Hawaiian pizza may be the most argued-about pizza in the world. It was also one of the dishes Umbria Gourmet Pizzeria highlighted by name: the Hawaiian Sensation. Here is where the pie came from, why the flavors work, and how to make one that wins over skeptics.
Where Hawaiian pizza came from (hint: not Hawaii)
Hawaiian pizza was created in Canada. Sam Panopoulos, a Greek-born restaurant owner in Chatham, Ontario, is generally credited with putting canned pineapple and ham on a pizza in the early 1960s. Sweet-and-sour dishes were popular at the time, and the name came from the brand of canned pineapple, not from any Hawaiian tradition.
Why ham and pineapple work
The combination works because of contrast:
- Salt and sweet: cured ham is salty and pineapple is sweet. Each makes the other taste more pronounced.
- Fat and acid: pineapple’s acidity cuts through melted mozzarella the way a squeeze of lemon lightens a rich dish.
- Soft and juicy: caramelized pineapple adds moisture and chew next to the crisp crust.
How to build a gourmet Hawaiian pizza
- Drain and dry the pineapple. Canned tidbits hold a lot of juice. Pat them dry, or better, roast fresh pineapple chunks for 10 minutes first so they caramelize.
- Upgrade the ham. Swap deli ham for smoked ham, Canadian bacon or thin strips of prosciutto added after the bake.
- Add heat. Sliced jalapeño, red pepper flakes or a drizzle of hot honey balance the sweetness.
- Use a sharp cheese blend. Mozzarella with a little provolone or smoked gouda adds depth.
- Finish fresh. Thin red onion or chopped cilantro after baking keeps it bright.
Popular Hawaiian pizza variations
| Variation | What changes |
|---|---|
| Spicy Hawaiian | Jalapeño or chili flakes; sometimes hot honey |
| BBQ Hawaiian | BBQ sauce base plus chicken or bacon |
| Prosciutto & pineapple | Prosciutto added after the bake for a gourmet touch |
| Vegan Hawaiian | Dairy-free cheese and smoked tofu or plant-based ham; see our vegan pizza guide |
Which crust suits Hawaiian pizza?
Because pineapple is wet, a sturdier crust helps. Hand-tossed or pan styles hold up better than very thin crusts. See our pizza crust styles guide for how each one handles heavy toppings.
Frequently asked questions
Who invented Hawaiian pizza?
Sam Panopoulos, a restaurant owner in Chatham, Ontario, Canada, is generally credited with inventing it in the early 1960s.
Should pineapple go on pizza?
It is a matter of taste, but the salty-sweet contrast with ham is a classic flavor pairing, and Hawaiian remains one of the most-ordered pizzas in North America.
How do I stop Hawaiian pizza from getting soggy?
Drain and pat the pineapple dry, or roast it first, and use a medium or thick crust.
This guide is published by the team preserving the Umbria Gourmet Pizzeria website. Umbria Gourmet Pizzeria at 521 W 98th St, Bloomington, MN has permanently closed; this page offers general food information and is not an offer to order.
