Name: Tropical Pizza with Crispy, Chewy, and Tender Layers
Prep time: 30 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 pound pizza dough (store-bought or homemade, at room temperature); 1/2 cup pizza sauce (tomato-based); 1 1/4 cups shredded mozzarella cheese; 1/2 cup diced pineapple (fresh or canned, well-drained); 1/2 cup sliced red bell pepper; 1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion; 1/3 cup cooked, diced ham; 2 tablespoons sliced jalapeño (fresh or pickled, optional); 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1/2 teaspoon flaky sea salt; Fresh cilantro leaves, for garnish

Tropical Pizza with Crispy, Chewy, and Tender Layers

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This Tropical Pizza is a sunny twist on classic pizza night, designed to deliver layers of texture—crispy, chewy, and tender—all in one bite. The salty ham and cheese balance the juicy sweetness of pineapple, while red bell pepper and onion add crunch and color. Jalapeño brings a gentle heat, with cilantro providing a fresh, herbal finish. Brushing the crust with olive oil and a sprinkle of flaky sea salt before baking creates an irresistible edge. This pizza is perfect for a California evening, blending bright tropical flavors with comforting, bakery-quality dough.

Ingredients

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 475°F (246°C) and place a pizza stone or an inverted baking sheet inside to heat up. This helps create a crispy base.
On a lightly floured surface, stretch and press the pizza dough into a 12-inch round, aiming for a slightly thicker edge and a thin center for chewy and tender texture.
Transfer the dough to a parchment sheet. Brush the outer edge with olive oil and sprinkle all over with flaky sea salt for flavor and extra crunch.
Spread the pizza sauce evenly over the dough, leaving a 1-inch border. Scatter mozzarella evenly, then top with pineapple, red bell pepper, red onion, ham, and jalapeño.
Using a pizza peel or the back of a baking sheet, transfer the pizza (with parchment) onto your preheated stone or baking sheet. Bake for 12-15 minutes, until the crust is golden, cheese is bubbling, and edges are crisp.
Remove from oven, let cool slightly, then garnish with fresh cilantro leaves. Slice and serve immediately for the best contrast of crispy edges and tender, chewy center.