This Ham and Cheese Pizza is the ultimate comfort food — a golden-brown pizza crust topped with rich tomato sauce, gooey melted mozzarella, and slices of savory ham. Whether you’re making it for a quick weeknight dinner, game night, or a kids’ meal, this pizza hits all the right notes of flavor and texture.
The beauty of ham and cheese pizza lies in its simplicity. With just a few ingredients, you can create a delicious homemade version that rivals any takeout. And the best part? You can easily customize it by adding pineapple for Hawaiian-style flair, mushrooms, onions, or even a drizzle of garlic butter for extra richness.
Making pizza at home allows you to control the quality of ingredients — from the crust to the cheese — and it’s surprisingly easy to do. Whether you use store-bought dough or make your own from scratch, this recipe will guide you through every step to ensure a perfectly baked pie every time.
From crispy edges to that irresistible cheese pull, this ham and cheese pizza is sure to become a household staple.
Ingredients (Makes 1 large pizza / 4 servings):
For the Dough:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp instant yeast
- 1 tsp sugar
- 3/4 cup warm water
- 1 tsp salt
- 2 tbsp olive oil
For the Toppings:
- 1/2 cup tomato pizza sauce
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 4–6 thin slices cooked ham
- Optional: fresh basil leaves, red pepper flakes, oregano, garlic butter
Instructions:
Step 1: Make the Dough
In a bowl, combine flour, yeast, sugar, salt, and olive oil. Add warm water gradually while mixing until a soft dough forms. Knead for 5–7 minutes until smooth. Let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
Step 2: Preheat the Oven
Preheat oven to 475°F (245°C). If you have a pizza stone or baking steel, place it inside to heat up as well.
Step 3: Shape the Dough
Punch down the risen dough and roll it out into a circle (about 12 inches in diameter). Transfer to a pizza peel or baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Step 4: Assemble the Pizza
Spread pizza sauce evenly over the dough, leaving a small border for the crust. Sprinkle mozzarella cheese on top, then lay ham slices across the cheese.
Step 5: Bake Until Golden
Carefully transfer the pizza into the oven and bake for 10–15 minutes or until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly and lightly browned.
Step 6: Finish and Serve
Remove from the oven and let cool slightly. Top with fresh basil leaves if desired. Slice and enjoy!
Pro Tips:
- Use fresh mozzarella for an extra creamy texture.
- Add pineapple chunks for a sweet-and-savory Hawaiian twist.
- Brush the crust with garlic butter before baking for extra flavor.
- Store leftover dough or toppings in the fridge for up to 2 days.
