National Pizza Day (US) – Hawaiian Ham And Pineapple Ice Cream

National Pizza Day Gets Weird with our Ham and Pineapple Ice Cream! Discover how we’re flipping the script on the Hawaiian pizza by turning this controversial combo into ice cream.

The Hawaiian Pizza – Love It or Hate It?

The Hawaiian pizza—is arguably one of the most controversial pizza flavour combinations, very much like a Marmite situation – You either love it or hate it! Some love the sweet and salty contrast of ham and pineapple, while others refuse to accept fruit on a pizza at all!

With National Pizza Day in the US (9th February) upon us, we thought we’d take this divisive flavour and completely flip it on its head—by turning it into ham and pineapple ice cream! And why not? lol.

Leaning more towards a sweet dessert flavour profile, this unexpected fusion might just be the twist that finally unites the pineapple-on-pizza debate!

In this article, we’ll explore why ham and pineapple work so well together, the science behind the sweet and savoury contrast, and of course, share a full recipe and step-by-step guide so you can make your own Hawaiian-inspired ice cream at home.

If you’d like to go straight to our Ham and Pineapple recipe, please use the following link, or read along to find out more.

The Controversy Behind Pineapple on Pizza

There are few food debates as heated as pineapple on pizza. Some argue that the sweetness of pineapple clashes with the rich, savoury cheese and tomato base, while others love the balance of tangy, salty, and sweet flavours.

The Hawaiian pizza was first introduced in 1962 by Sam Panopoulos, a Greek immigrant in Canada. His bold experiment of adding canned pineapple to pizza sparked a flavour revolution—and a decades-long culinary debate.

Despite its widespread popularity, the controversy still rages on. When Panopoulos passed away in 2017, The Guardian noted that his legacy was one of the most divisive food creations of all time.

👉🏽 Sam Panopoulos, inventor of Hawaiian pizza, dies aged 83 | Pizza | The Guardian

Why Ham and Pineapple Works as a Flavour Combination

So how about we remove the cheese, the tomato, and the pizza base—and instead, focus purely on ham and pineapple as a sweet and salty combination?

That’s exactly what we’re doing with our Ham and Pineapple ice cream recipe. When turned into a rich and creamy dessert, these two flavours may just surprise even the most devoted anti-pineapple-on-pizza advocates.

We’ve tried curious flavour pairings with our Bacon and Maple Syrup Ice cream, which surprisingly turned out to be an absolute winner, so why wouldn’t this flavour combo work?

The curiosity of ham and pineapple comes down to contrasting flavour profiles:

• Sweet & Tangy: Pineapple is naturally high in acidity and natural sugars, creating a refreshing burst of tropical sweetness.
• Salty & Umami: Ham, especially when cured or smoked, brings a savoury depth and a slight umami richness.
• Balancing the Flavours: Just like how salt enhances chocolate, the savoury-sweet contrast of ham and pineapple can create a more complex and enjoyable flavour experience.

In ice cream form, this works even better. The creaminess of the base softens the tangy pineapple, while candied or caramelised ham adds depth without overwhelming the sweetness. The result? A perfectly balanced dessert with a fun nod to the world of pizza!

Hawaiian-Inspired Ham & Pineapple Ice Cream Recipe

So without further ado, here’s our recipe and step-by-step guide for a curiously delicious Ham and Pineapple Ice Cream;

Ingredients:

• 500ml double cream – for a rich and creamy base
• 250ml whole milk – to create the perfect texture
• 150g granulated sugar – to enhance the sweetness
• 3 egg yolks – for a velvety, custard-like consistency
• 200g fresh pineapple (or canned, drained) – finely chopped
• 100g honey-roast ham – finely chopped and lightly crisped
• 1 tbsp honey – to enhance the natural sweetness
• 1 tsp vanilla extract – for depth of flavour
• Pinch of sea salt – to balance the sweetness
• Optional: 1 tbsp rum (or pineapple juice) – to prevent ice crystals forming

Method:

• Prepare the ham & pineapple:
  • If using fresh pineapple, finely chop and sauté in a dry pan until lightly caramelised. Let it cool.
  • Lightly crisp up the ham in a frying pan (no oil needed), then finely chop.
• Make the ice cream base:
  • In a saucepan, heat the cream, milk, and vanilla extract over low heat until just warm (don’t let it boil).
  • In a separate bowl, whisk the egg yolks and sugar until pale and thick.
  • Slowly pour the warm milk mixture into the eggs, whisking constantly.
• Cook the custard:
  • Return the mixture to the saucepan and cook over low heat, stirring constantly until it thickens slightly (coats the back of a spoon).
  • Remove from heat and stir in the honey and a pinch of sea salt.
• Chill and churn:
  • Let the mixture cool completely, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours (or overnight).
  • Pour into an ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions. No Ice Cream Maker? No Problem – See note below**
• Add the mix-ins:
  • In the last few minutes of churning, fold in the caramelised pineapple and crisped ham.
  • Transfer to a container and freeze for at least 4 hours before serving.

