Best Flatbread Hawaiian Pizza

Finding a crowd-pleasing dinner option that doesn’t require hours in the kitchen can feel like an impossible task. Between after-school activities, work deadlines, and the usual evening chaos, sometimes even ordering takeout seems like too much effort – especially when everyone’s craving something different.

That’s why this flatbread Hawaiian pizza has become my go-to solution: it’s quick to put together, costs less than delivery, and brings that perfect balance of familiar comfort food with a fun tropical twist that both kids and adults enjoy.

What Kind of Naan Should I Use?

You’ll find several types of naan bread at most grocery stores these days, and any of them will work well as a pizza base. Plain naan is the most common and works perfectly here, but garlic naan can add an extra layer of flavor that pairs nicely with the toppings. Most stores sell naan in both regular and mini sizes – the regular size (usually about 8 inches across) is ideal for individual pizzas. If your naan is frozen, just let it thaw completely at room temperature before using, and if it’s a bit stiff, you can warm it slightly in the microwave to make it more pliable. Fresh naan from the bakery section will give you the best results, but packaged versions from the bread aisle work great too.

Options for Substitutions

This pizza recipe is super adaptable and you can make several easy swaps depending on what you have in your kitchen:

• Naan bread: No naan? You can use pita bread, flatbread, or even ready-made pizza crusts. Greek-style pocketless pita works especially well here.
• Havarti cheese: While Havarti gives a nice melt, you can swap it with mozzarella, provolone, or even Monterey Jack. Each will give you that gooey, melty texture you’re looking for.
• Fresh pineapple: Canned pineapple chunks work just fine – just make sure to drain them well. You’ll need about 1/2 cup of canned pineapple to replace the fresh.
• BBQ sauce: Feel free to use pizza sauce or even alfredo sauce instead. If using pizza sauce, add a drizzle of honey to get that sweet-savory combo that BBQ sauce provides.
• Bacon and ham: Canadian bacon, prosciutto, or regular ham slices all work well here. For a vegetarian version, try using smoked tempeh or simply skip the meat altogether.
• Parmesan cheese: Romano or Asiago cheese make good substitutes, or you can just add extra Havarti if you don’t have any hard cheese on hand.

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Baking

The biggest challenge when making flatbread pizza is ending up with a soggy crust – to prevent this, pre-bake your naan bread for 2-3 minutes before adding toppings, which creates a crispy base that holds up to the BBQ sauce and toppings.

Another common mistake is overloading your flatbread with too many toppings or too much sauce, which can make it difficult to eat and prevent the cheese from melting properly – stick to a thin layer of BBQ sauce and a reasonable amount of toppings for the best results.

Fresh pineapple contains more moisture than canned, so be sure to pat the pieces dry with paper towels before adding them to your pizza to prevent excess liquid from making your crust soft.

For the best cheese melt and golden-brown top, place your oven rack in the upper third position and watch carefully during the final few minutes of baking – the difference between perfectly melted cheese and burnt toppings can be just a matter of seconds.

What to Serve With Hawaiian Flatbread Pizza?

This sweet and savory flatbread pizza pairs really well with simple sides that balance out its bold flavors. A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette dressing helps cut through the richness of the cheese and meats – I like to toss together some mixed greens, cucumber, and cherry tomatoes. For something more substantial, try serving it with some garlic roasted broccoli or a side of sweet potato fries that complement the BBQ sauce. Since this pizza already has a Hawaiian twist, you could lean into the theme and serve it with a simple coleslaw made with a touch of pineapple juice in the dressing.

Storage Instructions

Keep Fresh: If you have leftover Hawaiian flatbread pizza, place it in an airtight container and pop it in the fridge for up to 3 days. I like to place pieces of parchment paper between the slices to prevent them from sticking together.

Make Ahead: You can prep all your toppings in advance and store them separately in the fridge. When you’re ready to eat, just assemble and bake! This makes for a super quick dinner when you’re short on time.

Warm Up: To get that pizza crispy again, pop it in a 350°F oven for about 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese starts to bubble. I don’t recommend using the microwave as it can make the naan bread soggy, but if you’re in a hurry, 30 seconds will do the trick.

Preparation Time	10-15 minutes
Cooking Time	10-12 minutes
Total Time	20-27 minutes
Level of Difficulty	Easy

Estimated Nutrition

Estimated nutrition for the whole recipe (without optional ingredients):

• Calories: 1200-1400
• Protein: 60-70 g
• Fat: 70-80 g
• Carbohydrates: 100-110 g

Ingredients

• 2 naan breads
• 2 slices deli ham (diced into 1/2-inch pieces)
• parsley for garnish (freshly chopped for best appearance)
• 2 slices cooked bacon (crispy and crumbled for texture)
• 1/3 to 1/2 cup BBQ sauce (I like Sweet Baby Ray’s for this recipe)
• 4-5 pieces fresh pineapple, chopped
• 1 cup havarti cheese (shredded for even melting)
• 1/4 cup parmesan cheese

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Begin by preheating your oven to the temperature specified in the instructions for the naan flatbreads or to 400°F (200°C) if no specific instructions are provided.

This ensures that the flatbreads will cook evenly and become perfectly crispy.

Step 2: Prepare the Flatbreads with Sauce and Meats

Place the naan flatbreads on a baking sheet, arranging them so they fit comfortably.

Spread 1/3 to 1/2 cup of barbecue sauce evenly over each flatbread, ensuring there’s a good layer for flavor.

Next, layer the cooked bacon and deli ham on top of the barbecue sauce for a savory base.

Step 3: Add Pineapple and Cheeses

Distribute the fresh pineapple chunks evenly over the meats, providing a sweet contrast to the savory flavors.

Then, sprinkle 1 cup of havarti cheese over the toppings on each flatbread to offer a creamy texture.

Follow up by adding 1/4 cup of parmesan cheese atop the havarti for an extra kick of cheesy goodness.

Step 4: Bake the Flatbreads

Once assembled, place the baking sheet in the preheated oven.

Bake for about 10-12 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the flatbreads are warm and slightly crisp.

Keep an eye on them to prevent burning.

Step 5: Cool and Garnish

Remove the baking sheet from the oven and allow the flatbreads to cool slightly.

This helps the toppings set and makes slicing easier.

Garnish with a sprinkle of parsley for a fresh touch of color and flavor.

Step 6: Slice and Serve

Once cooled slightly, slice the flatbreads into preferred portions.

Serve immediately while they’re warm and enjoy your delicious barbecue flatbread creation!