This Baked Hawaiian Pizza Dip is a fun twist on the classic pizza! It’s creamy and cheesy with delicious chunks of ham and pineapple. Perfect for sharing at parties!
Let’s face it, who doesn’t love pizza? Dip it with some crunchy chips or bread, and you’ve got a crowd-pleaser! I can’t resist going back for seconds—so yummy!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cream Cheese: This is key for a smooth and creamy base. If you want a lighter option, try using Greek yogurt or cottage cheese. Both give a creamy texture with fewer calories!
Cheeses: Mozzarella is classic for pizza flavors, while cheddar adds a nice kick. If you want to switch it up, Monterey Jack offers a milder taste. Vegan cheese works well if you’re looking for a dairy-free option!
Pineapple: Chunks of fresh pineapple add sweetness. Canned is great and often more convenient. If you’re not a fan of pineapple, you could use roasted red peppers for a different flavor.
Ham: Diced ham gives that authentic Hawaiian pizza touch, but you can substitute it with cooked chicken or turkey for a leaner protein. Vegetarian bacon or mushrooms would be good for a meatless version.
How Do I Make Sure My Dip is Extra Creamy?
To achieve that perfect creamy texture, it’s essential to blend everything well. Start with softened cream cheese, as it mixes more easily. Here’s how:
- Soften the cream cheese in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds if it’s too firm.
- Mix it thoroughly with the pizza sauce before adding other ingredients to ensure they incorporate well.
- Fold in the cheeses gently to keep the mixture fluffy—this helps retain a creamy bite!
Baking until the top is golden also helps with that irresistible creamy, cheesy layer. Enjoy digging in!
Baked Hawaiian Pizza Dip
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup pizza sauce or marinara sauce
- 1/2 cup diced ham
- 1/2 cup pineapple chunks, drained and chopped if large
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp dried oregano or Italian seasoning
- Fresh herbs for garnish (optional)
- Tortilla chips or crusty bread, for serving
Time Needed:
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and 20-25 minutes to bake, giving you a total of around 35 minutes from start to finish. It’s quick, easy, and absolutely delicious!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
First things first—preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures that your dip will bake evenly and become nice and bubbly.
2. Mix the Base:
In a medium bowl, take the softened cream cheese and mix it with the pizza sauce until it’s well combined. You can use a spatula or a hand mixer for this—it should be smooth and creamy.
3. Add Seasonings:
Stir in the garlic powder and the dried oregano (or Italian seasoning) to give it that pizza flavor. Mix it all together until it’s nicely blended.
4. Fold in the Cheeses and Fillings:
Gently fold in half of the mozzarella and cheddar cheeses along with the diced ham and pineapple chunks. This will create a delicious, cheesy mixture that’s packed with flavor.
5. Transfer to a Baking Dish:
Now, transfer your mixture into a small baking dish. Spread it out evenly so it cooks thoroughly.
6. Add More Cheese:
Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and cheddar cheeses over the top. If you want extra ham and pineapple chunks, feel free to add them now for a more loaded dip!
7. Bake:
Pop it in the oven and bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes. You’re looking for the cheese on top to be melted and golden brown—this is where all that deliciousness happens!
8. Cool and Garnish:
Once it’s out of the oven, let it cool for a few minutes. If you have fresh herbs, sprinkle some on top for a little extra color and flavor.
9. Serve:
Grab your tortilla chips or crusty bread, and dive into this warm, cheesy, and savory dip. Enjoy every bite with friends and family!
Enjoy a creamy, cheesy, sweet-savory dip bursting with classic Hawaiian pizza flavors!
Can I Make This Dip Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dip up to a day in advance. Just mix all the ingredients, transfer it to a baking dish, cover it with plastic wrap, and store it in the fridge. When you’re ready to bake, remove it from the fridge and let it sit for about 15 minutes at room temperature, then bake as directed.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover dip in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, microwave it in 30-second increments, stirring in between, or warm it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.
Can I Use Different Toppings?
Yes, feel free to customize your dip with different toppings! You can add bell peppers, olives, or mushrooms for extra flavor. For a spicy kick, diced jalapeños or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes work great too!
What Can I Serve With This Dip?
This dip pairs beautifully with tortilla chips, but you can also serve it with crusty bread, pita chips, or veggies like celery and carrots for dipping. It’s versatile and fun to mix up the dippers!
