How affordable yet delicious can a 'fake-away' pizza get? Try this tortilla pizza that takes just minutes to prep and cook thanks to the tortilla base.
The result is fantastic - crispy, cheesy, chewy, salty, sweet and full of flavour - everything you could want in a pizza!
Do you consider yourself a savvy shopper? If you're anything like me, I'm guessing you've become pretty good at holding the prices of your most common grocery shop items in your head. And when prices go down, bagging a bargain always feels good.
As such, it was a very pleasant surprise to find that at the end of March, Sainsbury's cut the price of a huge swathe of everyday items - 930, in fact!
Reductions have been applied to both their own brand products and loads of branded favourites right across the aisles, so you can make savings on everything from meat to fish, fresh produce to alcohol.
To give you an idea of the savings to be had, an average family's weekly shop would go down from £62.88 to £57.93 with the recent price reductions - that's a £4.95 saving every week.
A cheaper weekly shop is always welcome, of course, and the Sainsbury’s Living Well Index recently showed that over two thirds of Brits are also cutting back on things like ordering take-aways and eating out, so it's more welcome than ever.
You might be wondering exactly how much it costs to make such a tasty pizza and I have the answer...£2.60 for four pizzas or 65p per pizza! Not bad, I think you'll agree, and far, far cheaper than a takeaway!
It helps that eight of the nine ingredients used are among those reduced in price:
- Sainsbury's Mozzarella Cheese, Basics 125g - was 60p, now 50p
- Sainsbury's Garlic Each - was 35p now 30p
- Sainsbury's British Cooked Ham, Basics 400g - was £1.75 now £1.60
- Sainsbury's Pineapple, Medium - was 95p now 90p
- Sainsbury's Cherry Tomatoes 335g - was 95p now 75p
- Sainsbury's Plain Flour Tortillas 320g - was £1 now 70p
- Sainsbury's Tomato Puree, Double Concentrate 200g - was 55p now 40p
- Sainsbury's British Mature Cheddar Cheese 400g - was £2.30 now £2
- Sainsbury's Fresh Packed Basil 30g - 70p
These pizzas are so simple that they're perfect for every occasion, whether you're after the hero for your family dinner, a quick snack over lunch, or to feed a party of dozens.
Here's how to make four yummy, easy, quick, Hawaiian pizzas.
Ingredients
- 4 flour tortillas
- 335 g (11.82 oz) fresh cherry tomatoes
- 2 tbsp tomato puree
- 5 g (0.18 oz) fresh basil
- 1 cloves (1) cloves roughly chopped
- 200 g (7.05 oz) fresh mozzarella sliced (vegetarian if required)
- 80 g (2.82 oz) cheddar cheese grated (vegetarian if required)
- 80 g (2.82 oz) pineapple cut into inch lengths
- 40 g (1.41 oz) ham cut into small squares
- salt and black pepper
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 240C/465F (220C/430F fan).
Put the cherry tomatoes, tomato puree, fresh basil, garlic, and a pinch of salt and pepper into a food processor and blitz to a chunky sauce.
Transfer to a non-stick pan over a medium heat and simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally until thickened and dark.
Lay a tortilla on a board and spread with a quarter of the tomato sauce.
Top with the mozzarella, cheddar, ham and pineapple (a quarter of each per pizza).
Slide the pizza onto a baking sheet.
Bake for 3 minutes until just browning at the edges.
Serve immediately!
Delicious! Which toppings would you feature on your tortilla pizza?
Pointers, tricks and troubleshooting tips for the perfect Hawaiian tortilla pizzas
Are Hawaiian tortilla pizzas easy to make?
Hawaiian tortilla pizzas are super easy to make as they use a tortilla base rather than a traditional yeast risen crust, which makes it much more difficult for anything to go wrong.
This means they can be prepared in a flash, have a unique taste and texture and take almost no time to cook, making them perfect for a quick lunch, tasty dinner or as a party nibble.
Will I need any special equipment for Hawaiian tortilla pizzas?
