Pineapple Pizza: The Perfect Cheese Pairings

Pineapple on pizza is a divisive topic, but if you're a fan of the sweet and savoury combination, you'll want to know which cheese to pair it with. The most popular choice seems to be mozzarella, which is known for its excellent melting properties and ability to lock in the other toppings. However, some people prefer to use an Italian blend of cheeses, or even a combination of mozzarella with another cheese such as cheddar or Monterey Jack.

Mozzarella cheese

When selecting mozzarella for your pineapple pizza, opt for fresh mozzarella cheese and shred it yourself. Pre-shredded cheese often has an anti-caking coating that can affect its melting properties. Freshly shredded mozzarella will give you the best melt and create a cohesive, stringy texture that is desirable in a pizza cheese.

The amount of mozzarella cheese you use on your pineapple pizza will depend on your personal preference for cheese pull and flavour. A standard amount is usually around 1.5 to 2 cups of shredded mozzarella per 12-inch pizza. However, you can adjust this quantity to suit your taste.

To ensure the best flavour and texture, it is important to properly store and prepare your mozzarella cheese. Keep it refrigerated until ready to use, and allow it to come to room temperature before shredding. Fresh mozzarella is perishable, so be sure to use it within a few days of purchase.

When assembling your pineapple pizza, start by spreading your desired amount of pizza sauce evenly over the dough. Then, sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese on top, followed by your choice of ham, Canadian bacon, or crispy bacon crumbles, and finally, the pineapple chunks.

For optimal cooking, bake your pineapple pizza at a high temperature, typically around 450°F to 500°F, for about 12 to 15 minutes. This will ensure a crispy crust and help prevent a soggy texture from the pineapple. The high heat will also promote the ideal melting of the mozzarella cheese, creating a gooey, stretchy texture that is characteristic of a delicious pineapple pizza.

Fresh pineapple vs canned pineapple

While some people enjoy pineapple on their pizza, others are not so keen. For those who do like pineapple on their pizza, there is an ongoing debate about whether fresh or canned pineapple is best. Here are some of the pros and cons of each.

Fresh Pineapple

Fresh pineapple is a popular choice for those who want to avoid canned food or prefer the taste of fresh fruit. It can add a touch of freshness to a pizza with no artificial flavours. However, fresh pineapple can be harder to prepare as it needs to be cut and cored, and it can be difficult to find a ripe pineapple with the perfect texture. Fresh pineapple also contains enzymes that can prevent pizza toppings from setting and may cause the pizza to become soggy. To avoid this, it is important to pat the pineapple chunks dry before adding them to the pizza.

Canned Pineapple

Canned pineapple is convenient and saves time on food preparation. It also tends to have a more consistent flavour than fresh pineapple. Canned pineapple is already cut into perfect rings or chunks, and it is less likely to burn in the oven. However, some people may find the taste of canned pineapple less appealing, describing it as "cardboard" or "nasty". Canned pineapple can also be too sweet, especially if it is packed in light syrup.

Both fresh and canned pineapple have their advantages and disadvantages when it comes to putting pineapple on a pizza. Ultimately, the choice between fresh and canned pineapple may come down to personal preference, convenience, and the desired flavour profile of the pizza.

Canadian bacon

When making a Hawaiian pizza, it is recommended to use fresh pineapple, as it tastes fresher and better than canned or frozen pineapple. However, if using canned pineapple, be sure to drain the juices well to prevent a soggy crust. The pineapple should be cut into bite-sized chunks or diced, and patted dry to remove any excess moisture.

In addition to Canadian bacon and pineapple, other toppings for a Hawaiian pizza may include crispy bacon crumbles, sliced cooked chicken, fresh basil, sliced onions, and jalapeños. The type of cheese used is typically mozzarella, as it melts well and locks in the other toppings.

To prevent a soggy crust, it is important to preheat the oven to a high temperature, typically between 450-500°F. This helps to evaporate any excess moisture and ensures a crunchy crust. Greasing the baking sheet with oil and cornmeal can also add extra crunch.

Crispy bacon

While pineapple on pizza is a controversial topic, Hawaiian pizza is a combination of pineapple, cheese, and ham that results in a sweet, salty, and cheesy bite. This crowd-pleasing pizza can be made even better with the addition of crispy bacon, which adds a crunchy texture and savoury flavour to the mix.

Choosing the Right Bacon

For your Hawaiian pizza, you can use either regular bacon or Canadian bacon, depending on your preference. Canadian bacon has a similar taste and texture to regular bacon, but it is a bit leaner. If you want to enhance the flavour and texture of your pizza, cook the bacon until it is crispy and then crumble it into small pieces. This will ensure that each bite of pizza has a satisfying crunch.

Preparing the Bacon

To prepare the bacon for your pizza, start by cooking it in a skillet or frying pan until it is crispy. Drain the excess oil, and then crumble the bacon into small pieces. You can also use pre-cooked bacon crumbles as a convenient alternative.

Amount of Bacon to Use

The amount of bacon you use will depend on your personal preference and the size of your pizza. For a standard 12-inch pizza, you will likely want to use around 3-4 slices of bacon. This will provide a good balance of flavour and texture without overwhelming the other ingredients.

Adding Bacon to the Pizza

When assembling your Hawaiian pizza, start by preparing your pizza dough and adding the sauce and cheese. Then, sprinkle on the ham, pineapple, and crispy bacon crumbles. This will ensure that the bacon is evenly distributed throughout the pizza.

Baking the Pizza

Bake your Hawaiian pizza in a preheated oven at a high temperature, typically around 450-475°F. The baking time will depend on the thickness of your crust and the amount of toppings, but it usually takes around 12-15 minutes for the pizza to be fully cooked. Keep an eye on the pizza to ensure that the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly.

Pizza sauce

While the classic combination of pineapple, ham, and cheese is well-known, the sauce is what can make or break a pizza. Here are some tips and tricks for making the perfect pizza sauce to complement the sweet and savoury flavours of your pineapple pizza.

Firstly, you can opt for a store-bought pizza sauce, which is a convenient option that can save time and effort. However, if you're feeling adventurous or want to elevate your pizza game, making your own sauce from scratch is the way to go.

For a traditional tomato-based sauce, you'll need:

• Tomato passata or crushed tomatoes
• Onion
• Garlic
• Basil
• Oregano
• Salt and pepper
• Olive oil

Simply sauté some finely chopped onion and garlic in olive oil until translucent. Then, add your tomatoes and let the mixture simmer for about 20 minutes. Season with salt and pepper, and add some basil and oregano to taste. You can blend the sauce for a smoother consistency if desired.

If you want to get creative, you can experiment with different herbs and spices like red pepper flakes, thyme, or rosemary. You can also try adding a hint of sweetness to complement the pineapple by incorporating a touch of honey or brown sugar.

For a truly unique twist, you can even forgo the traditional tomato sauce and opt for a white sauce or a pesto base. A creamy garlic parmesan sauce or a basil pesto can add an unexpected flavour profile to your pineapple pizza.

Remember, the key to a great pizza sauce is balancing the flavours and ensuring it doesn't overpower the toppings. So, whether you go with a classic red sauce, a white sauce, or something entirely different, always taste and adjust as needed.

Now you're ready to create a delicious pineapple pizza with a sauce that shines!

Frequently asked questions