Mastering Homemade Hawaiian Pizza: The Ultimate Buttery Thin Crust Recipe

There’s nothing quite like the aroma of freshly baked pizza filling your home, and when it comes to a classic with a twist, Hawaiian pizza often takes center stage. This beloved, yet sometimes debated, pizza offers a delightful combination of sweet and savory flavors that truly tantalize the taste buds. Our homemade Hawaiian pizza recipe elevates this experience with a truly exceptional buttery thin crust pizza dough. Even if you’ve been on the fence about pineapple on pizza, this particular dough recipe might just convert you, offering a light and crispy foundation that perfectly complements the juicy pineapple, savory ham, and smoky bacon.

While many pizza lovers swear by a thick, chewy crust, or a traditional Neapolitan style, a truly great pizza knows that the crust should always enhance, not overshadow, its toppings. This is especially true for Hawaiian pizza. The sweet, tangy pineapple, paired with salty ham and crispy bacon, demands a crust that provides a delicate crunch and a rich flavor without being too heavy. Our buttery thin crust does precisely that, offering a satisfying texture and a hint of garlic that makes every bite an absolute delight. It’s a wonderful departure from your usual pizza night, proving that sometimes, the best recipes are those that encourage you to try something new.

Why This Buttery Thin Crust is a Game Changer

You might have a go-to crusty pizza dough recipe that you adore, and while variety is the spice of life, it’s also true that one pizza dough doesn’t necessarily fit all toppings. For a pizza as distinct as Hawaiian, a specially crafted crust makes all the difference. This recipe’s dough is designed to be thin, allowing the vibrant flavors of the ham and pineapple to shine through, rather than competing with a thick, bready base. The secret lies in the cold butter, which, when incorporated into the dough, creates a flakier, richer texture reminiscent of a pastry, giving you a uniquely satisfying crunch with every slice. The addition of garlic powder directly into the dough infuses it with a subtle, aromatic warmth that elevates the entire pizza experience.

This buttery thin crust isn’t just for Hawaiian pizza either! Its versatility makes it an excellent choice for a variety of other pizzas. Imagine a classic pepperoni pizza with this light, crispy base, allowing the spicy pepperoni and melted cheese to truly be the stars. Or perhaps a gourmet white pizza with ricotta and spinach? This crust could even be adapted for a homemade calzone, offering a delicate shell for your favorite fillings. Experimentation is key in the kitchen, and this dough provides a fantastic canvas for your culinary creativity. Don’t hesitate to share your unique pizza creations in the comments below – we’d love to hear your ideas!

The Delightful & Debated History of Hawaiian Pizza

Hawaiian pizza, with its signature combination of tomato sauce, cheese, ham, and pineapple, has a fascinating origin story, often attributed to Sam Panopoulos, a Greek-Canadian restaurateur from Chatham, Ontario, in 1962. Inspired by Chinese dishes that often blend sweet and savory flavors, Panopoulos decided to experiment by adding canned pineapple to pizza. The name “Hawaiian” was chosen because of the brand of canned pineapple he used. What started as an experiment quickly gained popularity, spreading across Canada and eventually worldwide, much to the surprise of many traditionalists.

The addition of pineapple to pizza has sparked a culinary debate that continues to this day. Some adore the juicy sweetness it brings, arguing it perfectly cuts through the richness of the cheese and savory meats, creating a balanced flavor profile. Others staunchly oppose it, finding the combination unconventional or even sacrilegious to pizza tradition. Regardless of where you stand in this delightful debate, this recipe offers a chance to experience Hawaiian pizza at its best, with a thoughtfully designed crust that aims to win over even the most skeptical palates.

Essential Ingredients for Your Homemade Masterpiece

Creating the perfect Hawaiian pizza starts with selecting quality ingredients. For the buttery thin crust, precision in measurements is key to achieving that ideal texture and flavor.

Dough Ingredients:

1 1/3 cups warm water: Ensure the water is warm (around 105-115°F or 40-46°C) to properly activate the yeast. Too hot, and it kills the yeast; too cold, and it won’t activate.
2 TBSP sugar: This acts as food for the yeast, helping it to activate and proof, and also adds a touch of sweetness to the crust.
1 tsp dry yeast: Active dry or instant yeast will work. If using active dry, ensure it proofs well in the warm water and sugar mixture.
1 tsp salt: Crucial for flavor and to control yeast activity. Don’t skip it!
1 tsp garlic powder: This is a secret weapon for adding a subtle, savory depth to the crust itself, making it even more irresistible.
2 sticks unsalted butter, cold: Using cold butter, shredded or cut into small pieces, is essential for creating those flaky layers in the dough, much like in pastry making.
4 cups all-purpose flour: While some prefer bread flour for a chewier crust, all-purpose works beautifully here for a tender, thin crust.