You won't need any equipment you shouldn't already have in your kitchen, but if you don't have access to a food processor you can still make this dish. Chop the cherry tomatoes into eighths, finely chop the basil and garlic and simply cook the sauce for longer in he pan until the tomatoes are suitably broken down. You can use a wooden spoon to help them along, and you may need to add a little water if the paste gets too thick.
How can I tell if my pineapple is ripe?
When it comes to if a fruit is unripe, ripe or past its best pineapples aren’t the easiest things to get to the bottom of. It also doesn’t help that there’s a few old wive’s tales out there that likely aren’t true, or certainly don’t always hold true. For instance loose leaves on the crown (top) of the pineapple doesn’t necessarily mean it’s ripe, and green pineapples aren’t necessarily unripe, especially with some varieties.
With that in mind here’s some handy ways to pick the perfect pineapple.
Smell may be the best give away as to a pineapples ripeness. If the pineapple’s stem (bottom) has no smell it probably isn’t ripe yet, whereas notes of sweetness indicate that it has started to ripen. This is because as fruits ripen a complex chemical reaction involving enzyme breakdown that turns the polysaccharides (starch) in the fruit into fructose occurs.
Give the pineapple a squeeze with one hand. It should be firm, but have a little give to it - this is because the cell walls become weaker as it ripens, again due to enzyme breakdown. If it’s very hard it’s likely not ripe yet, but this can vary quite a bit.
Are Hawaiian tortilla pizzas suitable for vegetarians?
These Hawaiian tortilla pizzas are not suitable for vegetarians by default as they contain ham and potentially animal rennet in the hard cheese, but you can substitute both of these ingredients for a vegetarian alternative.
I think cooked vegetarian ham is very close to its meat counterpart in taste and texture, as are vegetarian cheddar cheeses, so you’ll get almost the exact same results.
Are Hawaiian tortilla pizzas suitable for vegans?
These pizzas are not suitable for vegans as they contain mozzarella, cheddar and ham. However, you could swap the two cheeses out for a vegan alternative (there are some very tasty vegan mozzarella cheeses that melt fantastically), and swap the ham for a vegan alternative, of which there are several tasty brands.
You should be able to find both products in most major supermarkets in the UK, as vegan alternatives have come on in leaps and bounds in recent years in both product choice and where they are stocked.
Are Hawaiian tortilla pizzas gluten-free?
Hawaiian tortilla pizzas are not gluten-free by default as the tortillas used will contain wheat, which contains gluten.
However, you could substitute this for a gluten-free tortilla that you have either bought or have made yourself. It's also worth checking that all the other ingredients you’re using are gluten-free, especially the ham, as this can contain a glaze/coating that isn’t gluten-free
If you are getting your ham from the deli counter it is wise to also make the person serving you aware are of any dietary requirements you have as cross contamination may be an issue.
Are Hawaiian tortilla pizzas healthy?
Due to the tortilla base these pizzas aren’t quite as heavy as a regular pizza, but they are still relatively calorie dense for their size, so best eaten as an occasional treat or saved for a party snack.
Are Hawaiian tortilla pizzas safe to eat while pregnant?
There is nothing in this Hawaiian tortilla pizza that should pose a risk to a pregnant woman if all the ingredients are in good condition and everything is prepared safely and hygienically.
This website does not offer medical advice. If you have any concerns speak to your health professional, the NHS also has some great information on foods to avoid whilst pregnant. https://www.nhs.uk/pregnancy/keeping-well/foods-to-avoid/
What goes well with Hawaiian tortilla pizzas?
Something to dip your pizza crusts in is always welcome, so you could double up on the tomato base ingredients and reserve half for dipping.
I also love a light salad with pizza - rocket, cherry tomatoes, a few parmesan shavings, a drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of salt and pepper is delicious.
If you really wanted to keep the pizza theme going and wanted an extra special treat, maybe as part of a pizza party, you could finish off the meal with some pizza cake. https://www.amummytoo.co.uk/pizza-cake/
I haven’t got fresh pineapple, can I use canned pineapple?
While there will be a slight difference in taste and texture (as well as its nutritional profile) you can substitute canned for fresh pineapple. In fact, the original Hawaiian pizza used canned pineapple.
