Top 5 Best Pizzas of 2025
- Hawaiian Pizza
- Margherita Pizza
- BBQ Chicken Pizza
- Pepperoni Pizza
- Veggie Delight Pizza
- Four Cheese Pizza
- Meat Lovers Pizza
- Prosciutto and Arugula Pizza
- Buffalo Chicken Pizza
When it comes to the world of pizza, few topics spark as much passionate debate as the addition of pineapple. Yet beyond the controversy lies a culinary masterpiece that has captured hearts across continents, combining unexpected flavors into what many consider the pinnacle of pizza perfection. This tropical twist on a traditional favorite represents both innovation and tradition, challenging our perceptions of what belongs atop a pizza crust.
The Glorious History of Pineapple Pizza
The story of the Hawaiian pizza begins not in Hawaii, but in the snowy landscapes of Canada. This unexpected origin adds another layer to the fascinating tale of this controversial yet beloved creation that has divided pizza enthusiasts for decades.
Birth of a Culinary Masterpiece in Canada
The Hawaiian_pizza was born in 1962 in the small town of Chatham-Kent, Ontario, when Greek immigrant Sam Panopoulos decided to experiment with unconventional toppings at his restaurant, Satellite. Inspired by the contrasting flavors in Chinese-Canadian sweet and sour dishes, Panopoulos had the revolutionary idea to combine canned pineapple with ham on a traditional pizza base. The name ‘Hawaiian’ actually derived from the brand of tinned pineapple he used, rather than any connection to the Pacific islands. This culinary innovation preceded similar concepts in other parts of the world, though Germany had already been enjoying a dish called ‘Toast Hawaii’ since 1955, which featured similar flavor combinations on toast rather than pizza dough.
Rising Global Popularity Despite Fierce Debate
Despite being a divisive creation, the Hawaiian pizza has achieved remarkable global success. By 1999, it had become the most popular pizza choice in Australia, accounting for an impressive 15% of all pizza sales. The United Kingdom similarly embraced this sweet-savory combination, with Hawaiian ranking as the most common pizza in UK takeaways by 2015. The debate reached international political dimensions in 2017 when the President of Iceland jokingly suggested he would ban pineapple as a pizza topping if he could, prompting Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to publicly defend this Canadian invention. The controversy continues to this day, with one Norwich pizzeria making headlines in 2025 by charging an astonishing £100 for adding pineapple to pizza. Time magazine recognized its cultural impact by listing Hawaiian pizza as one of the 13 most influential pizzas of all time in 2014, cementing its place in culinary history despite the ongoing controversy.
Why Pineapple Creates Pizza Perfection
The pineapple pizza debate extends beyond mere tradition into the realm of flavor science and culinary innovation. While pizza purists may argue against tropical fruits on their Neapolitan creations, there are compelling reasons why this combination works so magnificently for its devotees.
Sweet and Savoury Balance: A Taste Sensation
The magic of Hawaiian pizza lies in its perfect balance of contrasting flavors. Sam Panopoulos himself cited this sweet-savory interplay as the inspiration behind his creation. The juicy sweetness of pineapple cuts through the richness of cheese and the saltiness of ham or bacon, creating a harmonious flavor profile that many find irresistible. This balancing act echoes techniques found in sophisticated culinary traditions worldwide. Even some professional chefs who initially dismiss the concept have found ways to elevate it, such as Chef Franco Pepe who uses fresh pineapple served cold with prosciutto to create a more refined version that avoids clashing with the base sauce. The combination has attracted celebrity fans like Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson, who publicly professed his love for pineapple with ham on pizza, further popularizing this contentious topping choice.
Nutritional Benefits of Adding Tropical Fruit to Pizza
Beyond taste considerations, pineapple brings nutritional advantages to an otherwise indulgent dish. The tropical fruit adds vitamin C, manganese, and dietary fiber while contributing natural sweetness without additional sugar. This makes Hawaiian pizza a surprisingly balanced option among pizza varieties. While traditionalists from historic pizza capitals like Naples might argue that authentic pizza should adhere to specific ingredients, establishments like Pizzeria Da Attilio demonstrate that pizza has always been an evolving medium. This Naples institution has been serving pizza since 1938 and represents how even in the birthplace of modern pizza, innovation has always been part of the tradition. For home pizza enthusiasts looking to explore this controversial topping, modern equipment like the Dome outdoor oven, Arc XL for 16-inch pizzas, or the portable Roccbox with its stone floor can help achieve restaurant-quality results, whether embracing traditional recipes or controversial innovations like the beloved pineapple pizza.