Topping Ingredients:

1 cup marinara sauce: A good quality marinara or a simple homemade tomato sauce forms the base. Keep it light so it doesn’t overwhelm the other flavors.
2 1/2 cups shredded cheese: A blend is always best for pizza. The recipe suggests Velveeta Mozzarella shreds and part-skim shredded mozzarella for a gooey, stretchy, and flavorful topping. Other great options include provolone or a touch of cheddar.
15 thinly sliced black forest ham slices, chopped: Black Forest ham offers a rich, slightly smoky, and savory flavor that pairs wonderfully with pineapple. Ensure it’s chopped into bite-sized pieces for even distribution.
4 slices of cooked bacon, chopped: Crispy bacon bits add another layer of smoky, salty goodness and a delightful texture contrast.
1/2 (20oz) can of crushed pineapple chunks, drained: Crushed pineapple is preferred over tidbits or rings as it distributes more evenly across the pizza. Absolutely crucial to drain it very well to avoid a soggy crust! You can press it between paper towels if needed.

Step-by-Step Directions to Pizza Perfection

Follow these detailed steps carefully to achieve a truly memorable homemade Hawaiian pizza with that coveted buttery thin crust.

Dough Preparation:

Activate the Yeast: In a large measuring cup or a small bowl, combine the warm water (ensure it’s not too hot to kill the yeast, nor too cold to activate it), sugar, and dry yeast. Give it a gentle stir. Let this mixture “poof” for 5 minutes. This step is vital as it proves your yeast is active and alive. You should see a foamy layer on top, indicating it’s ready to go.
Combine Dry & Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, thoroughly stir together the salt, garlic powder, and flour. Then, using a cheese grater or a sharp knife, shred or cut the cold butter into small pieces and add it to the flour mixture. Using your fingertips or a pastry blender, work the butter into the flour until it resembles coarse crumbs. This technique helps create the flaky texture. Finally, pour the activated yeast mixture into the flour and butter mixture.
Form and Knead the Dough: Stir until a shaggy dough forms, then turn it out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead the dough for approximately 4 minutes. The dough should become smooth and elastic. Avoid over-kneading, which can make the crust tough.
First Rise: Place the kneaded dough into a lightly oiled bowl, turning it once to coat. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel. Let the dough rest in a warm place for 30 minutes. During this time, the yeast will work its magic, and the dough will begin to rise, developing flavor and texture.

Assembly & Baking:

Prepare for Baking: Preheat your oven to a high temperature of 500°F (260°C). This high heat is crucial for achieving a crispy crust quickly, mimicking professional pizza ovens. Prepare your baking pans by generously greasing them. If you prefer, you can use a pizza stone preheated in the oven for at least 30 minutes for an even crispier bottom.
Shape the Dough: You have the option to divide the dough into 3 equal pieces to make 3 medium-sized pizzas, or leave it whole to create one large, XL pizza. On a lightly floured surface, roll out each piece of dough into a 12-inch circle for medium pizzas, or one large circle for an XL pizza. Aim for a consistent thinness for that perfect buttery thin crust. Carefully transfer the rolled-out dough to your prepared baking pans.
Top Your Pizza: Now for the fun part – assembling your Hawaiian masterpiece! Evenly spread the marinara sauce over the dough, leaving a small border for the crust. Next, sprinkle a generous layer of your shredded cheese blend. Finally, distribute the chopped ham, cooked bacon, and well-drained crushed pineapple chunks over the cheese. If making multiple pizzas, remember to divide the toppings evenly among them.
Bake to Perfection: Place your topped pizza(s) into the preheated 500°F oven. Bake for 8-10 minutes. Keep a close eye on it; the edges of the crust should be golden brown, and the cheese should be bubbly and slightly browned in spots. The short, high-temperature bake ensures a crispy crust without overcooking the toppings.
Serve and Enjoy: Once baked, carefully remove the pizza from the oven. For best results, let it cool for a minute or two before slicing to allow the cheese to set slightly. Slice, serve hot, and savor your incredible homemade Hawaiian pizza!

NOTE: If making 3 medium pizzas, evenly divide the toppings onto all three pizzas to ensure each one is perfectly balanced in flavor and texture.

