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Pizza 6: Pan-fried Hawaiian Pizza

This pan-fried Hawaiian pizza offers a delicious twist on a controversial classic, combining the salty crunch of crispy ham with the sweet burst of golden pineapple. By using a frying pan to sear the dough before finishing it under the grill, you achieve a thick, pillowy base with a perfectly crisp underside that rivals any stone-baked version. It is a vibrant, textured dish that brings a hint of tropical flair to your kitchen, making it a reliable favourite for those who enjoy the savoury and sweet combination.

As a high-protein option, this recipe is an excellent choice for a filling post-workout meal or a satisfying weekend lunch. Using fresh mozzarella and shop-bought or homemade dough keeps the preparation simple while ensuring a high-quality finish. Serve it hot from the pan with a scatter of fresh basil to balance the richness of the melted cheese and the sweetness of the caramelised fruit.

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Ingredients for Pizza 6: Pan-fried Hawaiian Pizza

  • Olive oil, for frying and brushing

  • 110g ham or prosciutto, chopped

  • 30g ball homemade pizza dough or your favourite store-bought variety, split into 60g balls

  • 240ml pizza sauce or your favourite store-bought variety

  • 30g ball fresh mozzarella, thinly sliced

  • 1 1/2 cups pineapple cubes

  • 4 or 5 fresh basil leaves, shredded

Preheat the grill.

Add a little oil to a medium cast-iron pan and fry the ham over medium-low heat until it's a little brown and crispy, about 3 minutes. Set aside.

Roll each pizza dough half into circles the size of your cast-iron pan. The dough will probably be slightly thicker than what you're used to.

Heat the pan to medium and add about 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Add 1 piece of the rolled-out dough. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes, until the dough is bubbly on top and browned underneath. Flip, add half of the sauce, half of the mozzarella, half of the ham, and half of the pineapple. Cook another 2 minutes, until the bottom is cooked, then slip under the grill for 2 to 3 minutes, until the cheese looks bubbly and the pineapple is slightly caramelized. Top with basil. Remove the pizza from the pan, and repeat with the other piece of dough.

Disclaimer

While every effort has been made to ensure the information is accurate and up to date, individual needs may vary and dietary requirements can differ based on personal health conditions. Always check food labels and allergen information before preparing or consuming any recipe. If you have specific health concerns, allergies, intolerances, or are following a medically prescribed diet, seek advice from your GP, pharmacist, or a registered dietitian before making significant changes to your diet or lifestyle.

Article history

The information on this page is peer reviewed by qualified clinicians.

  • 28 Jan 2026 | Originally published

    Authored by:

    UK recipe editors

    Peer reviewed by

    UK recipe editors
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