Welcome to a world where culinary convenience meets exotic flavor! This French Bread Hawaiian Pizza offers a delightful twist on a classic, transforming simple ingredients into a quick, satisfying meal. Featuring savory ham, crispy bacon, sweet pineapple, and a generous layer of melted cheese, all baked to perfection on a crusty loaf of French bread, it’s an effortless way to bring a taste of the tropics to your dinner table. Ideal for using up leftover ham or when you’re craving a gourmet pizza experience without the fuss of homemade dough, this recipe promises delicious results in under 30 minutes.
French bread pizza isn’t just an easy dinner; it’s a canvas for culinary creativity. Its simplicity makes it a family favorite, perfect for busy weeknights or impromptu gatherings. If you love experimenting with unique flavor combinations, you might also enjoy our French Bread Pizza with Sausage and Portobello Mushrooms for an earthy, savory option, or perhaps embark on a flavor adventure with this Taco French Bread Pizza. Each variation offers a fresh perspective on what a speedy pizza night can be, proving that gourmet doesn’t have to mean complicated.
Some flavor combinations are so universally appealing that once you discover them, they become staples. For me, the irresistible blend of sweet and savory found in Hawaiian pizza is one such profile. It’s a culinary love affair that transcends the traditional pizza pie, influencing a host of other exciting dishes in my kitchen.
My culinary journey often leads to delightful obsessions. Remember the red velvet craze? Years ago, I started crafting various red velvet recipes on Taste and Tell, a passion that eventually blossomed into writing an entire cookbook on the subject. That same dedication to a beloved flavor profile now extends to the vibrant, tropical notes of Hawaiian cuisine, especially the iconic Hawaiian pizza.
It’s no secret in our household that Hawaiian pizza reigns supreme. When we order takeout, it’s almost always my husband’s first choice, and I’m certainly not complaining! The delightful interplay of salty ham, crisp bacon, and sweet, juicy pineapple with melted cheese is simply addictive. What truly excites me is the versatility of these flavors. They aren’t confined to a classic pizza crust; they transform beautifully into a variety of dishes, such as our comforting Hawaiian One Pan Pasta, festive Hawaiian Hot Dogs, and even flavorful Hawaiian Tacos. Each recipe brings a fresh, tropical twist to everyday meals, proving just how adaptable and beloved this flavor combination truly is.
Today, I’m thrilled to share yet another innovative take on the beloved Hawaiian pizza: the French Bread Hawaiian Pizza. While I appreciate the tradition of homemade pizza dough, there are times when convenience is key without sacrificing flavor. This French bread version offers a fantastic alternative, allowing you to satisfy those pizza cravings quickly and easily. The beauty of French bread pizza lies in its speed – this entire recipe, from prep to table, can be accomplished in less than 30 minutes, making it an ideal choice for impromptu meals or busy weeknights. It’s a game-changer for those evenings when you want maximum flavor with minimal effort.
For this Hawaiian French Bread Pizza, selecting the right foundation is crucial. I recommend using a fresh loaf of French bread, often found in the bakery section of most grocery stores, sometimes tempting you near the checkout with its irresistible, freshly baked aroma. Its crisp crust and soft interior provide the perfect base for our toppings. To ensure the bread can hold a generous amount of delicious filling, I employ a simple technique: I cut the loaf lengthwise and then carefully pull out some of the soft bread from the center of each half, creating a shallow “boat.” This little trick prevents toppings from spilling over and allows for a more substantial, satisfying bite. While optional, I find it’s the easiest way to ensure every slice is loaded with flavor. You can discard the removed bread, snack on it, or save it to make fresh breadcrumbs later – nothing goes to waste!
This particular flavor combination quickly became a new household favorite. It was not only a fantastic way to utilize some leftover ham, but the entire meal disappeared almost as fast as it was made. The blend of sweet pineapple, savory ham and bacon, and gooey cheese on a perfectly toasted French bread crust creates an explosion of flavors that is both comforting and exciting. It’s truly a testament to how simple ingredients can come together to create something extraordinary. Now, the biggest challenge is deciding which Hawaiian-inspired creation to tackle next! The possibilities are endless when you have a flavor profile this versatile and beloved. 😉
Why Hawaiian Pizza? A Sweet and Savory Delight
The concept of Hawaiian pizza often sparks a lively debate: does pineapple belong on pizza? For enthusiasts, the answer is a resounding yes! This unique combination, traditionally featuring ham and pineapple, offers a delightful contrast of sweet and savory, juicy and salty that creates a truly unforgettable taste experience. The acidity of the pineapple cuts through the richness of the cheese and meat, balancing the flavors beautifully. Adding crispy bacon, as we do in this French bread version, only elevates this harmonious blend, introducing another layer of texture and smoky depth. It’s a flavor profile that has captivated taste buds worldwide, transforming a simple pizza into a tropical culinary escape.
