The combination of sweet and savory flavors is a match made in food heaven, and this Irresistible Pineapple-Pizza Spiral Ham Twist is here to prove it. Picture juicy spiral ham wrapped in cheesy, tangy, pineapple-infused goodness, baked to perfection—it’s the kind of dish that makes your taste buds dance and your dinner guests beg for seconds. I first made this recipe for a family holiday gathering, and it’s been a hit ever since. Trust me, this isn’t your typical ham dish; it’s a flavor-packed twist that combines the best parts of pizza night with the indulgence of a holiday feast!
If you love the classic ham-and-pineapple pairing, this recipe takes it to the next level with layers of gooey cheese, zesty tomato sauce, and a flaky, golden crust. Whether you’re serving this for a festive occasion or just want a fun way to elevate your weeknight dinner, it’s surprisingly easy to make and guaranteed to impress. Plus, it’s perfect for pinning to your recipe board—your friends will thank you!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Sweet & Savory Perfection: The pineapple and ham combo is a crowd favorite, and the pizza-inspired twist adds cheesy, saucy deliciousness.
- Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe comes together quickly—no stress required.
- Impressive Presentation: The spiral design is not just delicious but visually stunning, making it perfect for holidays, potlucks, or dinner parties.
- Kid-Friendly: Even picky eaters love the pineapple-pizza flavors, and it’s fun to make as a family.
- Customizable: You can tweak the toppings, crust, and cheese to match your preferences or dietary needs.
This recipe is a game-changer for anyone who loves a little creativity in the kitchen. It’s comfort food with a playful twist—bold flavors, beautiful presentation, and the kind of dish that makes memories.
What Ingredients You Will Need
This recipe uses simple, grocery-store staples to create a dish that tastes gourmet. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Spiral Ham: Pre-cooked and sliced (look for a quality ham with minimal additives).
- Pineapple: Fresh or canned, diced into small chunks (for that signature sweetness).
- Pizza Dough: Store-bought or homemade (choose one that’s easy to roll out).
- Tomato Sauce: Your favorite pizza sauce or marinara (adds tangy flavor).
- Mozzarella Cheese: Shredded or sliced (melts beautifully).
- Parmesan Cheese: Grated (for extra cheesy goodness).
- Seasonings: Garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and a pinch of red pepper flakes (optional, for a kick).
- Olive Oil: For brushing the dough and enhancing flavor.
Feel free to swap out ingredients based on your preferences—try different cheeses, add jalapeños for heat, or use barbecue sauce for a smoky twist!
Equipment Needed
- Rolling Pin: Essential for shaping the pizza dough.
- Baking Sheet: A large one for assembling and baking your spiral ham twist.
- Sharp Knife: For slicing the ham if needed.
- Small Bowl: To mix the seasonings and olive oil.
- Pastry Brush: For brushing the dough with olive oil.
If you don’t have a rolling pin, a clean glass bottle works just as well. And for the baking sheet, parchment paper makes clean-up a breeze!
Preparation Method
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Prepare the dough: Roll out the pizza dough into a large rectangle (about 12×18 inches). Brush lightly with olive oil and sprinkle with garlic powder and Italian seasoning.
- Add the sauce: Spread an even layer of tomato sauce over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges.
- Layer the toppings: Sprinkle mozzarella cheese over the sauce, followed by pineapple chunks, and then the spiral ham slices.
- Roll it up: Starting from one long edge, carefully roll the dough into a tight spiral. Pinch the edges to seal the roll.
- Slice and arrange: Using a sharp knife, cut the roll into 1-inch slices. Arrange the slices flat on the prepared baking sheet.
- Top with Parmesan: Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over each slice for a golden crust.
- Bake: Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the dough is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly.
- Cool slightly: Let the spiral ham twists cool for 5 minutes before serving.
Don’t worry if some cheese oozes out during baking—it just adds to the irresistible appeal!
Cooking Tips & Techniques
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Let the pizza dough and spiral ham come to room temperature before starting. This makes them easier to work with.
- Even Slicing: Use a sharp knife to cut the rolled dough evenly, ensuring each spiral cooks to perfection.
- Use Fresh Pineapple: If possible, opt for fresh pineapple for a juicy, tangy flavor. Canned works too, but drain it well!
- Prevent Soggy Dough: Don’t overload the dough with sauce or toppings—less is more in this case.
- Customize the Cheese: Mix in some cheddar or gouda with the mozzarella for an extra flavor punch.
Take your time with the prep—it’s worth it for the finished product! And if you’re new to rolling dough, don’t worry; it gets easier with practice.
