Baked Hawaiian Pizza Dip – If you’re craving the fun of a Hawaiian pizza but in a cozy, shareable form, this Baked Hawaiian Pizza Dip is about to be your new best friend! Imagine layers of melty cheese, tangy pizza sauce, and a hint of sweet pineapple – all bubbling together in one heavenly dip. This dish is the ultimate comfort food with a tropical twist. Easy to make, fun to eat, and perfect for any gathering – or, let’s be honest, just for yourself on a chill night in.
So, the first time I made this dip, it was kind of a spontaneous experiment. I love Hawaiian pizza (yes, I’m Team Pineapple!), and I thought, why not make it into a warm, gooey dip? I made it for a family movie night, and let me tell you, my husband and kids were hooked instantly. We ended up skipping the movie because everyone was too busy diving in for seconds. Now, it’s our go-to for game nights and parties – and honestly, even solo snacking moments! It’s become that recipe everyone asks for when they come over.
What makes this Baked Hawaiian Pizza Dip truly special?
This isn’t just any pizza dip; it’s Hawaiian pizza in scoopable form, with a perfect blend of sweet and savory. You get creamy layers of cheese, savory ham, a hint of jalapeño for a little kick, and juicy bursts of pineapple that’ll make each bite more exciting than the last. It’s a fun, low-effort way to bring those familiar pizza flavors to a party or a cozy night at home. Plus, it’s easy to customize – spice it up, mellow it out, or make it extra cheesy.
What You Need To Make This Baked Hawaiian Pizza Dip Recipe?
Pizza Sauce: This is our tangy base layer, bringing all the classic pizza flavor into the dip. You can use your favorite store-bought sauce, or if you’ve got a homemade batch on hand, even better! Just make sure it’s rich and a little thick so the dip doesn’t get watery.
Cream Cheese: The secret to making this dip ultra-creamy! Let it sit out until it’s room temp so it blends smoothly with everything else. Cream cheese balances the tang of the pizza sauce and gives that perfect scoopable texture.
Mozzarella Cheese: The melty magic in every bite. Mozzarella is essential for that stretchy, gooey goodness – and we’re using it generously here! I’d recommend shredding it fresh if you can, but pre-shredded works too. Just make sure it’s a good quality mozzarella for the best melt.
Parmesan Cheese: A little sprinkle of parmesan adds that sharp, savory flavor that complements the mozzarella. It browns beautifully on top, giving the dip a slight crispy edge.
Ham: This is the savory part of the sweet-savory combo that makes Hawaiian pizza so fun! I like a good smoky ham, chopped up so every bite has a bit of flavor. You could swap for Canadian bacon or even prosciutto if you’re feeling fancy.
Pineapple Tidbits: The star of the show! These bring a burst of sweetness that balances out the creamy, savory flavors. Make sure to drain them well so your dip doesn’t get soggy. And if you’re a big pineapple lover, feel free to toss a few extra on top!
Red Onion: Just a little for crunch and a hint of bite. The red onion adds color and flavor without overpowering the dish. Dice it small so it blends well with the other ingredients.
Jalapeño (optional): Want a bit of heat? Diced jalapeño is perfect here. Just enough to add a tiny kick without being overwhelming. Totally optional, though – it’s just as tasty without it!
Italian Seasoning and Garlic Powder: These two are your go-to seasonings for bringing in that pizza flavor. The Italian seasoning gives you the perfect mix of herbs, and garlic powder adds depth. You could even add a little extra on top if you want that extra kick of flavor.
Bread or Pita Chips for Serving: You’ll need something sturdy to scoop up all that cheesy goodness! Crusty bread, pita chips, or even crackers work great.
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Steps To Make Baked Hawaiian Pizza Dip:
First things first – preheat your oven to 375°F, and give an 8×8-inch baking dish a light coating of oil. This way, nothing sticks, and cleanup is a breeze.