**Note: If you don’t have an ice cream maker, you can still make this recipe. Pour the mixture into a freezer-safe container and freeze. Every 30 minutes, stir the mixture vigorously with a fork to break up ice crystals, repeating this process for about 3-4 hours or until the ice cream is firm. Please also check out our post – How to Make Homemade Ice Cream: Without an Ice Cream Maker – to learn more.

Nutritional Values (Per Serving – Approx 100g)

• Calories: 260 kcal | Fat: 18g | Carbohydrates: 22g | Protein: 4g | Sugars: 19g

Additional Toppings for Your Ham and Pineapple Pizza Ice Cream

Just like a pizza, often the best bit is the toppings which you can mix and match to customise your Hawaiian-inspired ice cream!

Topping Ideas & Why They Work

Here are some ideas to take your dessert Ham and Pineapple pizza ice cream to the next level:

• Coconut Flakes – enhances the tropical vibe
• Candied Bacon – doubles down on the sweet-savoury contrast
• Caramel Swirl – adds a rich, buttery layer of sweetness
• Macadamia Nuts – for a crunchy texture that complements the creamy base
• Crushed Biscotti or Shortbread – mimics a pizza crust element

These additions can help turn your ice cream into a “fully loaded pizza” dessert—a fun and unexpected treat to celebrate National Pizza Day.

👉🏽 Don’t have an ice cream maker, but thinking about buying one? Not sure which one would suit you best? Then head on over to our article – What is the Best Ice Cream Maker? A Detailed Review. This provides information and guidance on what you want to look for in an ice cream maker and reviews a selection of appliances.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Does ham and pineapple actually work as an ice cream flavour?

Yes! The sweet and savoury contrast works similarly to salted caramel or bacon and maple syrup ice cream. The tangy pineapple brings a refreshing fruitiness, while crispy ham adds a subtle savoury depth that balances the sweetness.

2. Will the ham make the ice cream taste too salty?

Not at all! The key is using honey-roast ham or lightly caramelised ham bits rather than overly salty cured meats like prosciutto. The small amount used enhances the flavour without overpowering the sweetness.

3. Can I make this ice cream without an ice cream maker?

Yes! You can use the no-churn method by whipping double cream until soft peaks form, then folding in condensed milk, pineapple, and crisped ham before freezing. It won’t be as smooth as churned ice cream but will still be delicious!

👉🏽 To learn more, head on over to our article – How to Make Homemade Ice Cream Without an Ice Cream Maker – which provides several hints and tips on making ice cream without an ice cream maker.

4. What type of ham works best for this ice cream?

A lightly sweet ham like honey-roast ham or maple-glazed ham works best, as it complements the pineapple’s sweetness. Avoid overly smoky or salty hams, which may be too intense in ice cream.

5. Can I use canned pineapple instead of fresh?

Yes! Canned pineapple (drained well) works just as well as fresh, and it can actually be smoother and sweeter, making it ideal for ice cream. Just make sure to caramelise it slightly to enhance its natural sugars.

6. Does the ham stay crispy in the ice cream?

Not completely, but candied or crisped ham bits hold up better than regular ham. If you want extra texture, sprinkle some crispy ham on top before serving.

7. What other toppings can I add to enhance this ice cream?

Think of classic pizza-inspired toppings! Coconut flakes, candied bacon, caramel drizzle, or crushed biscotti all work well to elevate the flavour and texture.

👉🏽 Check out our Bacon & Maple Syrup Ice Cream article or other unique flavour combinations in our article – Unique Homemade Ice Cream Recipes – Deliciously Curious Creations – for more inspiration!

8. Is this ice cream more sweet or savoury?

It leans more towards sweet, with a hint of savoury depth from the ham. The pineapple and vanilla ice cream base dominate, while the ham adds a subtle umami kick—similar to how salt enhances caramel or chocolate.

9. Would this ice cream work as part of a dessert pizza?

Absolutely! You could serve this on a cookie or biscuit base, drizzle with caramel or white chocolate, and add crushed nuts or coconut for extra texture. A dessert pizza twist on Hawaiian pizza!

10. Will this ice cream finally settle the Hawaiian pizza debate?

We’d like to think so! If pineapple on pizza is too much for some, maybe pineapple in ice cream is the happy middle ground. But let’s be real—the debate will probably never end! 😂

The Final Scoop

So there you have it—Ham and Pineapple Ice Cream, a National Pizza Day tribute with a sweet and savoury twist! A perfectly creamy, sweet pineapple ice cream with savoury notes from the crisped ham. Quite a delicious and surprising flavour combination. Whether you’re a die-hard Hawaiian pizza fan or a sceptic, this flavour combo in ice cream form just might change your mind.

👉🏽 Would you give this weird but wonderful flavour a try? Or do you have your own controversial pizza-inspired ice cream ideas? Let us know in the comments below.

Hopefully, you have enjoyed our article – National Pizza Day (US) – Hawaiian Ham And Pineapple Ice Cream – and we have inspired you to give this curiously unique flavour combination a try. If you have any questions, please drop us a comment below and we will be happy to get back to you.

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 🍕🍦 Happy National Pizza Day! 🍦🍕