Print
Rate
Pin

Hawaiian Pizza with Buttery Thin Crust

Yields: 3 medium pizzas or 1 XL

Author: Alyona’s Cooking

This homemade Hawaiian pizza is made over a buttery thin crust pizza dough and even if you’re not a pineapple pizza fan this pizza dough recipe is one to try! The unique garlic-infused, flaky crust perfectly complements the sweet and savory toppings.

Ingredients

For the Buttery Thin Crust Dough:
1 1/3 cups warm water (105-115°F / 40-46°C)
2 TBSP granulated sugar
1 tsp active dry yeast
1 tsp salt
1 tsp garlic powder
2 sticks unsalted butter cold, shredded or cut into small pieces
4 cups all-purpose flour
For the Hawaiian Toppings:
1 cup marinara sauce (or your favorite pizza sauce)
2 1/2 cups shredded cheese (A mixture of Velveeta Mozzarella shreds and part-skim shredded mozzarella is recommended for best melt and flavor)
15 thinly sliced black forest ham slices chopped into bite-sized pieces
4 slices cooked bacon chopped into crispy bits
1/2 (20oz) can of crushed pineapple chunks, drained (ensure it’s thoroughly drained to prevent a soggy crust)

Instructions

In a large measuring cup or small bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and yeast. Stir gently and allow to sit for 5 minutes until foamy, indicating the yeast is active.
In a large mixing bowl, stir together the salt, garlic powder, and flour. Add the cold, shredded butter to the flour mixture and work it in with your fingers or a pastry blender until crumbly. Pour in the yeast mixture and stir until a shaggy dough forms. Turn onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 4 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place dough in a lightly oiled bowl, turn to coat, cover, and let rest in a warm place for 30 minutes to rise.
Preheat oven to 500° F (260°C). Grease your baking pans. Divide the dough into 3 equal pieces for 3 medium pizzas, or leave whole for one XL pizza. Roll each piece out to a 12-inch circle or one large circle for an XL pizza. Place the dough into the greased baking pans.
Spread marinara sauce over the dough, then top with shredded cheese, chopped ham, cooked bacon, and thoroughly drained crushed pineapple chunks.
Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly and melted.
NOTE: If making 3 medium pizzas, evenly divide the toppings onto all three pizzas for consistent flavor.

Tips for a Perfect Homemade Pizza Every Time

Achieving pizzeria-quality pizza at home is totally possible with a few simple tricks:

High Heat is Your Friend: Pizza loves high heat. A 500°F (260°C) oven ensures a quick bake, which is essential for a crispy crust and perfectly melted cheese without drying out the toppings. If you have a pizza stone, preheat it with the oven for at least 30 minutes before baking for an even crisper bottom crust.
Don’t Overload: While it’s tempting to pile on the toppings, less is often more, especially with a thin crust. Too many toppings can make the pizza soggy and prevent the crust from cooking through properly.
Drain Pineapple Thoroughly: This cannot be stressed enough! Excess moisture from the pineapple is the number one culprit for a soggy Hawaiian pizza. Press it between paper towels if necessary.
Cold Butter for Flakiness: The cold butter in this dough recipe is crucial. It creates steam during baking, separating the dough layers and resulting in that desirable flaky, buttery texture.
Know Your Oven: Every oven is different. Keep a close eye on your pizza, especially during the last few minutes of baking, to prevent burning.
Rest Before Slicing: Let your pizza rest for 1-2 minutes after taking it out of the oven. This allows the cheese to set, preventing all the toppings from sliding off when you cut into it.

Embrace the Joy of Homemade Pizza

Making pizza from scratch is an incredibly rewarding experience. Beyond the delicious outcome, there’s a satisfaction in creating something wonderful with your own hands. Homemade pizza allows for complete control over ingredients, meaning you can choose fresh, high-quality components and tailor it exactly to your preferences. It’s often more economical than ordering takeout, and it’s a fantastic activity to enjoy with family and friends. This buttery thin crust Hawaiian pizza recipe offers a fresh take on a classic, inviting you to rediscover the flavors of pineapple, ham, and bacon on a perfectly crisp and flavorful base.

Whether you’re a long-time Hawaiian pizza enthusiast or a curious newcomer, this recipe is designed to deliver an unforgettable taste experience. The rich, garlicky thin crust provides the ideal foundation, letting the sweet and savory toppings sing in harmony. So gather your ingredients, fire up your oven, and prepare to impress yourself and your loved ones with a homemade Hawaiian pizza that truly stands out. Don’t forget to leave a comment below and let us know how your pizza turned out, or share any creative twists you added!