Baked Hawaiian Pizza Dip is a fun and tasty treat! It combines gooey cheese, sweet pineapple, and savory ham, all baked until bubbly. Perfect for sharing at parties!
This dip is like a pizza party in a bowl! I love to scoop it up with crispy chips. It’s such an easy way to impress friends without breaking a sweat. Who wouldn’t want to munch on this? 😄
Ingredients & Substitutions
Cream Cheese: This is the base that gives the dip its creamy texture. If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can use reduced-fat cream cheese or even Greek yogurt for a twist.
Pizza Sauce: Traditional pizza sauce works great, but you can substitute tomato sauce with Italian seasoning or even marinara sauce if that’s what you have on hand.
Mozzarella Cheese: I use mozzarella for that classic pizza flavor. If you’re feeling adventurous, try using provolone or a pepper jack cheese for a kick. Also, keep some cheese for topping—it makes a big difference!
Diced Ham: Classic Hawaiian pizza has ham, but feel free to swap it out for cooked chicken, turkey, or even a plant-based substitute to suit your needs.
Pineapple Chunks: Fresh pineapple gives the best flavor, but you can use canned pineapple chunks (just make sure to drain them well). If you’re not a fan of pineapple, you can skip it or even use roasted bell peppers for a unique touch.
Red Onion: Adds a nice crunch and flavor. If red onion is too strong for you, try green onions or shallots instead.
How Do I Get My Dip to Be Extra Creamy and Delicious?
To achieve that rich, creamy texture, make sure your cream cheese is well softened at room temperature before mixing. This ensures it blends smoothly with the pizza sauce without lumps. Take your time mixing the ingredients; it makes a noticeable difference!
- Combine the cream cheese and pizza sauce until no streaks are visible.
- Mix in the mozzarella cheese gently—this keeps the dip fluffy.
- Layer ingredients evenly to ensure every bite has a great mix of flavors!
How to Make Baked Hawaiian Pizza Dip
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup pizza sauce
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- 1/4 cup diced ham
- 1/4 cup pineapple chunks, diced
- 2 tbsp finely chopped red onion
For Garnish:
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley or basil (optional)
For Serving:
- Crackers, tortilla chips, or sliced pineapple
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Baked Hawaiian Pizza Dip takes about 10 minutes to prepare and 20-25 minutes to bake. So in total, you’re looking at roughly 35 minutes from start to finish. It’s a quick and delightful appetizer perfect for any gathering!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
First, set your oven to preheat at 375°F (190°C). This ensures that it’s nice and hot when you’re ready to bake the dip!
2. Mix the Base:
In a medium bowl, take the softened cream cheese and add the pizza sauce. Use a spatula or a wooden spoon to mix them together until it’s smooth and well combined. This is where the dip starts to come together!
3. Add the Cheese:
Next, stir in about 1 cup of the shredded mozzarella cheese into the cream cheese mixture. This cheesy goodness will make your dip wonderfully creamy!
4. Prepare the Baking Dish:
Transfer this creamy mixture into a small baking dish or an oven-safe casserole dish. Smooth the top with a spatula to make it even.
5. Layer the Toppings:
Now, sprinkle the diced ham, pineapple chunks, and chopped red onion evenly over the top of your creamy base. This layering of flavors is what makes it so special!
6. Top with Mozzarella:
Finally, sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of mozzarella cheese over all the toppings. This will create a deliciously gooey, cheesy top.
7. Bake the Dip:
Pop the dish into your preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. Keep an eye on it! You’ll know it’s ready when the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden.
8. Cool and Garnish:
Once baked, take it out of the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Then, if desired, sprinkle some chopped parsley or basil on top for a touch of freshness and color.
9. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve the dip warm with your choice of crackers, tortilla chips, or even some fresh pineapple slices. Get ready for everyone to dig in and enjoy the delightful flavors!
Enjoy your delicious Baked Hawaiian Pizza Dip, bursting with sweet and savory flavors of ham and pineapple! Perfect for sharing and guaranteed to be a hit!
Can I Use Different Cheese in This Recipe?
Absolutely! While mozzarella is classic for its meltiness, you can use provolone, cheddar, or even a pepper jack for some heat. Just be sure to choose a cheese that melts well for the best texture.
Can I Make This Dip Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the dip in advance! Simply assemble the ingredients in the baking dish, cover it tightly, and refrigerate for up to a day. When you’re ready to bake, pop it directly into the oven—just add a couple of extra minutes to the baking time since it’ll be cold.
What Can I Serve with The Dip Besides Crackers?
This dip goes well with a variety of dippers! Try serving it with tortilla chips, sliced baguette, fresh veggie sticks (like carrots and celery), or even soft pretzels for a fun twist!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover dip in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes, or until heated through. You can also use the microwave, but be sure to stir occasionally for even heating!
