Demystifying the History and Naming Behind the Ham and Pineapple Pizza

Pineapple and ham is one of the most divisive pizza topping combinations out there. Supporters love the sweet and salty interplay, while detractors find fruit on pizza an abomination. But what is this controversial pizza actually called? The history behind its origins and naming provides some clues.

This beloved and maligned pizza is most commonly referred to as Hawaiian pizza. But you may also see it called pineapple pizza or pineapple and ham pizza So which is the proper name for this culinary curiosity? Let’s unravel the history and naming conventions behind the ham and pineapple topped pie

The Origins of Pineapple Pizza

Pineapple pizza was invented in 1962 by Greek-Canadian restaurateur Sam Panopoulos. At his Satellite Restaurant in Chatham, Ontario, Panopoulos had the idea to add canned pineapple to a pizza. Canned Hawaiian pineapple was a new phenomenon in Canada at the time.

Seeking to capture this exotic island flair, Panopoulos dubbed his creation “Hawaiian pizza.” This nod to Hawaii stuck as the name, even though the dish contains no specific Hawaiian ingredients except pineapple. Ham and bacon were also common additions.

Fun fact: Pineapple pizza originated in Canada, not Hawaii! Hawaii’s contribution was just lending its name and pineapple association.

Why “Hawaiian Pizza” Is the Most Common Name

Thanks to its inventor Sam Panopoulos, this pizza variety became known as Hawaiian pizza from the start.

The name quickly spread as Hawaiian pizza grew popular in the 1960s and 70s. Pizzerias internationally picked up on the Hawaiian moniker and permanence.

So while ham and pineapple pizza was born in Canada, Hawaii gave it a convenient namesake that conjured up tropical flavors. The Hawaiian branding remains the most popular and recognized name for this pizza style today.

Other Common Names for Pineapple Pizza

While Hawaiian is the name with historical precedent, you’ll also see other titles used for this pizza:

Pineapple pizza – Directly describes the defining ingredient
Pineapple and ham pizza (or ham and pineapple pizza) – Accurately states the traditional toppings
Canadian pizza – Nods to its true country of origin
Greek pizza – References the nationality of its inventor, Sam Panopoulos

So while Hawaiian pizza is the accepted name, feel free to also refer to it as pineapple pizza or pineapple and ham pizza. Any pizza lover will recognize what tasty combo you’re talking about.

Using the Right Name Depends on Your Audience

When talking about this controversial pizza, consider your audience in choosing what to call it:

Hawaiian pizza – The most universally recognized name.
Pineapple pizza – Clear descriptor if pineapple is emphasized.
Canadian pizza – Use if educating on its nationality.
Greek pizza – Credits the inventor’s heritage.
Pineapple and ham pizza – Very exact if you want to specify the toppings.

With both familiar and precise options, you can pick the name for this pizza that suits the situation.

The Pizza’s Name Continues to Evolve

While Hawaiian pizza is the accepted title, some interesting new names have cropped up:

Canadian Hawaiian pizza – Combines the pizza’s origins and branding.
Greek Hawaiian pizza – Credits Panopoulos’ nationality and branding.
Tropical pizza – Evokes the flavors without referencing Hawaii.
Island pizza – Another way to allude to tropical tones.
Aussie pizza – Reference to its popularity in Australia.

So don’t be surprised if you hear this classic pizza called by creative new monikers. The name will likely continue evolving just as pizza toppings do!

Does the Name Really Matter?

Some pizza traditionalists insist there’s only one way to make a pie and only one name to call it. But when it comes to pizza, creativity reigns.

As long as the essential ingredients are present in the right proportions, you can name this controversial flavor pairing whatever you wish.

Call it Hawaiian pizza, pineapple pizza, or pineapple and Canadian bacon pizza – it’s still the same recipe we’re talking about.

Key Features that Define This Pizza

More important than what we call it is how we make it. There are a few key features that identify this pizza:

Pizza crust (thin or thick) as the base
Tomato/pizza sauce
Mozzarella cheese
Cooked ham or Canadian bacon
Pineapple chunks or rings

As long as your pizza includes these elements, you can consider it a Hawaiian pizza no matter what name you use. Now let’s explore some tips for making it.

Tips for Crafting the Perfect Pineapple Pizza

With the pizza’s history and naming dissected, let’s get down to the good part – eating it! Here are some tips for making the best ham and pineapple pizza:

Use fresh, not canned, pineapple. It has more flavor and moisture.
Drain canned pineapple well so the pizza isn’t soggy.
Toss pineapple chunks with a little flour to prevent excessive juice seepage.
Cook the Canadian bacon or ham first as the pineapple will release moisture.
Add a drizzle of barbecue sauce for extra tang.
Sprinkle on a little red chili pepper for a kick.
Add crispy bacon pieces for crunch and smokiness.
Use mozzarella cheese or a mozzarella/cheddar blend.

The next time you bake this controversial pizza, consider trying out a new tropical name for it. But most importantly, load it up with plenty of cheese, juicy pineapple, and smoky pork. Whatever name you know it by, this bold pizza combination is here to stay.

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Ham and pineapple pizza is good, add pickled jalapeños and youll never go back!

A lot of people don’t like fruit on pizza, especially this kind, but it’s one of my favorites. We like to use prosciutto as the ham when we make this style pizza. If you are using fresh pineapple, use a pineapple corer to remove the core. Save the hollow pineapple for a party where you can serve mai tais or another tropical drink.

This is even better when you roast the pineapple with red pepper flakes on top before putting it on the pizza.

Cutting the pineapple in half lengthwise is an easy way to get it ready after you’ve taken off the skin. Cut each half, lengthwise, into about 6 or so tall wedges. Slice the tough core out of each wedge, and then cut the cored wedges crosswise into small pieces.