As canned pineapple will be a little wetter than fresh I would placing the pineapple chunks on some clean kitchen towel and then add another layer to the top of the chunks before placing them on the pizza. This will pull out some of the moisture.
How long does Hawaiian tortilla pizzas keep? How should I store Hawaiian tortilla pizzas?
If cooled down, placed in an airtight container and placed in the fridge within an hour or so of making these Hawaiian tortilla pizzas should last for up to three days.
Can I freeze Hawaiian tortilla pizzas?
I haven't tried freezing these pizzas, but they should stand up quite well to being frozen and last for up to three months. Store in an airtight container and place in the freezer within an hour or so of cooking so bacteria don’t have a chance to rise to unsafe levels.
Can I leave Hawaiian tortilla pizzas out on the counter?
No, as these Hawaiian tortilla pizzas contain both dairy and fruit they can’t be left at ambient room temperatures for more than two of hours before they should be eaten or thrown away or bacteria can multiply to dangerous levels.
Can I make Hawaiian tortilla pizzas ahead?
While these Hawaiian tortilla pizzas take very little time to make you could prepare the tomato base a day ahead and store it in the fridge to save some time.
I haven't tried it, but I think you should also be able to prepare the entire pizza up to a day in advance, place it on a plate, cover it in cling film and keep it refrigerated until you need to bake it. I would however keep the pineapple in a separate airtight container in the fridge and place it on just before baking, or the base may become too wet. You will need to adjust the cooking times accordingly as well, but a couple of extra minutes should be enough. Let me know in the comments if you give this a try!
What is the best way to reheat Hawaiian tortilla pizzas?
You can reheat the pizzas in the oven from the fridge or frozen. Place them in a preheated 180C oven and cover with tin foil before baking so that the crusts don't burn and check every few minutes until piping hot. You can cook uncovered for an extra minute if you want a crispier crust.
You could also reheat the pizzas in the microwave. Place on a microwave safe plate the microwave for 20 seconds at a time until piping hot. You can place another plate of the same size upside down and on top of your pizza to keep it moist and help cook more evenly. If you do do this be very careful when removing the plate as it will be incredibly hot from the steam.
Can I make Hawaiian tortilla pizzas in a different quantity?
You can make these tortilla pizzas in any quantity you desire, just use the handy slider found in the recipe card near the end of the page to adjust the number of pizzas you wish to make, which will also update the ingredient quantities needed.
Can I make Hawaiian tortilla pizzas in individual portions?
These Hawaiian tortilla pizzas are a size that works fantastically for individual meals, or slice them before serving into triangles or squares for a dish that can be served in smaller portions.
If you want something that’s extra cute you could also use mini tortillas with a smaller dimension. As a rough guide one 8 inch tortilla has the same surface area as four 4 inch tortillas.
How can I make sure Hawaiian tortilla pizzas are perfectly cooked?
Your Hawaiian tortilla pizza is perfectly cooked when the cheeses are bubbling and the crust has started to become a golden brown without being burnt.
Why did my dish turn out burned or overcooked?
This is likely because your oven was too hot or you left the pizza in for too long, so check both of these possibilities first.
It’s also possible that the crust can cook before the cheese has had time to melt, especially if you have sliced the mozzarella particularly thickly or it is still very cold from the fridge. If you're having trouble getting the cheese and crusts to both cook evenly you could place some tin foil over the pizza which should protect the crust and give the cheese time to melt.
Another option is to run a wet finger around the edge of the crust prior to baking, which will make it take longer to cook.
Finally you could forgo having a crust entirely and spread the tomato base and toppings right to the edge.
Why did my dish turn out wet/soft/undercooked?
This is probably because you didn't give the pizza long enough to cook, or your oven temperature was too low, so check both of these possibilities first.
Either way it's an easy fix by simply keeping the pizzas in the oven until cooked through.
Why did my dish taste bland?
I find that the thin crust combined with the sweetness of the cherry tomatoes and pineapple and the saltiness of the cheese and ham makes for a real punch of flavour, however if you feel a particular flavour could be stronger you can add more that particular ingredient.
