Name: Sweet and Spicy Hawaiian Pizza Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb. pizza dough, at room temp; 1/2 cup pizza sauce; 1/2 cup sliced or diced cooked ham (3-4 oz.); 8 oz. pineapple chunks, drained; 4 strips bacon, cooked and crumbled; 2 cups mozzarella cheese, whole milk/low moisture; 1 tablespoon melted butter; 1 teaspoon Parmesan cheese, grated; 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder; Red pepper flakes; Parsley; Oregano

Crispy golden crust paired with that tangy kick of pineapple and a surprising touch of heat—this Sweet and Spicy Hawaiian Pizza Recipe hits all the right notes. It’s one of those dishes that brings a tropical vibe to your kitchen with such ease!

A pizza cut into five slices lays on white parchment paper over a white marbled surface. The crust is golden and thick, topped with a layer of red tomato sauce evenly spread beneath melted white cheese that looks smooth and slightly browned in spots. On top, there are chunks of light yellow pineapple and pieces of pink ham scattered across the pizza. Bits of green herbs are sprinkled over the slices, adding a fresh touch. The pizza has a warm, inviting look with a mix of soft, melted cheese and juicy toppings. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Sweet and Spicy Hawaiian Pizza Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Sweet and Spicy Hawaiian Pizza Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Sweet and Spicy Hawaiian Pizza Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I can’t stop coming back to this Sweet and Spicy Hawaiian Pizza Recipe every time I want a comforting, yet adventurous twist on classic pizza. It’s so satisfying to bite into juicy pineapple balanced with savory ham and crispy bacon, all drizzled with a garlicky, cheesy crust glaze.

Perfect Flavor Balance: The sweet pineapple and spicy red pepper flakes create an unforgettable combo that’s both bright and bold.
Simple Ingredients: You likely have most of these pantry staples on hand, so it’s an easy go-to for weeknight dinners.
Customizable Toppings: Whether you want it spicier or more savory, adjusting the ingredients to fit your mood is a breeze.
Homemade Touch: You can whip up your own dough or use store-bought to save time—both work beautifully.

Ingredients & Why They Work

This Sweet and Spicy Hawaiian Pizza Recipe thrives on the harmony between sweet and savory, with ingredients that bring texture, moisture control, and flavor punch. Picking the right cheeses and drying the pineapple properly are key—trust me, I learned this the hard way after soggy experiments!

Flat lay of a smooth ball of room temperature pizza dough, a small white ceramic bowl of vibrant red pizza sauce, a few slices of pink cooked ham neatly arranged, golden yellow pineapple chunks sliced thinly, four strips of crispy crumbled bacon, a small mound of shredded whole milk mozzarella cheese, a small white bowl with melted butter, a small white bowl of grated Parmesan cheese, a small white bowl with pale garlic powder, a small white bowl with bright red pepper flakes, fresh green parsley sprigs, fresh green oregano sprigs, all placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Pizza dough: The sturdy base for your pizza—room temp dough stretches easier and produces a crisp crust.
Pizza sauce: Use a quality sauce, or even half BBQ sauce for a smoky twist that pops on the palate.
Ham: Adds a salty, smoky savory note to balance the pineapple.
Pineapple chunks: Dry these thoroughly on paper towels to avoid sogginess—a simple step with big payoff.
Bacon: Crispy bits bring texture and savory depth to every bite.
Mozzarella cheese: Low-moisture whole milk mozzarella shreds melt perfectly without making the pizza watery.
Butter, Parmesan, and garlic powder: The magic trio for brushing the crust — it seals in flavor and adds a golden finish.
Red pepper flakes, parsley, oregano: Fresh garnishes for a pop of color, heat, and herbal brightness.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

I love experimenting with this Sweet and Spicy Hawaiian Pizza Recipe by swapping out ham for Canadian bacon or throwing in some jalapeños for an extra kick. The best part? You can tweak it to your taste and still nail that signature sweet and spicy vibe.

Variation: One time, I added a drizzle of honey on top after baking—it was unexpectedly delicious and amplified the sweet and spicy contrast.
Dietary twist: For a vegetarian version, simply skip the ham and bacon, and load up on grilled veggies along with the pineapple.
Seasonal change: In summer, I like adding fresh basil instead of parsley—it gives a lovely bright herbal note.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Sweet and Spicy Hawaiian Pizza Recipe

The image shows a pizza cut into six slices, placed on white parchment paper on a wooden board. The pizza has a golden-brown crust topped with melted cheese covering most of the surface in a smooth, slightly bubbly texture. On top of the cheese are chunks of yellow pineapple and pieces of ham in light brown color scattered evenly over all slices. The pizza also has red tomato sauce visible near the edges under the melted cheese. Small green herb flakes are sprinkled over the whole pizza, adding a touch of color contrast. The background is a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Prep your oven and pineapple

First, set your oven to 450°F. If you have a pizza stone, pop it in now so it gets nice and hot—that's a game changer for a crispy bottom crust. Meanwhile, slice your pineapple chunks in half lengthwise and blot them between paper towels to soak up their juicy moisture. Trust me, this little extra step keeps your crust crisp instead of soggy.