Instead of mozzarella cheese, I sub in dollops of cream cheese.

Yum!! But if you really want to gild the lily, you must add some bacon.

Canada has practically fought a civil war over the issue of pineapple on pizza. I’m not sure. I like it best when the chunks are small and there aren’t too many of them, and the ham is top-notch. The pineapple should be like a grace note in every bite, not a honking big mouthful of fruit. (For instance, the picture of the pizza looks great, but the pineapple chunks should be half as big.) ).

I agree with the posters who say cubed ham is to be avoided for a good Hawaiian pizza. I get thinly smoked pork loin from a local shop and slice it into ribbons. The addition of the smoky flavour really enhances the pineapple flavour. Some hot chili flakes dont go amiss either.

Lets get really weird and drizzled some spicy honey on top.

Vic the New Zealander adds sharp tasty cheddar and is applauded by me across the ditch. Vic you’ve sent me on a reminisce . winter nights are coming. ham cheese pineapple open grills on toast ( usually cut in 3 fingers) with a hot chocolate.

My husband and I prefer Hawaiian pizza. He uses garlic oil with garlic (“white sauce”) as the base, then adds the mozzarella and fresh pineapple. We enjoy both ham and Canadian bacon for the pork. Red peppers. Then the coup de grâce: a sprinkle of feta cheese!.

I use barbecue sauce instead of tomato sauce. Yum!

We are firmly pro-Hawaiian pizza here. However, I will not put a fresh pineapple on a pizza if I go to the trouble of cutting it up. Canned pineapple was made for this, and the juice is great for drinks or teriyaki.

I made Mr. Kim’s roasted ham and pineapple for Easter and then the pizza with leftovers. It was great in the outside pizza oven which blasted the ham and fruit to a smokey char. I liked the red pepper and should have put on more. I will definitely try the hot honey drizzle next. Certainly in the rotation for pizza night!.

There are great variations with tuna or chicken as well. I like them all, and I don’t get the argument about it, even though it was made 50 years ago. AND: in Italy they put hot dog sausage on pizza while bragging about their pizza 24/7. Hot dog sausage. It is really popular. So just live your life and enjoy your food. ;).

Try pineapple and pepperoni instead. Spicier and better mouthfeel.

Before baking, try topping the pizza with sliced almonds, pine nuts, or a little red onion. YUM! Live a little. Go out on a limb and try it. Back in the day, Pizza- Pizza in TO did have almonds as a pizza ingredient option,.

Tomato sauce pineapple from a can pepperoni and little slivers of ham ALL.THE.WAY

Lets get really weird and drizzled some spicy honey on top.

It’s too bad they didn’t call it Hawaiian pizza; I love it. But I would never, ever use cubed ham. Cubed ham is probably the worst meat there is. Use a good sliced ham and itll eat more like peperoni and less like salty gummy bears.

Shrimp. Go. All. The.way.

Yum!! But if you really want to gild the lily, you must add some bacon.

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Hawaiian Pizza Recipe – Pineapple and Ham Pizza!

FAQ

What is another name for Hawaiian pizza?

Hawaiian pizza — also known as ham and pineapple pizza — is a fan favourite all around the world. But who was it that first made the daring move to put a zippy, sweet tropical fruit on top of a saucy, savoury pizza? Sam Panopoulos was the man behind the much-loved pineapple pizza.

Why is it called Hawaiian style pizza?

When Panopoulos developed the controversial pie, Hawaii was a major producer of the world’s pineapples, and the state had a reputation for producing the best, most flavorful fruit. Panopoulos named the pizza after the brand of canned pineapple he used: Hawaiian.

Does ham and pineapple belong on pizza?

Depending on which side of the divide you stand, a classic dish, or a culinary crime, was born. Few foods divide as dramatically as ham and pineapple pizza. In many parts of the US, UK and Australasia, few pizza menus seem complete without it. In Italy, however, the pairing is widely considered an abomination.

Does Domino’s have a pineapple and ham pizza?

Ham is a delectable addition to almost any pizza, but the most popular combination might be on Domino’s Honolulu Hawaiian pizza: tangy pineapple and savory ham.

Who invented pineapple ham pizza?

David Malosh for The New York Times. Food Stylist: Simon Andrews. Pineapple ham pizza, sometimes referred to as Hawaiian pizza, was reportedly named after a brand of canned fruit, Hawaiian Pineapple Company. Sam Panopoulos, a Greek immigrant in Canada, used that fruit to create the ambrosial combination in 1962.

Is pineapple pizza healthy?

Pineapples are low in calories but boast an impressive nutrient profile. 1 cup (165 grams) of pineapple chunks contains 83 calories, 21.6 grams carbs, 2.3 grams fiber, 1 grams protein. Pineapples also contain trace amounts of phosphorus, zinc, calcium, and vitamins A and K. Adding pineapple to your pizza will complete the package by adding the fruit. This fruit is packed with vitamin C as well as other minerals. It aids digestion and is a great way to satisfy that sweet tooth. While many people love the savory flavor of pizzas, there are those that love sweet and savory combinations.

Was Ham and pineapple pizza a coincidence?

Sam insisted that the controversial pineapple and ham combination was a coincidence due to the limitations of pizza toppings. Others are a little more skeptical of his inspiration. The Greek immigrant has always claimed to be the inventor of pineapple pizza. However, others aren’t convinced.

How much dough does a 12 inch pineapple & ham pizza need?

It’s time to shake up your pizza nights with a sweet twist! My pizza dough recipe yields about 2 pounds of dough, which is enough for two 12-inch pizzas. Toppings listed below are enough for one 12-inch pineapple & ham pizza. Freeze the rest of the pizza dough for another time, or make two pizzas by doubling the topping ingredients.