The Versatility of French Bread Pizza
Beyond its speed, French bread pizza offers incredible versatility. It’s a brilliant solution for quick dinners, game-day appetizers, or even a fun lunch. Unlike traditional pizza dough, which requires rising time, French bread is ready to use, providing a sturdy and satisfying base. You can customize toppings endlessly, catering to individual preferences or using whatever ingredients you have on hand. Whether you prefer vegetarian options, different meat combinations, or an array of vegetables, French bread pizza can accommodate it all. Its ease of preparation also makes it an excellent recipe for getting kids involved in the kitchen, fostering a love for cooking from a young age.
Tips for Perfecting Your French Bread Hawaiian Pizza
- Choose Your Bread Wisely: A fresh, sturdy loaf of French bread is best. Avoid overly soft or heavily sliced loaves, as they might not hold up to the toppings as well.
- The “Bread Boat” Technique: Hollowing out the bread creates a perfect trough for your toppings, preventing them from sliding off. Don’t press too hard, or you might break through the bottom!
- Pre-toasting is Key: A quick pre-bake helps the bread achieve a delightful crispness, preventing it from becoming soggy under the sauces and toppings. It also enhances its ability to hold up to the heat and moisture.
- Don’t Skimp on the Sauce Blend: The combination of pizza sauce and BBQ sauce provides a unique depth of flavor that complements the Hawaiian toppings perfectly. Feel free to adjust the ratio to your liking.
- Drain the Pineapple: Ensure your pineapple tidbits are thoroughly drained to prevent excess moisture from making the pizza soggy. Pat them dry with a paper towel if necessary.
- Crispy Bacon: Cook your bacon until it’s nice and crispy before crumbling it over the pizza. This adds a crucial textural element that contrasts beautifully with the other ingredients.
- Layering for Success: Spread the sauce first, then the meats and pineapple, and finally the cheeses. This order ensures even cooking and perfect meltiness.
- Watch for Doneness: Keep an eye on your pizza as it bakes. The goal is melted, bubbly cheese and golden-brown edges on the bread. Baking times can vary slightly depending on your oven.
- Fresh Garnish: A sprinkle of fresh cilantro or green onions at the end adds a burst of freshness and color, enhancing both the taste and presentation.
More Hawaii Inspired Recipes
If you’re as enamored with Hawaiian flavors as we are, be sure to explore these other fantastic recipes:
- Hawaiian Sweet Bread
- Traditional Hawaiian Pizza
- Hawaiian Sloppy Joes
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French Bread Hawaiian Pizza
Author: Deborah Harroun
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Pin Recipe
A fantastic use of leftover ham, this French Bread Hawaiian Pizza features savory ham, crispy bacon, sweet pineapple, and abundant cheese, all baked on a delicious French bread loaf for a quick and easy dinner.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup pizza sauce
- 1/4 cup bbq sauce
- 1 loaf (approx. 1 lb) French bread
- 8 oz (1/2 lb) diced ham
- 8 oz bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 6 oz (1 cup) pineapple tidbits, well-drained
- 8 oz mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1 oz parmesan cheese, grated
- Fresh cilantro, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400ºF (200ºC). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil to ensure easy cleanup.
- In a small bowl, combine the pizza sauce and BBQ sauce, mixing them thoroughly. Set this flavorful sauce blend aside.
- Carefully cut the French bread in half lengthwise. Using your hands, gently pull out some of the soft bread from the center of each half to create a slight indentation or “boat” for the fillings. You can discard these bread pieces, enjoy them as a snack, or save them for homemade breadcrumbs. Place the bread halves, cut-side up, on the prepared baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for 3-5 minutes, or until lightly toasted. This step helps prevent the bread from becoming soggy.
- Evenly spread half of the pizza sauce mixture onto the cut surface of each French bread half.
- Layer the diced ham, crumbled bacon, and drained pineapple tidbits evenly over the sauced bread. Then, generously top with the shredded mozzarella cheese, followed by a sprinkle of parmesan cheese.
- Return the baking sheet to the oven and bake for approximately 10 minutes, or until the cheese is beautifully melted and bubbly, and the toppings are heated through. For an extra golden finish, you can briefly switch to broiler setting for 1-2 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.
- Once baked, remove the French bread pizzas from the oven. Garnish with fresh cilantro if desired, then slice into individual portions and serve immediately. Enjoy your quick and delicious Hawaiian French Bread Pizza!