When you think of pizza, what’s one of the first toppings that comes to mind? Naturally, it’s pineapple, right? Well, if it’s not, maybe it should be.
There are a lot of gourmet pizza toppings to choose from, and some people avoid pineapple like it was poisonous. But pineapple, used in the right way, can be a delicious addition to a pizza. Here’s how.
How to decide what to pair pineapple with on pizza
The most exciting foods have a balance of different flavor experiences. You’re looking for something that, in one bite, contains richness, sweetness, saltiness, spiciness, bitterness and acidity. The more variety in each bite, the more complex the flavor. Pineapple is a great way to get the sweetness and acidity into each bite of pizza.
The sweetness of pineapple is enhanced when it’s roasted, and that comes out full force in a super-hot pizza oven. But pineapple by itself is not usually enough to create a complete pizza—it’s just not complex enough a flavor. However, paired with the right toppings, it can take a pizza to new heights.
Traditional pizza toppings to pair with pineapple
Many traditional pizza toppings can go great with pineapple. For starters, try pairing pineapple with ham. This is often called a “Hawaiian” pizza. You may have already had ham and pineapple together, as this combination is often served at family dinners like Easter and Christmas, as well as at luaus in Hawaii. The intense sweetness of the fruit goes well with the subtle natural sweetness of the meat, and the salt of the ham blends beautifully with the juicy pineapple in a bed of rich, hot melted cheese.
Pineapple also goes well with spicy foods, like pepperoni and jalapeño. The sweet pineapple helps take some of the edge off of the spicy tingle, so don’t be afraid to add even more red pepper flakes when pineapple’s on the pie.
Gourmet pizza toppings to pair with pineapple
Gourmet toppings go well here, too. If you’re looking for something completely different, try a white sauce with cheese, bacon and pineapple. The crispy, salty fat of the bacon is a great flavor pairing with the sweetness and acidity of the pineapple, and the texture offers a delightful contrast. The white sauce is not as acidic as a red tomato sauce, and allows the pineapple to pop through with its acidity.
If you want to go all out, up your game from ham to aged meats like prosciutto to pair with your pineapple. The extra-salty, funky goodness of prosciutto and a deep, roasted sweet and juicy pineapple are a match made in heaven. Add some fresh arugula when it’s fresh out of the oven and let it wilt on top for a layer of bitter complexity and a truly gourmet experience.
Whether you’re looking for a pie with traditional pizza toppings or you want to go upscale with gourmet pizza toppings, it’s time to check out the quality of Giovanni’s Frozen Pizza. Reach out to us today to learn more about how you can bring our pizzas into your establishment!