Pizza Hawaii Recipe

Activate yeast

In a small bowl, combine warm water (about 105–110°F / 40–43°C) with sugar and active dry yeast. Stir gently and let sit 5–10 minutes until foamy.

Mix dough

In a large bowl, whisk flour and salt. Make a well, add foamy yeast mixture and 2 tablespoons olive oil. Stir until a shaggy dough forms.

Knead dough on a lightly floured surface for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Alternatively, use a stand mixer with dough hook 5–7 minutes.

Place dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with plastic wrap or a damp towel, and let rise in a warm place 1–1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.

After rising, punch down dough and divide if making two smaller pizzas. Shape into a ball and let rest 10 minutes before shaping.

While dough is rising (or in a small saucepan), make the sauce: heat 1 teaspoon olive oil over medium heat, add minced garlic and sauté 20–30 seconds until fragrant (do not brown).

Add crushed tomatoes and tomato paste, stir to combine. Add oregano, salt, and black pepper. Simmer gently 8–10 minutes to thicken slightly. Taste and adjust seasoning. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.

Preheat oven to 475°F (245°C). If using a pizza stone, place it in the oven while preheating. If using a baking sheet, lightly oil and dust with cornmeal or semolina.

On a lightly floured surface, stretch or roll the rested dough into a 12-inch round (for one pizza) or 9–10 inch rounds (for two). Transfer to a pizza peel dusted with cornmeal or prepared baking sheet.

Brush the dough edge lightly with 1 teaspoon olive oil to promote browning. Spread an even layer of tomato sauce over the dough, leaving a 1/2-inch border.

Scatter shredded mozzarella evenly over the sauce. Distribute ham pieces across the pizza, then evenly place pineapple chunks. Sprinkle crushed red pepper to taste.

Slide the pizza onto the preheated stone or place the baking sheet in the oven. Bake 10–12 minutes, or until crust is golden and cheese is bubbly and starting to brown.

Remove from oven. Let rest 2–3 minutes, then sprinkle torn fresh basil leaves if using. Slice and serve hot.