spicy Hawaiian pizza
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Spicy Hawaiian Pizza Recipe

Spicy Hawaiian pizza is a variation of the traditional Hawaiian pizza, with the addition of spicy toppings for those who enjoy a little more heat in their food. The spiciness adds an extra kick of flavor and heat to the sweet and savory combination of this pizza. 

Ingredients & Substitutions for Spicy Hawaiian Pizza

  • Pizza Dough:  For this pizza I used a homemade dough (see recipe card for details) which I feel gives the best flavor.  If you prefer you can use premade dough.
  • Pizza Sauce:  You can use either homemade or store-bought sauce for this pizza.  I like this one, but whatever is your favorite will work just fine.
  • Mozzarella Cheese:  Freshly shredded mozzarella cheese will give you the best flavor and melt-i-ness; however, you can use pre-shredded if you are in a hurry.
  • Pineapple Rings:  I like the look of the rings on the pizza.  Chopped or diced pineapple would be fine if you prefer smaller pieces on your pizza.
  • Red bell pepper
  • Red onion
  • Roasted Jalapeno Rings:  I used freshly roasted jalapeno rings.  Here are tips on 6 easy ways to roast jalapenos.  If you prefer, you can substitute pickled jalapeno slices.
  • Crumbled bacon:  Crumbled bacon or diced ham is traditional on Hawaiian pizza.  If you want to keep the recipe vegetarian-friendly, you can use soy bacon.
  • Crushed Red Pepper Flakes
  • Colby Jack Cheese:  Again, freshly shredded cheese works best; however, pre-shredded can be substituted.
  • Habanero Hot Sauce:  An optional topping, but optimal if you want the maximum heat from your Spicy Hawaiian Pizza.
spicy Hawaiian pizza

How to Make Spicy Hawaiian Pizza Recipe

  • Heat & Prepare:  Heat the oven to 450 and line a baking sheet with a sprinkling of cornmeal.  If you prefer you can use parchment paper but I love the texture the cornmeal gives to the crust.
  • Dough:  Roll out the dough and place on the prepared baking sheet.  This can be circle, oval, rectangle or whatever shape you prefer.  Pierce all over with a fork and rub with olive oil.  This will give a nice crispy exterior to your dough while allowing a pillow-y interior.
  • Sauce & Cheese:  Spread the pizza sauce all over the crust leaving a small border for crust.  Sprinkle all over with the mozzarella cheese.
  • Top:  Add the pineapple rings, red bell peppers, red onions, jalapeno rings, crushed red pepper flakes and crumbled bacon (or ham if you prefer).  Finally, top with the colby jack cheese.
  • Bake:  Bake for 15-19 minutes until the cheese is melted and the crust is cooked through.
  • Hot Sauce:  If you want to add the habanero hot sauce, do so after the pizza has cooked and serve immediately.

Can you substitute premade pizza dough for the homemade dough?

Yes, while I really love the crust in this recipe and find it very easy to make, you could easily substitute premade pizza dough if that is your preference.  The one caveat is that I find premade dough sometimes cooks faster so, if you do substitute, be sure to check on your pizza earlier to ensure it does not get over cooked.

spicy Hawaiian pizza

What pineapple can I use for Spicy Hawaiian Pizza?

I used pineapple rings; however diced or chopped pineapple would also be perfect.  You can even use fresh pineapple if you prefer.  

For best results, I recommend placing the pineapple in a colander to drain and then placing on some paper towels to remove any excess moisture.  While optional, this will ensure that your pizza does not risk getting soggy.

What makes this Spicy Hawaiian Pizza Spicy?

That really is the point isn’t it!  We have added several elements of heat to this recipe.  You can use all for HOT, some for Sorta-hot or just a bit for a kiss of heat.  Here are your hot elements in this pizza:

  • Crushed Red Pepper Flakes:  This pizza staple is always a crowd pleaser and it is so easy to adjust the amount you use, you can even easily add more at the table.
  • Roasted Jalapeno Rings:  I really enjoy the flavor of the roasted jalapenos; however, pickled or fresh jalapeno rings would also be an option.
  • Habanero Hot Sauce:  I really enjoy the sweet heat of this type of hot sauce.  If you prefer you could easily substitute your favorite hot sauce.

Remember that the level of heat can be totally adjusted to your preference by omitting some items or adding more (or less) of any of the ingredients.

spicy Hawaiian pizza

Ingredients in the easy Pizza Dough Recipe?

