Hawaiian Pizza

Delicious Hawaiian Pizza using Kalua Pork, goat cheese, bbq sauce and more! Even the crust is easy to make for this incredible dinner idea!

As promised, I’ve got a delicious Hawaiian Pizza recipe that uses up your leftover Kalua Pork. Of course, any old shredded pork leftovers would work, but the smokiness of Kalua Pork pairs nicely with the pineapple, creamy goat cheese and tangy bbq sauce!

One of the best tips we had on our Hawaiian vacation came to us while we were up in the trees ziplining off of Haleakala (aka East Maui Volcano).

A few locals recommended we head up to Ho’okipa Beach to check out the sea turtles coming to shore, and then head to Paia to a place called Flatbreads, for food.

Best decision ever. It was about 20 minutes North and out of our way, but I’m so glad we went with their suggestion. First, to see those sea turtles coming out of the water, was spectacular. And to be up close to them, was just breath taking. (yes, you can see just how close we were, I took that picture above just a few feet away from these creatures).

We watched them for a long time before our stomachs were growling so loud. From there we headed to Flatbreads and ordered about one million different flavors of pizza. All of which were amazing. Of course, we finished off our meal by getting some gelato at a place next door!

One of the flatbreads we ate, was called Mopsy’s Kalua Pork. And in my attempt to recreate this masterpiece, I’ve got a delicious version for you today.

Of course, I used my favorite homemade pizza crust recipe. It has yeast, but you don’t have to wait for it to rise. Genius.

You could use those store bought flatbreads…or make your own…which would make this recipe even closer to the original. But I went with what I know. And it was delicious!

Most people think of Hawaiian Pizza as ham, bbq sauce, and pineapple. Most of the pineapple pizzas I’ve ordered from take out places or restaurants in the past haven’t been my favorite.

Either the pineapple is too watery and makes the pizza soggy or the BBQ sauce is overpoweringly sweet. It’s just never been my favorite pizza–until I had THIS type of pineapple pizza. 

Seriously. You’ve GOT to try this version! 

This hawaiian pizza recipe uses FRESH pineapple, not the canned stuff. While I suppose you could substitute canned pineapple, I strongly recommend you use fresh if at all possible. The difference in flavor and juiciness is significant. 

Unlike a lot of Pineapple Pizzas or hawaiian pizza recipes, you’re going to use shredded pork for this pizza rather than Canadian bacon or ham.

If you’ve never had shredded pork on your pizza before, you’re going to be amazed. It’s one of my family’s favorite pizza toppings, especially when we have leftover pork in the fridge to use up! 

Hawaiian Pizza

The creamy goat cheese with parmesan and mozzarella is enough to melt in your mouth. But paired with the smoky pork and the sweet vinegar bbq sauce, and the sweet fresh pineapple…this pizza is out of this world!

I’ve also got to put in a good word for this crust. It requires absolutely no rising time and bakes up with a beautifully crisp exterior. 

The crust makes enough for TWO 12-inch pizzas. In the recipe below, I’ve included instructions for topping one Hawaiian Pizzas. 

You can use the other crust to make another favorite for your family! Or freeze the dough for a future pizza night. Or double the toppings and make TWO Hawaiian pizzas. I’d be on board with either solution because they both mean MORE PIZZA! 

More pizza means more happiness. And who am I to stand in the way of happiness? 

Back to making delicious pizza! 

Hawaiian Pizza Recipe 

{Recipe at a glance; scroll down for amounts and full recipe directions} 

Here’s what you need to make the crust:

• Flour
• Yeast
• Sugar
• Salt
• Oil 
• Water (very warm to the touch) 

How to Make Pizza Crust

STEP 1. In a large bowl, combine 2 cup of all-purpose flour, undissolved yeast, sugar and salt. Add very warm water and oil, mixing until well blended.Gradually add the remaining flour to make a soft dough.

The dough should form a ball and will be slightly sticky. Knead dough on a floured surface until smooth and elastic, for about 4 minutes OR knead in an electric mixer with the paddle attachment. 

STEP 2. Divide dough in half and cover with a clean dry towel until toppings are ready. No need to allow this to rise! 

How to Make Pineapple Pizza

First, get your toppings ready! This particular style of Hawaiian Pizza calls for . . .

•  BBQ sauce
• Kalua Pork (or another variety of leftover shredded pork)
• Red onion 
• 1/3 cup sliced fresh pineapple
• Mozzarella, Parmesan and goat cheese

. . . and of course, sliced fresh pineapple! 

STEP 1. Pat one portion of the dough with floured hands to make a 12 inch round pizza (using a baking pizza stone or round pizza pan). Form a rim by pinching the edge of the dough.

STEP 2. Spread your BBQ sauce on bottom of one crust. Top with shredded pork, red onion and pineapple. Sprinkle pizza with three cheeses.

STEP 3. Bake in oven for 18-20 minutes, until cheese is bubbly and melted and the crust is browned. Slice and enjoy immediately!!

Tips and Tricks

• You can double the Hawaiian pizza toppings to make a second Hawaiian Pineapple Pizza with the other portion of your dough. 
• This dough freezes beautifully, too, if you’re not in need of two pizzas. Wrap dough in parchment paper, place in a ziploc freezer bag, and freeze until ready to use. Thaw the dough on the counter top before attempting to roll it out. 
• I find a vinegary BBQ sauce works best in this recipe! The tartness balances the sweetness of the pineapple and the smoky pork in a way that I find so satisfying. Carolina BBQ sauce varieties tend to the the most vinegar heavy. That said, feel free to use your family’s preferred BBQ sauce here. 
• Need an even easier version of this recipe? Use a pre-made pizza dough! Many grocery stores sell ready made refrigerated balls of dough and often your local pizzeria will sell you a ball of their dough if you ask. 

Pineapple Pizza

Whether you’re a devotee of pineapple as a pizza topping or new to the whole Hawaiian pizza concept, I think you’re going to be blown away by this recipe. 

Hawaiian Pizza is a welcome sight at the dinner table any night of the week and is always a hit at parties, gatherings and movie nights! It would be a great addition to your menu for a Grilled Pizza Party, too! 

Shake up pizza night with this out-of-this-world Hawaiian Pizza! 

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