The Mystery Meat On Hawaiian Pizza: Ham Or Chicken?

does hawaiian pizza have ham or chicken on it

Hawaiian pizza is a divisive topic, with many people expressing strong opinions about whether pineapple belongs on a pizza. However, the classic Hawaiian pizza typically combines pizza sauce, cheese, cooked ham, and pineapple. While ham is the traditional meat topping, some variations include bacon, pepperoni, or even chicken. The combination of sweet pineapple and savoury ham and cheese creates a unique flavour profile that has made Hawaiian pizza a crowd favourite.

Characteristics Values
Type of Meat Ham, Bacon, Chicken
Base Sauce Pizza Sauce, BBQ Sauce
Cheese Mozzarella, Cheddar
Other Toppings Pineapple, Oregano, Basil, Onion, Jalapenos, Papaya, Green Pepper
Origin Canada

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Hawaiian pizza toppings

The classic Hawaiian pizza combines pizza sauce, cheese, cooked ham, and pineapple. This combination of salty and sweet flavours has made it a popular pizza variety. The use of fresh pineapple instead of canned, as well as the addition of bacon, are also common variations. Some recipes suggest using Canadian bacon, which is leaner, or regular bacon crumbles to add flavour and crunch.

Other toppings that can be added to a Hawaiian pizza include sliced onions, oregano or Italian seasoning, and crumbled bacon. Some recipes suggest substituting ham with pepperoni and adding jalapeños for a spicy twist. For those who prefer a traditional red pizza sauce, BBQ sauce can be replaced with a homemade or store-bought alternative.

The origin of Hawaiian pizza is disputed, with some sources claiming it was introduced by Germany's first TV cook, Clemens Wilmenrod, in 1955, while others suggest it originated in Canada. Regardless of its origin, Hawaiian pizza has become a popular and divisive pizza variety worldwide, with many expressing strong opinions about the inclusion of pineapple as a topping.

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Hawaiian pizza's origin

Hawaiian pizza is a pizza that was invented in Canada and is topped with pineapple, tomato sauce, mozzarella cheese, and either ham or bacon. Sam Panopoulos, a Greek-born Canadian, created the first Hawaiian pizza at the Satellite Restaurant in Chatham-Kent, Ontario, Canada, in 1962. Inspired in part by his experience preparing Chinese dishes that commonly mix sweet and sour flavors, Panopoulos experimented with adding pineapple, ham, bacon, and other toppings. These additions were not initially very popular. The addition of pineapple to the traditional mix of tomato sauce and cheese, along with either ham or bacon, later became popular locally and eventually became a staple offering of pizzerias on a global scale. The name of this creation was not directly inspired by the U.S. state of Hawaii but by the brand of canned pineapple Panopoulos and his brothers were using at the time. In a 2017 interview with the BBC, Panopoulos said that he and his brothers enjoyed the contrast between the pineapple's sweetness and the savory flavor of the ham also added to the pizza.

In Germany, Hawaiian pizza is thought to be a variation of the ham, pineapple, and cheese-topped toast, originally introduced by Germany's first TV cook Clemens Wilmenrod in 1955. In 1957, a "Hawaiian Pizza" containing pineapple, papaya, and chopped green pepper, but not ham or bacon, appeared in Portland, Oregon. This is currently the earliest confirmed instance of a pineapple pizza called Hawaiian.

Hawaiian pizza is undoubtedly one of the most polarizing pizzas in history. Many people enjoy the taste, while others vehemently dislike it, possibly due to the sweetness of pineapple paired with salty pizza ingredients. In 2017, the controversy reached a fever pitch when Gudni Thorlacius Johannesson, President of Iceland, joked with school pupils that he would ban pineapple on pizza. This led to Hawaiian pizzas being sent to the Icelandic Embassy in London.

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Other pizza toppings

Hawaiian pizza is traditionally topped with ham, not chicken. However, there are countless other pizza toppings to consider, including other proteins, sauces, vegetables, and finishing flavours.

For those who enjoy meat, pepperoni, pulled pork, prosciutto, spicy sausage, bacon, and crispy tofu are all popular options. If you're feeling particularly adventurous, you could even try a fried egg on your pizza.

For a vegetarian option, mushrooms, artichokes, spinach, and blue cheese are delicious additions. For a lighter pizza, a salad topping with lettuce, spring onion, and broccoli can be a tasty choice.

When it comes to sauces, a final drizzle can elevate your pizza. Barbecue sauce, chilli oil, peri peri, pesto, and hot honey are all unique and flavourful options.

Lastly, a few finishing flavours can really make your pizza stand out. Fresh herbs like basil, oregano, thyme, and chives can add a punch of colour and fragrance. A drizzle of flavoured olive oil, such as lemon or basil olive oil, can also be a wonderful touch.

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Pizza dough

Hawaiian pizza typically includes ham, not chicken, as one of its toppings. However, some people do add sliced cooked chicken to their Hawaiian pizza.

Now, on to the pizza dough!

Ingredients

Process

The process of making pizza dough is quite simple and can be done by hand or with a stand mixer. Start by combining the flour, instant yeast, sugar, and salt in a large bowl. If desired, add garlic powder and dried basil at this point as well. Gradually add water and stir until the dough forms a cohesive, elastic ball. The dough will still be slightly sticky, but it should be manageable with your hands.

Once the dough is formed, drizzle a separate bowl with olive oil and use a pastry brush to coat the sides. Lightly dust your hands with flour and form the dough into a round ball, then place it in the oiled bowl. Roll the dough around the bowl until it is coated in olive oil, then cover the bowl tightly and place it in a warm place. Allow the dough to rise for about 30 minutes to 90 minutes, or until doubled in size.

Shaping and Baking

After the dough has risen, you can shape it into your desired crust thickness and width. You can use a rolling pin or your hands to flatten and stretch the dough. If you want a thicker crust, you can fold over the edges. Before adding any toppings, brush the dough with olive oil to prevent the crust from tasting soggy. Prick the dough all over with a fork to prevent hot air bubbles from forming while it bakes.

Finally, add your favorite toppings and bake in a preheated oven at 425°F for about 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and the crust is golden brown. If you add a lot of toppings, you may need to increase the baking time.

And that's it! You now have a delicious, homemade pizza with a perfect crust, ready to be enjoyed.

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Storing leftover pizza

To store leftover pizza, transfer the slices to an airtight container or resealable plastic bag. Label the container with the date and store it in the refrigerator for up to four days. This will prevent the pizza from absorbing ambient moisture and picking up smells from the fridge.

If you want to keep the pizza for longer, you can freeze it. Wrap each slice securely to prevent freezer burn and place them in a freezer-safe bag. Frozen pizza will stay good for up to two months.

When reheating leftover pizza, you can use a microwave or cover it with aluminum foil and bake it in the oven until warmed.

Frequently asked questions

A Hawaiian pizza typically includes pizza sauce, cheese, ham, and pineapple. Some recipes also include bacon, pepperoni, or chicken.

Hawaiian pizza typically includes ham. However, some recipes suggest adding sliced cooked chicken as an additional topping.

Hawaiian pizza is thought to have originated in Canada, not Hawaii. It was reportedly inspired by a ham, pineapple, and cheese-topped dish called "toast Hawaii", which was introduced by Germany's first TV cook, Clemens Wilmenrod, in 1955.

The type of ham used in a Hawaiian pizza is a matter of personal preference. Some popular options include deli ham, Canadian bacon, and smoked ham.

Yes, you can use chicken instead of ham or in addition to it. Hawaiian pizza is a versatile dish that can be customized according to your preferences.

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