herbs.

🍳 Why You’ll Love Making This Recipe

• ⏰ Quick & Weeknight-Friendly — Just 15 minutes in the oven.
• 🧑‍🍳 Beginner-Friendly — Simple steps, maximum flavor.
• 🌿 Fresh & Nutritious — Fresh basil and tomato sauce add antioxidants.
• 🏡 Family-Approved — Sweet pineapple makes it a hit with kids.
• 🧏‍♂️ Pantry-Friendly — Uses mostly staples you likely have on hand.

🧠 SMART COOKING SCIENCE

Let’s talk Maillard reaction—that golden, bubbly cheese and slightly charred crust is no accident. The high oven temperature (475°F) creates a chemical reaction between amino acids and sugars in the cheese and dough, resulting in deep flavor and irresistible crispiness. It’s the same magic that makes seared steaks and toasted bread taste amazing!

🫒 Key Ingredients & Substitutions

Pizza Dough (1 lb)

• Can use gluten-free dough for GF version
• Cauliflower crust for low-carb/keto option

Tomato Sauce (1/2 cup)

• Try pesto or white garlic sauce for a twist
• Sugar-free marinara for low-sugar diets

Mozzarella Cheese (1 cup)

• Swap with vegan mozzarella for dairy-free
• Add provolone for extra flavor

Smoked Ham (6 oz)

• Use turkey ham or plant-based ham slices
• Bacon or Canadian bacon work too

Pineapple Chunks (1 cup)

• Fresh is best, but canned (drained) works
• Mango or peaches as fun alternatives

Red Onion (1/4 cup)

• Shallots or green onions work in a pinch

Fresh Basil (1/4 cup)

• Cilantro or arugula if basil isn’t available

👨‍🍳 Chef’s Tips for Success

• Room Temp Dough: Cold dough resists stretching. Let it sit out for 30 minutes.
• Preheat the Oven: A blazing-hot oven ensures a crispy crust.
• Drain the Pineapple: Avoid soggy pizza by drying chunks with a paper towel.
• Add Basil After Baking: Heat dulls its fresh flavor.
• Use a Pizza Stone: It helps the crust cook evenly and crisps beautifully.

⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

• ❌ Overloading Toppings: Too much = soggy, uneven baking.
• ❌ Skipping the Preheat: A lukewarm oven won’t give you that perfect crust.
• ❌ Not Draining Pineapple: Wet pineapple can ruin the texture.
• ❌ Cooking Basil: Add it fresh at the end to preserve aroma.
• ❌ Forgetting Olive Oil Drizzle: Adds richness and enhances flavor.

🔄 How to Customize This Recipe

• 🥗 Vegetarian: Skip the ham or use vegan bacon.
• 🥜 Dairy-Free: Use plant-based cheese.
• 🧂 Low-Sodium: Choose reduced-salt sauce and ham.
• 🌶️ Make It Spicy: Add jalapeños or spicy pepperoni.
• 👶 Kid-Friendly: Use smaller pineapple bits and skip the onions.

🪱 Storage & Reheating Tips

• Fridge: Store in airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freezer: Wrap individual slices in foil, freeze up to 2 months.
• Reheat: Use oven at 375°F for 8-10 min, or air fryer for 5 min.
• Avoid microwave if you want to preserve crispiness.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I make this ahead of time? Yes! Assemble and refrigerate unbaked pizza up to 8 hours in advance.

Can I freeze this pizza? Absolutely. Bake, cool, and freeze slices individually. Reheat in oven for best texture.

How do I make it spicier? Add crushed red pepper flakes or top with thin jalapeño slices before baking.

Can I use store-bought dough? Yes. Just let it come to room temperature first for easier stretching.

What kind of ham is best? Smoked ham or Canadian bacon work great. You can also use leftover holiday ham!

🔥 More Recipes You’ll Love

• Easy Margherita Pizza (Ready in 20 Min!)
• Tropical Pineapple Jalapeño Pizza (Sweet, Spicy & Irresistible!)
• Classic Canadian Bacon & Mushroom Pizza (Crispy & Savory!)
• Tropical BBQ Chicken Pizza with Pineapple & Cilantro (Sweet & Smoky!)
• Grilled Ham & Pineapple Flatbread (Fast, Fresh & Flavor-Packed!)

🍽️ It’s Time to Cook This Best Hawaiian Pizza Recipe!

Fire up that oven, roll out the dough, and make magic happen tonight. Don’t forget to tag your masterpiece and share your personal spin on this tropical classic!