Grab a big mixing bowl and start by beating the cream cheese until it’s nice and smooth. Then, toss in the pizza sauce, 2 cups of mozzarella, ¼ cup of parmesan, chopped red onion, jalapeño (if you want a bit of kick), Italian seasoning, and garlic powder. Mix everything together until it’s all combined into a delicious, cheesy mixture.
Spread this cheesy goodness evenly in your prepared baking dish. Once it’s smooth, sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and parmesan on top for that gooey, golden layer. Now, it’s time to add the pineapple and ham! Scatter them over the top, pressing them in a bit so they stay in place, and if you want an extra sprinkle of Italian seasoning, go for it.
Pop the dish into the oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, until it’s bubbling around the edges and the cheese on top is perfectly golden.
Serve it up hot with some crusty bread or pita chips for dipping. And don’t forget a few extra toppings – a sprinkle of red pepper flakes or fresh basil if you’re feeling fancy!
Dig in while it’s warm and gooey – this one’s a crowd-pleaser!
Tip:
For an extra layer of flavor, try using a blend of cheeses in addition to mozzarella! Adding a bit of smoked gouda or provolone can bring out a richer, smokier undertone that pairs so well with the sweet pineapple and savory ham. If you’re a garlic lover, rub a fresh garlic clove over the surface of your bread or pita chips after toasting them. This simple trick adds a punch of garlic without overpowering the flavors in the dip itself. Lastly, if you love some crunch, sprinkle a handful of chopped green onions or even crispy bacon bits on top right after baking – they’ll add a great texture contrast and an extra flavor boost!
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I make this dip ahead of time?
Yes! You can mix everything together and spread it in the baking dish, then cover and refrigerate it for up to a day. When you’re ready to serve, simply pop it in the oven to bake. You might need an extra 5-10 minutes of bake time if it goes in straight from the fridge, so keep an eye on it!
Can I make this dip vegetarian?
Absolutely! Just skip the ham and replace it with more cheese or your favorite veggies – diced bell peppers, black olives, or mushrooms work really well. And if you still want that smoky touch, try adding a pinch of smoked paprika to mimic that flavor.
What can I use if I don’t have pita chips or bread?
No worries! This dip is super versatile. Try serving it with tortilla chips, bagel chips, or even fresh veggie sticks like bell pepper strips or celery. If you want to go low-carb, zucchini rounds or cucumber slices are great options!
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Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
<Remember it later>
Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
Baked Hawaiian Pizza Dip Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 jar 14 ounces pizza sauce
- 1 package 8 ounces cream cheese, softened to room temp
- 2 1/2 c mozzarella cheese split into portions
- 1/2 c shredded parmesan divided
- 1/3 c chopped ham
- 1 can 8 ounces pineapple tidbits, drained
- 1/4 c sliced red onion
- Optional: 1 tablespoon diced jalapeño if you like a little kick!
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- For garnish: red pepper flakes, fresh basil, and extra pineapple if you want a pop of flavor on top
- Serve with bread or pita chips
Instructions
- Start by preheating your oven to 375°F and give an 8x8-inch baking dish a light coating of oil or cooking spray.
- In a big mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth, then add in the pizza sauce, 2 cups of mozzarella, 1/4 cup of parmesan, red onions, jalapeño (if you like it spicy), Italian seasoning, and garlic powder. Give everything a good mix until it’s all nicely combined.
- Spoon this mixture into your greased baking dish, then sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and parmesan over the top. Arrange the pineapple tidbits and chopped ham on top, and add an extra sprinkle of Italian seasoning if you want a little extra flavor.
- Pop it in the oven for 30-35 minutes, or until it’s bubbly and golden brown.
- Serve it hot with some crusty bread or crunchy pita chips for dipping – perfect for sharing!
Notes
I’m Bitty, owner of nodashofgluten.com, where I share simple, delicious recipes for all tastes, including gluten-free. Check out my “About Me” page for more info!