  • Water
  • Active Dry Yeast:  For this recipe, I really prefer active dry yeast to instant yeast as it yields a much better crust texture with a crispy exterior and pillow-y texture.
  • Sugar
  • Olive Oil
  • Garlic Powder
  • Bread Flour:  I like to use bread flour in this recipe as it yields a crispier final crust, if you prefer a softer overall crust, you could substitute all purpose flour.
  • Cornmeal:  I really prefer dusting the baking sheet with cornmeal as I like the texture it gives the bottom of the crust.  If you prefer you could omit this and use parchment paper.

How to Make the Spicy Hawaiian Pizza Dough:

Combine the warm water, yeast and sugar in a large bowl.  Let rest until the yeast becomes foamy, 5-10 minutes.

Stir in the olive oil, garlic powder and bread flour.  Knead the dough for five minutes until smooth and elastic (sprinkle with additional flour if the dough becomes too sticky to work with).  Cover and set in a warm place to rise for 45 minutes.

Roll out the dough into a large circle, oval or rectangle.  If the dough is too sticky, sprinkle with some additional flour.

Notes on the Pizza Dough:

It is important to knead the dough the full five minutes to ensure the gluten is fully activated and the dough is smooth.

If your room is cold, place the dough in a bowl and place in the microwave.  Heat for 15 seconds and allow to rise in the microwave.  This will give the dough a warm environment to rise in.

How to Store Leftover Homemade Spicy Hawaiian Pizza:

  1. Let the pizza cool down: It’s important to let the pizza cool down to room temperature before storing it. This will help prevent moisture buildup, which can cause the crust to become soggy.
  2. Slice the pizza: Slice the pizza into individual portions or slices to make it easier to store and reheat.
  3. Wrap the pizza: Wrap each slice or portion in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Make sure the wrap is tightly sealed to prevent air and moisture from getting in.
  4. Store in the refrigerator: Place the wrapped pizza slices or portions in an airtight container or resealable plastic bag, and store them in the refrigerator. The pizza should be consumed within 3-4 days.
  5. Reheat before eating: When you’re ready to eat the leftover pizza, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and place the slices on a baking sheet. Heat the pizza for 10-12 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the crust is crispy. Alternatively, you can reheat the pizza in the microwave or on the stovetop, but the crust may not be as crispy.

Some of our other AMAZING pizza recipes:

  • Spanakopita Pizza:  This creamy spinach pizza has all the flavors you love in spanakopita without all the hassle of making it.  Spinach, dill, feta, parsley and a creamy sauce all go on to make this delectable pizza.
  • Air Fryer Tortilla Pizza:  This Air Fryer Tortilla Pizza is so easy to make. Crispy crust, light sauce and whatever toppings you prefer, all ready in mere minutes makes this the perfect light meal, afternoon snack or easy lunch.
  • School Pizza:  The nostalgia is real with this one.  Recall your former school days with this easy copycat recipe.
  • California Pizza Kitchen Copycat:  This club pizza is an easy restaurant dupe that is so easy to make at home!
spicy Hawaiian pizza

Spicy Hawaiian Pizza

Anne
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4

Ingredients
  

For the dough:

  • ¾ cup warm water
  • 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast
  • 1 ½ teaspoons sugar
  • 2 Tablespoons olive oil
  • ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
  • 2 cups bread flour plus extra for sprinkling if needed
  • Cornmeal or parchment optional

For the Pizza:

  • ½ cup Pizza Sauce
  • 8 ounces freshly shredded Mozzarella Cheese
  • 3-6 Pineapple Rings
  • ½ Red bell Pepper diced
  • ¼ Red Onion diced
  • cup Roasted Jalapeno Rings
  • 3-4 slices Crumbled Bacon
  • Pinch Crushed Red Pepper Flakes to taste
  • ½ cup shredded Colby Jack Cheese
  • Habanero Hot Sauce optional to top

Instructions
 

For the dough:

  • Combine the warm water, yeast and sugar in a large bowl. Let rest until the yeast becomes foamy, 5-10 minutes.
  • Stir in the olive oil, garlic powder and bread flour. Knead the dough for five minutes until smooth and elastic (sprinkle with additional flour if the dough becomes too sticky to work with). Cover and set in a warm place to rise for 45 minutes.
  • Roll out the dough into a large circle, oval or rectangle. If the dough is too sticky, sprinkle with some additional flour.

To make the pizza:

  • Heat the oven to 450 degrees.
  • Poke the spread out dough all over with a fork. Rub olive oil over the entire crust.
  • Spread the pizza with the sauce and then sprinkle with the mozzarella cheese.
  • Top with the pineapple rings, red bell peppers, red onions, jalapeno rings, crushed red pepper flakes and crumbled bacon.
  • Finally, add the colby jack cheese over the top.
  • Bake for 15-19 minutes until the cheese is melted and the crust is cooked through.
  • Top with the habanero hot sauce if using and serve!

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