Hawaiian Recipe

Activate yeast and combine

In a small bowl, stir warm water, sugar and yeast. Let sit 5–7 minutes until foamy. If it doesn't foam, yeast may be expired—start over with fresh yeast.

Mix dough

In a large bowl, combine flour and salt. Make a well and pour in the foamy yeast mixture and 1 tablespoon olive oil. Stir with a wooden spoon until a shaggy dough forms.

Knead

Turn dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead 6–8 minutes until smooth and elastic. Alternatively, use a stand mixer with dough hook on low for 4–5 minutes.

First rise

Lightly oil a clean bowl, place dough in it, cover with plastic wrap or a damp kitchen towel, and let rise in a warm spot until doubled, about 45–60 minutes.

While dough rises, mix tomato sauce, tomato paste, oregano, basil, garlic powder, salt and black pepper in a small bowl until smooth. Taste and adjust seasoning. Reserve until assembling pizza.

Preheat oven and prepare pan

Place a pizza stone or inverted baking sheet on the middle rack and preheat oven to 475°F (245°C) at least 30 minutes before baking. If using a pizza pan, lightly oil it.

Shape crust

After dough has doubled, punch it down and turn onto a lightly floured surface. For one 12-inch pizza, roll or stretch dough into a 12-inch circle about 1/4–1/3 inch thick, leaving a slightly thicker edge for the crust. Transfer to a piece of parchment paper or oiled pizza pan.

Assemble pizza

Brush the crust edge lightly with 1 tablespoon olive oil. Spread the prepared tomato sauce evenly over the dough, leaving a 1/2-inch border. Sprinkle 1 3/4 cups shredded mozzarella evenly over the sauce. Distribute the ham (1 cup) evenly, then scatter the drained pineapple chunks (1 cup). Add thin slices of red onion if using, and sprinkle remaining 1/4 cup mozzarella to cover any exposed toppings. Optionally sprinkle 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes for heat.

Bake

Using a peel or the parchment paper, transfer the pizza to the preheated stone or baking sheet. Bake for 10–14 minutes until crust is golden and cheese is bubbling and beginning to brown. Rotate halfway through for even baking.

Finish and serve

Remove pizza from oven and let rest 2–3 minutes. Sprinkle torn fresh basil or parsley over the top. Slice and serve hot.