Step 2: Shape your dough and add toppings

Stretch out your dough into an even 12-inch circle on a floured surface. Use a fork to prick holes gently all over the base—this stops pesky bubbles from forming during baking. Spread on your pizza sauce evenly, then sprinkle shredded mozzarella over the top. Next, scatter your diced ham, pineapple slices, and crumbled bacon with love, making sure every slice will get a bit of everything.

Step 3: Bake and brush crust

Pop your pizza in the oven for 13 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and the toppings have melded nicely. While it’s baking, whisk together melted butter, Parmesan cheese, and garlic powder. When the timer goes off, carefully brush this garlicky buttery blend all over the crust edges—yum! Slide the pizza back in and bake for 3 more minutes so the crust gets that perfect golden brown.

Step 4: Garnish and slice

Once out of the oven, sprinkle red pepper flakes across the pizza for that signature kick, then add finely chopped parsley and oregano for fresh pops of color and flavor. Slice it up, serve hot, and watch your guests delight as those sweet and spicy Hawaii vibes hit their taste buds!

Top Tip

After making this Sweet and Spicy Hawaiian Pizza Recipe a bunch of times, I've discovered a few little hacks that make all the difference between a good pizza and a great one.

Dry your pineapple: Excess moisture can quickly ruin the crust texture, so always drain and pat dry your pineapple chunks before adding.
Use low-moisture mozzarella: Fresh mozzarella can turn soggy—go for low-moisture shredded for the best melt and texture.
Preheat your pizza stone: If you have one, it crisps up your crust like a professional pizzeria.
Brush the crust late: Applying garlic butter after the first bake keeps those edges tender but golden without burning.

How to Serve Sweet and Spicy Hawaiian Pizza Recipe

The image shows the making of a pizza on a white marbled surface. The pizza dough is round with a smooth texture and slightly thick edges. In the first part, a woman’s hand is spreading bright red tomato sauce evenly from the center toward the edges using a spoon, covering more than half of the dough. In the second part, the red sauce fully covers the dough, and a woman’s hand is sprinkling shredded white cheese over the whole surface, creating a layer that contrasts with the red sauce underneath. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

I always add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for heat and fresh chopped parsley or oregano for color. The herbs lend a wonderful brightness that balances out the richness of the cheese and ham. A final drizzle of good olive oil can also elevate it!

Side Dishes

This pizza pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette or some tangy coleslaw. If you want to keep the island vibe going, a simple mango salsa on the side is fantastic too.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, I sometimes cut the pizza into small squares for bite-sized servings and garnish each piece with a tiny pineapple chunk and a little jalapeño slice on top—makes it fun and festive!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers keep really well stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. I find that reheating them carefully is the secret to retaining that fresh-from-the-oven taste.

Freezing

I’ve frozen leftover slices wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and then foil with great results. They freeze well for up to 3 months—just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

To bring back that perfect crust texture, I place the pizza on a rimmed baking sheet, cover loosely with foil, and bake at 275°F for about 25-30 minutes. This gentle reheating keeps the crust from drying out or becoming chewy.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use fresh mozzarella for this Sweet and Spicy Hawaiian Pizza Recipe?

Fresh mozzarella tends to have a higher moisture content which can make your pizza soggy. For this recipe, I recommend using low-moisture shredded mozzarella for a better melt and crisp crust.

How do I prevent the pineapple from making the crust soggy?

The key is to drain the pineapple chunks thoroughly and then pat them dry with paper towels before placing them on the pizza. This step removes excess juice that can soak into the dough.

Can I make this Sweet and Spicy Hawaiian Pizza Recipe gluten-free?

Absolutely! Use a gluten-free pizza dough along with the other ingredients. Just make sure your pizza sauce and other toppings are also gluten-free, which most naturally are.

What’s the best way to store leftover pizza?

Store leftover pizza in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, cover it loosely with foil and warm in the oven at 275°F to keep the crust crispy and cheese melty.

Final Thoughts

This Sweet and Spicy Hawaiian Pizza Recipe is genuinely one of my favorite ways to mix things up without complicating dinner. Its mix of bright pineapple, smoky ham, crispy bacon, and that garlicky crust glaze makes it comforting yet thrilling all at once. I hope you’ll try this recipe soon—I promise it’s a crowd-pleaser, whether it’s a weeknight treat or a weekend indulgence with friends.