Variations & Adaptations
- Vegetarian Option: Swap the ham for sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or roasted bell peppers.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pizza dough to make this recipe celiac-friendly.
- Spicy Twist: Add jalapeños or hot sauce to the tomato sauce for extra heat.
- Cheese Lovers: Use a blend of cheeses like provolone, cheddar, and gouda for a richer taste.
- Hawaiian Style: Add a drizzle of barbecue sauce to the mix for a smoky-sweet flavor.
I’ve tried the spicy version with jalapeños, and it’s a hit with anyone who loves a little kick. Feel free to experiment—you might just discover your new favorite variation!
Serving & Storage Suggestions
This dish is best served warm, straight out of the oven, with the cheese still gooey and the crust crisp.
- Serving Temperature: Serve warm for the best flavor and texture. Pair it with a fresh green salad or garlic bread.
- Presentation: Arrange the spirals in a circle on a platter for a beautiful presentation.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes or until heated through.
The flavors deepen overnight, making leftovers just as delicious!
Nutritional Information & Benefits
This recipe combines protein-rich ham with the vitamins and minerals found in pineapple:
- Calories: Approximately 250 per serving (varies based on toppings).
- Protein: Ham and cheese provide a good dose of protein to keep you satisfied.
- Vitamin C: Pineapple boosts immunity and adds antioxidants.
- Carbs: The pizza dough provides energy, making this a balanced meal.
For those watching their diet, you can adjust the cheese or use lower-sodium ham to fit your needs.
Conclusion
The Irresistible Pineapple-Pizza Spiral Ham Twist is more than a recipe—it’s a crowd-pleasing dish that’s fun to make and even more fun to eat. With its perfect balance of sweet, savory, and cheesy goodness, it’s bound to become a favorite in your kitchen. Whether you’re serving it for a special occasion or just because, it’s a recipe worth pinning and sharing with friends.
I love making this recipe because it combines the best of two worlds—comfort food and creative cooking. It’s a reminder that the simplest ingredients can create something magical. So, gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and get ready to enjoy every bite!
If you try this recipe, let me know your favorite variation in the comments. Don’t forget to share it on Pinterest and tag your food-loving friends—it’s too good to keep to yourself!
FAQs
Can I use pre-made pizza dough?
Absolutely! Store-bought pizza dough works perfectly and saves time. Just make sure to let it come to room temperature before rolling.
What’s the best type of ham for this recipe?
Pre-cooked spiral ham is ideal, but you can use deli ham or leftover baked ham if needed.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the spirals, cover them tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
What if I don’t like pineapple?
No problem! Replace the pineapple with roasted bell peppers, olives, or sun-dried tomatoes for a different flavor profile.
How do I keep the dough from getting soggy?
Drain the pineapple well and avoid using too much sauce—this will help keep the dough crisp during baking.
Pin This Recipe!
Irresistible Pineapple-Pizza Spiral Ham Twist Recipe
A sweet and savory dish combining juicy spiral ham, cheesy pineapple-infused goodness, and pizza-inspired flavors, baked to perfection.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: Fusion
Ingredients
- Pre-cooked spiral ham, sliced
- Fresh or canned pineapple, diced into small chunks
- Pizza dough, store-bought or homemade
- Tomato sauce or marinara
- Mozzarella cheese, shredded or sliced
- Parmesan cheese, grated
- Garlic powder
- Italian seasoning
- Red pepper flakes (optional)
- Olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Roll out the pizza dough into a large rectangle (about 12×18 inches). Brush lightly with olive oil and sprinkle with garlic powder and Italian seasoning.
- Spread an even layer of tomato sauce over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges.
- Sprinkle mozzarella cheese over the sauce, followed by pineapple chunks, and then the spiral ham slices.
- Starting from one long edge, carefully roll the dough into a tight spiral. Pinch the edges to seal the roll.
- Using a sharp knife, cut the roll into 1-inch slices. Arrange the slices flat on the prepared baking sheet.
- Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over each slice for a golden crust.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the dough is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly.
- Let the spiral ham twists cool for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
[‘Let pizza dough and spiral ham come to room temperature for easier handling.’, ‘Use fresh pineapple for a juicier flavor, but drain canned pineapple well.’, ‘Avoid overloading the dough with sauce or toppings to prevent sogginess.’, ‘Mix cheddar or gouda with mozzarella for extra flavor.’]
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 spiral slice
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 6
- Sodium: 600
- Fat: 10
- Saturated Fat: 5
- Carbohydrates: 25
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 12
Keywords: pineapple pizza, spiral ham, holiday recipe, cheesy twist, sweet and savory