How can I add/change the flavours in this dish?
The great thing about pizza is how incredibly versatile it is, so feel free to use up anything you have in the fridge, counter or cupboard if you think it will work. You never know, your chosen combination may end up being the next global pizza sensation!
Here’s some ideas to get you started.
Cheeses. This pizza already contains the double combo of Cheddar and mozzarella, but hard cheeses such as parmesan and pecorino are also delicious either grated or in slithers - just use them in moderation. Soft cheeses such as ricotta are very tasty, especially with dark greens, blue cheese works well with potatoes and goat’s cheese is lovely with red onion, dark greens and asparagus.
Vegetables. I would slice them thinly as these tortilla-based pizzas don’t take very long to cook - a drizzle of olive oil will help too.
Here’s some of my favourite veg: mushrooms, onions, courgettes, aubergine sweetcorn, spinach, asparagus, broccoli florets (cut up small).
Canned and veg preserved in oil both make for delicious toppings. For tins things like sweetcorn or new potatoes that have been crushed with the flat of a knife (add a little rosemary) are great, as is preserved veg like sun dried tomatoes and artichoke hearts.
Protein. All the classic meats (or vegetarian alternatives) can be delicious in the right combination, along with things like tofu and egg. Here’s some examples:
- Shredded chicken or pork works really well on pizza and the crisp edges that happen during cooking only add to the flavours - add a drizzle of olive oil over the meat to help it cook.
- Cooked mince be it beef, pork or lamb are all very tasty on pizza - fry off in a little flavoured oil for extra tastiness.
- Sausage like pepperoni and chorizo work well, but even something like a Cumberland sausage (either broken up and cooked in a pan or sliced) would be very tasty.
- Fish such as anchovies and canned tuna are common, but slices of smoked salmon or chilli prawns aren’t uncommon.
- Firm tofu either cut into cubes or crumbled on a pizza is super tasty, be it raw or fried and crispy. It works really well with spicy or herby dishes, which you can also add to the oil if frying.
- An egg or two cracked on top of the pizza is delicious, and works especially well with dark greens like spinach or asparagus. Try to keep the yolks runny.
Finishing touches. A little fresh basil or rocket sprinkled over a pizza, a few slithers of fresh chilli or shavings of a hard cheese really help to finish off a pizza. Pine nuts, olives, capers are some other welcome additions.
Sauces and dips. A little drizzle of flavoured oil (such as chilli oil or truffle oil) can add a final hit of flavour to a pizza, as can a few dollops of pesto, peri peri sauce or anything else you may have to hand - be bold!
What is the origin of Hawaiian pizza?
Hawaiian pizza, also known as pineapple pizza, is a pizza that contains pineapple and usually either ham or bacon. Sam Panopoulos claims he created the very first Hawaiian pizza in Ontario, Canada, at the Satellite restaurant back in 1962. His experience in preparing Chinese dishes that often mix savoury and sweet flavours helped in the creation of the dish. It was not very popular at first but has since grown to a favourite among people throughout the world. The name ‘Hawaiian pizza’ comes from the brand of canned pineapple that was used when creating the dish.
Where does ‘Hawaii’, ‘tortilla’ and ‘pizza’ get their names from?
The name ‘Hawaii’ comes from the name of its largest island - Hawaiʻi. This name is generally believed to come from ‘Hawaiʻiloa’ - a legendary figure in Hawaiian myth who is said to have discovered the islands when they were first settled on .
‘Tortilla’ comes from the Spanish word tort, which literally means ‘little cake’, which itself comes from the Latin word ‘torta’ which means flat cake.
‘Pizza’ originally meant ‘cake, tart, pie’ but where this word comes from is of uncertain origin with a few competing theories.
