If you’ve ever argued with friends about whether pineapple belongs on pizza, you’ll love this one: long before Pizza Hawaii divided opinions around the world, Germany had already embraced its sweet-and-savoury cousin — Toast Hawaii.
This retro gem first appeared on German TV in the 1950s, made famous by entertainer Heinz Erhardt. It was the height of post-war luxury: ham, pineapple, and melting cheese layered on buttered toast, crowned with a cherry or a spoonful of cranberry compote. For many German households, Toast Hawaii was the taste of modernity, exoticism, and a little indulgence on an ordinary weeknight.
Now, confession time: my husband and I are firm believers in no pineapple on pizza. That’s a hill we’ll happily die on. My dad, on the other hand, loves himself a gooey Pizza Hawaii. We only agree on Pineapples that belong in Malakoff Cake – I will share my family recipie with you soon!
Whether you’re a pineapple sceptic or a tropical enthusiast, Toast Hawaii is undeniably a slice of culinary pop culture. It’s quick, it’s quirky, and it’s just a little bit kitsch. Even if you’ve sworn off pineapple on pizza, you might just be surprised how well it works here. The buttery toast, savoury ham, tangy pineapple and gooey cheese have been winning people over for decades.
Ingredients
For the perfect Retro Charm
- 10 slices of toast bread
- 50g butter
- 150g or 10 slices of Ham
- 1kg or 10 slices of pineapple rings (tinned)
- 200g or 10 slices of cheese
- Cranberry Compote or Cocktail Cherries for decoration
(UK Sourcing Tips)
Avoid strongly smoked ham (like Bavarian or Black Forest ham), as it can overpower the pineapple.
Cheese: Gouda or Emmentaler are your friend
Prep: 10 min
Cook: 10-20 Minutes
depends if you can slot all in one try
Serves: 10 people
Method:
- Preheat your oven to 200°C (fan 180°C)
- Place slices on a baking tray under the grill (or in the toaster if yours has a “one-side” bagel function). Grill until just lightly golden on one side, leaving the other side soft. Alternative: you can also toast the one side in a pan, if you prefer.
- Butter the untoasted side of the bread
- Place 1 slice of ham, the pineapple ring and slice on cheese on top of the buttered side.
- Bake the toasts on a lined baking tray until the cheese is melted and golden yellow.
- Garnish by adding a small spoon of cranberry compote or a cocktail cherry in the centre of the pineapple ring.
- Serve hot, ideally with a crisp salad on the side.
No Pineapple? Try sliced tomato or even peach halves instead — both were popular retro toppings in 60s/70s Germany.
Vegetarian Version: Replace the ham with grilled courgette or aubergine slices for a veggie twist.
Leave a Reply