Transform your favorite controversial pizza into an irresistible handheld treat with these Hawaiian Pizza Muffins that capture all the beloved flavors of ham and pineapple pizza in a perfectly portable format. These savory muffins combine the sweet-salty magic of diced ham and juicy pineapple chunks with gooey melted cheese, all nestled in a tender, herb-seasoned muffin base that tastes remarkably like pizza dough. What makes these muffins so special is how they solve the age-old Hawaiian pizza debate – even skeptics find themselves won over by the perfect balance of sweet pineapple, salty ham, and rich cheese when it’s presented in this fun, bite-sized format. Each muffin delivers a complete pizza experience with tender crumb, melty cheese pockets, and that signature sweet-savory flavor combination that makes Hawaiian pizza so addictive. The addition of Italian herbs and a hint of garlic gives these muffins that authentic pizza shop aroma, while the muffin format makes them perfect for lunch boxes, party appetizers, or casual dinners. This recipe makes 12 standard muffins, serving 6-8 people, and takes about 35 minutes from mixing bowl to golden perfection, making them ideal for busy weeknights or anytime you want pizza flavors without the fuss of making actual pizza.
Ingredients
For the Muffins
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup whole milk
- ⅓ cup vegetable oil
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon sugar
For the Mix-Ins
- 1 cup cooked ham, diced small
- ¾ cup fresh pineapple chunks, drained and diced
- 1½ cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
- ¼ cup parmesan cheese, grated
- 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped (or 1 tablespoon dried)
For Topping
- ½ cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 2 tablespoons parmesan cheese, grated
- Dried oregano for sprinkling
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish
Preparing the Base
Preheat your oven to 375°F and generously grease a 12-cup muffin tin with butter or cooking spray. You can also use paper liners, but greasing directly gives better browning and that slightly crispy exterior that mimics pizza crust.
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and black pepper. This dry mixture forms the foundation of your muffins and provides all those familiar pizza flavors.
The key to tender muffins is not overmixing once you add the wet ingredients, so have everything measured and ready before you begin combining.
Creating the Wet Mixture
In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs until well beaten, then add the milk, vegetable oil, tomato paste, and sugar. Whisk until smooth and well combined.
The tomato paste is crucial here – it provides that pizza sauce flavor and gives the muffins a subtle orange tint that looks authentically pizza-like. The sugar balances the acidity of the tomato paste and enhances the sweetness of the pineapple.
Make sure the tomato paste is completely incorporated with no lumps, as these would create uneven flavor pockets in your finished muffins.
Preparing the Ham and Pineapple
Dice the ham into small, uniform pieces about ¼ inch in size. Smaller pieces distribute more evenly throughout the muffins and ensure every bite has some ham flavor.
If using fresh pineapple, cut it into similarly sized small chunks and drain any excess juice on paper towels. Canned pineapple can be used, but drain it thoroughly and pat dry to prevent excess moisture from making the muffins soggy.
The pineapple pieces should be small enough to fit comfortably in a muffin but large enough to provide distinct bursts of sweet flavor that contrast beautifully with the salty ham.
Combining Wet and Dry Ingredients
Pour the wet mixture into the bowl with the dry ingredients and gently fold together with a large spoon or rubber spatula. Mix just until the flour is moistened – the batter should look lumpy and rough, not smooth.
Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, which creates tough, dense muffins instead of the tender, cake-like texture you want. Stop mixing as soon as you don’t see any dry flour streaks.
The batter will be thick but not as thick as cookie dough. It should drop from a spoon but hold its shape.
Folding in the Good Stuff
Gently fold in the diced ham, pineapple chunks, mozzarella cheese, parmesan cheese, and fresh basil. Use a light hand here – you want to distribute everything evenly without overmixing the batter.
The cheese will create pockets of gooey goodness throughout each muffin, while the ham and pineapple provide those signature Hawaiian pizza flavors in every bite.
Reserve a small amount of ham and pineapple pieces for topping if you want to make it obvious what flavors are inside each muffin.
Filling and Topping
Using a large spoon or ice cream scoop, divide the batter evenly among the prepared muffin cups, filling each about ¾ full. This allows room for the muffins to rise without overflowing.
Sprinkle the tops with the reserved mozzarella and parmesan cheese, plus any extra ham or pineapple pieces you set aside. This creates an attractive, pizza-like appearance on top.
Finish with a light dusting of dried oregano, which adds authentic pizza shop aroma and flavor to the tops of the muffins.
Baking to Golden Perfection
Bake for 18-22 minutes, until the tops are golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with just a few moist crumbs. The cheese on top should be melted and lightly browned.
The muffins should spring back lightly when touched and will smell incredibly aromatic – like a pizza kitchen in the best possible way.
Don’t overbake, as this can make the muffins dry. They should be tender and moist with slightly crispy, cheesy tops.
Cooling and Serving
Let the muffins cool in the pan for about 5 minutes before turning them out onto a wire rack. This brief cooling period helps them set up and makes them easier to remove without falling apart.
Serve warm for the best experience – the cheese will still be melty and the flavors at their peak. Garnish with fresh basil leaves for a pop of color and fresh herb flavor.
These muffins are delicious on their own but can also be served with a side of warm marinara sauce for dipping, just like pizza breadsticks.
Storage and Reheating
Store cooled muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or freeze for up to 3 months. They’re great for meal prep and lunch boxes.
To reheat, wrap in a damp paper towel and microwave for 15-20 seconds, or warm in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes to restore that fresh-baked texture.
They’re also delicious cold, making them perfect for picnics or on-the-go snacking.
Customization Options
Feel free to customize these muffins with your favorite pizza toppings. Try pepperoni and mushrooms, or bacon and jalapeños for different flavor profiles.
For a vegetarian version, omit the ham and add diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or sun-dried tomatoes. The basic muffin recipe works with virtually any pizza topping combination.
You can also make mini muffins using a 24-cup mini muffin tin – just reduce the baking time to 12-15 minutes and adjust portion sizes accordingly.
Make-Ahead Tips
The batter can be prepared the night before and stored covered in the refrigerator. Just give it a gentle stir before scooping into muffin cups and baking.
You can also bake these completely, cool them, and freeze individually wrapped. They thaw quickly at room temperature or can be reheated from frozen.
Perfect for Any Occasion
These muffins work beautifully for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. They’re substantial enough to serve as a light meal with a salad, or perfect as party appetizers that please both kids and adults.
Pack them in lunch boxes, serve them at brunches, or make them for game day gatherings. They’re conversation starters that turn pizza night into something completely new and exciting.
These Hawaiian Pizza Muffins prove that sometimes the most controversial flavor combinations work best when presented in unexpected formats. By transforming the polarizing Hawaiian pizza into these charming, handheld muffins, you create something that brings people together rather than starting debates – delivering all those beloved sweet and salty flavors in a form that’s impossible to resist.