Crowd-Pleaser

Best Hawaiian Pizza with Smoked Ham & Fresh Basil

Prep Time 30 mins Cook Time 15 mins Total Time 45 mins Difficulty: Intermediate Cooking Temp: 475  F Servings: 4 Estimated Cost: $ 15 Calories: 300 kcal Best Season: Summer

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Author: Alex Milton Cooking Method: Baking Cuisine: American, Fusion, Italian Courses: Dinners, Main Dishes Recipe Keys: Kid-Friendly Quick Meals

Description

This Hawaiian pizza combines sweet and savory flavors with smoked ham, fresh basil, and pineapple. It's a must-try for pizza lovers seeking a taste of the tropics.

Ingredients

Cook Mode Cooking Mode Disabled

Servings

Pizza Dough

• 1 lb pizza dough (Store-bought or homemade; ensure it's at room temperature before use.)

Pizza Sauce

• ¹⁄₂ cup tomato sauce (Opt for a rich, robust sauce for best results.)

Toppings

• 1 cup mozzarella cheese (Shredded; feel free to mix with a bit of provolone for extra flavor.)
• 6 oz smoked ham (Thinly sliced; choose a quality smoked variety for depth.)
• 1 cup pineapple chunks (Canned or fresh; drained well if using canned.)
• ¹⁄₄ cup red onion (Thinly sliced; adds a bit of sharpness.)
• ¹⁄₄ cup fresh basil (Chopped; add just before serving for a burst of freshness.)

Finishing Touches

• 1 tbsp olive oil (Drizzle over the pizza before serving for an extra touch of flavor.)
• 1 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (Optional; for a bit of heat.)

Instructions

Preparing the Pizza Dough

1. Roll Out the Dough

   On a floured surface, roll out your pizza dough into a 12-inch circle, ensuring it's evenly thin for a crispy base.
   If the dough resists stretching, let it rest for a few minutes to relax the gluten.

Assembling the Pizza

1. Spread the Sauce

   Evenly spread a generous layer of tomato sauce over the rolled-out dough, leaving about 1/2 inch of crust around the edges.
   For a more robust flavor, add a pinch of dried oregano and a splash of olive oil to your sauce.

2. Add the Cheese

   Scatter a mix of shredded mozzarella and provolone cheese over the sauce, covering it evenly but not overly thick.
   Balance is key here—enough cheese to melt beautifully but not so much that it overpowers the toppings.

3. Top with Ham and Pineapple

   Arrange thin slices of smoked ham and chunks of fresh pineapple over the cheese, spreading them out for a bit of each in every bite.
   
   For a smoky twist, consider lightly grilling the pineapple before adding it to the pizza.

4. Sprinkle with Fresh Basil

   Tear fresh basil leaves and scatter them over the toppings for an aromatic, fresh finish.
   Add these at the last moment to keep their bright flavor intact.

Baking the Pizza

1. Preheat and Bake

   Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C). Slide the pizza onto a hot pizza stone or baking sheet and bake for 12-15 minutes until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly.
   For extra crispiness, preheat the baking stone or sheet in the oven before adding the pizza.

Serving the Pizza

1. Slice and Serve

   Allow the pizza to cool for a minute or two, then slice into wedges. Serve hot and fresh, perhaps with a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for those who like a bit of heat.
   Letting it rest briefly helps the cheese set slightly, making it easier to slice.

Nutrition Facts

Servings 4

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Amount Per Serving

Calories 615kcal

% Daily Value *

Total Fat 23.6g37%

Saturated Fat 11.6g58%

Cholesterol 67.2mg23%

Sodium 1696.9mg71%

Potassium 421mg13%

Total Carbohydrate 67.4g23%

Dietary Fiber 3.7g15%

Sugars 11.7g

Protein 33.2g67%

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Calcium 509.9 mg

Iron 4.7 mg

Vitamin D 0.3 IU

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs. ____ (*Keep in mind that these are approximate values and may vary slightly depending on the brands and exact proportions of ingredients used. For more precise measurements, it’s best to use a specific nutritional calculator or product labels for the ingredients you’re using.)

Note

For an extra burst of flavor, consider using smoked ham or pancetta instead of regular ham. If you prefer a spicier kick, add some thinly sliced jalapeños or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes. Fresh pineapple chunks work best, as canned ones can be overly sweet and mushy. Don’t skip pre-baking the crust for a crispier base; this step prevents it from getting soggy once you add the toppings. For a gluten-free version, a cauliflower or almond flour crust can be a great alternative. To enhance the basil's aroma, tear the leaves by hand rather than cutting them with a knife. If you’re looking for a cheese with a bit more character, try adding a mix of mozzarella and provolone or even a little smoked gouda for depth. For a finishing touch, drizzle a bit of balsamic glaze over the pizza just before serving, adding a sweet and tangy contrast to the savory toppings.

Keywords: Hawaiian pizza, smoked ham, fresh basil, pineapple, homemade pizza

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