Print this Hawaiian tortilla pizza recipe
Quick Hawaiian Tortilla Pizza Recipe
Ingredients
- 4 flour tortillas
- 335 g (11.82 oz) fresh cherry tomatoes
- 2 tbsp tomato puree
- 5 g (0.18 oz) fresh basil
- 1 cloves (1) cloves roughly chopped
- 200 g (7.05 oz) fresh mozzarella sliced (vegetarian if required)
- 80 g (2.82 oz) cheddar cheese grated (vegetarian if required)
- 80 g (2.82 oz) pineapple cut into inch lengths
- 40 g (1.41 oz) ham cut into small squares
- salt and black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 240C/465F (220C/430F fan).
- Put the cherry tomatoes, tomato puree, fresh basil, garlic, and a pinch of salt and pepper into a food processor and blitz to a chunky sauce.
- Transfer to a non-stick pan over a medium heat and simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally until thickened and dark.
- Lay a tortilla on a board and spread with a quarter of the tomato sauce.
- Top with the mozzarella, cheddar, ham and pineapple (a quarter of each per pizza).
- Slide the pizza onto a baking sheet.
- Bake for 3 minutes until just browning at the edges.
- Serve immediately!
Video
Nutrition
This is a commissioned post for Sainsburys.
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Fatima says
Pizzas are actually great especially for a quick meal. I get the cheese pizza from the store and add my own toppings to it. This is a great recipe!
Emily Leary says
Thank you! I hope that you give this yummy recipe a try - it's so quick, easy and tasty!
Midlife Singlemum says
Very clever and very tempting. What a difference from the expense of buying a ready-made pizza and without the bother of making your own dough. I like this very much. Thanks.
Emily Leary says
Thanks :) Yes, this tasty recipe is so quick and easy and tastes fab! We love it in our house! Enjoy!
kirsty says
I love making tortilla pizzas like you say they are cheaper, so much more healthier and a lot more tastier with the crunchy base. Sainsbury's basic range really is great quality for value of money.
Emily Leary says
Yes, cheaper, easy to make and so tasty! We love tortilla pizzas in our house :)
Elizabeth says
What a great idea, and so much cheaper than ordering a pizza delivery! It would probably even be ready before a delivery arrived!
Emily Leary says
This is true - it's a very quick and easy recipe and tastes fab and it's far cheaper than a takeaway!
Anosa says
You had me at quick, I am not big on Hawaiian pizza but it doesn't hurt to have it every now and again and your tortilla version looks yummy
Emily Leary says
Thank you! I hope that you enjoy this delicious pizza as much as we do in our house. It's so quick and easy to make :)
Michelle Frank | Flipped-Out Food says
I consider myself to be a savvy shopper. The hubster and I hardly ever eat out anymore since we started working toward a healthier lifestyle. And yes, we're always holding prices in our heads so we can snap up the deals when they happen! These pizzas would be perfect for a busy weeknights. Better yet, they'll be a hit with the kids!
Emily Leary says
Thank you! Yes, these yummy pizzas are cheap, quick and easy to make and taste absolutely delicious. They're a great favourite with my kids :)
Rachael says
Tortilla pizzas are one of my son's favourite dinners. He thinks he's getting a huge treat, I spend less than 5 minutes in the kitchen making it and everyone's happy!
Emily Leary says
Yes, it's the same in my house! We all love this pizza and it's so quick and easy to make :)
Rebecca | AAUBlog says
a tortilla pizza sounds like it would be a winner in our house, though not sure the kids would go for the pineapple! I wish I had a Sainsburys closer to me - sounds like some good savings :) x
Emily Leary says
There were some fantastic savings to be had with four delicious Hawaiian tortilla pizzas costing just £2.60 and you could always leave out the pineapple :)
Sarah says
Oh yummy! Pizza is my favourite thing ever! This looks so delicious! I've made pizza's on naan breads before but never tortilla's, SO trying this. x
Emily Leary says
Thanks! I love pizza too and this recipe tastes so good! Enjoy:)
Corina Blum says
It sounds like a delicious easy meal and so cheap too! I often do tortilla pizzas as an easy lunch option but love the fact that you've made your own sauce too.
Emily Leary says
Thank you! This really is an delicious recipe and so quick and easy to make, and as you say it's so cheap - just £2.60 for four pizzas!