Imagine a pizza that combines the irresistible creamy tang of classic Southern pimiento cheese with savory ham, all baked to golden perfection on a crispy crust. This Pimiento Cheese and Ham Pizza is a truly unique and incredibly delicious fusion that brings comforting Southern flavors to your pizza night! It’s a hearty, satisfying, and easy-to-make dish that’s perfect for a fun family dinner, game day, or any time you crave a cheesy, flavorful twist on pizza.
Why I Love This Recipe
I’m a huge fan of creative flavor mash-ups, and this Pimiento Cheese and Ham Pizza is a revelation! What I absolutely adore is how it takes the beloved creamy, sharp, and slightly spicy pimiento cheese and transforms it into a luscious pizza “sauce” or topping. The salty ham adds a fantastic savory element, and baking it all on a crispy crust creates an explosion of texture and taste. It feels incredibly comforting and nostalgic, yet it’s a fresh, exciting take on pizza that’s surprisingly straightforward to assemble. It’s guaranteed to be a hit and disappear fast at any gathering!
Ingredients:
- 1 (13.8 oz) can refrigerated pizza crust (or your favorite homemade pizza dough)
- 1 ½ cups prepared pimiento cheese (homemade or store-bought)
- 1 ½ cups cooked ham, diced or shredded
- ½ cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese (or cheddar/mozzarella blend)
- ¼ cup sliced green onions (optional, for garnish)
- Optional: Thinly sliced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce (for extra kick)
Swaps and Notes
- Pizza Crust: A can of refrigerated pizza crust is a fantastic shortcut. You can also use homemade pizza dough, a pre-baked pizza crust, or even a large flatbread (like naan or pita bread, adjusting baking time) if you prefer.
- Pimiento Cheese: Use your favorite prepared pimiento cheese—homemade is fantastic if you have a recipe you love, or a good quality store-bought one. The texture should be spreadable but not too thin.
- Ham: Cooked ham, diced or shredded, is ideal. You can use deli ham, leftover baked ham, or even diced Canadian bacon.
- Monterey Jack Cheese: Monterey Jack melts beautifully and has a mild flavor that complements the pimiento cheese. You can also use extra shredded cheddar, mozzarella, or a Mexican blend cheese.
- Green Onions (Optional): Add a fresh, mild oniony bite and a pop of color.
- Jalapeños (Optional): Thinly sliced fresh or pickled jalapeños can add a welcome kick that complements the pimiento cheese.
- Other Toppings (Optional): Consider a sprinkle of cooked, crumbled bacon, a few roasted red peppers, or a light dusting of garlic powder on the crust before baking.
Instructions:
1. Prepare Pizza Crust: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Carefully unroll the refrigerated pizza crust onto a large baking sheet (you may want to line it with parchment paper first for easy cleanup). Stretch or press the dough into your desired pizza shape (rectangle or circle).
2. Spread Pimiento Cheese: Evenly spread the 1 ½ cups prepared pimiento cheese over the entire pizza crust, leaving about a ½-inch border around the edges for the crust.
3. Add Ham & Cheese: Evenly scatter the 1 ½ cups cooked ham (diced or shredded) over the pimiento cheese layer. Sprinkle the ½ cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese (or other melting cheese) over the ham layer. If using, scatter a few thinly sliced jalapeños for extra spice.
4. Bake the Pizza: Place the baking sheet with the pizza in the preheated oven. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and cooked through, and the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden. The exact time may vary based on your oven and crust thickness.
5. Garnish & Serve: Remove the pizza from the oven. Let it cool for a few minutes on the baking sheet. Garnish generously with ¼ cup sliced green onions (optional) or a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley. Slice into squares or wedges and serve immediately. Enjoy your unique and delicious Pimiento Cheese and Ham Pizza!
Tips for Success
- Pre-bake Crust (Optional): For an extra crispy crust, you can par-bake the pizza crust for 5-7 minutes before adding toppings, especially if using a thicker dough.
- Room Temp Pimiento Cheese: Using pimiento cheese at room temperature makes it easier to spread evenly.
- Don’t Overload: While tempting, don’t overload the pizza with too many toppings, as it can make the crust soggy.
- Watch Oven Closely: Pizza cooks quickly, and cheese can go from perfectly melted to burnt in a short time.
- Serve Hot: This pizza is best served warm, when the cheese is gooey and the crust is crisp.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
This Pimiento Cheese and Ham Pizza is a fantastic standalone meal or a unique appetizer.
- Pizza Night: A fun and unique twist for your regular pizza night.
- Game Day/Party Food: Easy to make and serve for a crowd. It’s a great complement to other cheesy dips like This Crockpot Nacho Dip Is the Reason I Never Have Leftovers or This Beer Cheese Dip Is My Favorite Party Starter That Disappears in Minutes.
- Side Salad: A light green salad with a simple vinaigrette would cut through the richness nicely.
- Beverages: Pair with a cold beer, iced tea, or lemonade.
- For other unique pizza/flatbread options or cheesy bakes, check out these Chefmaniac.com favorites:
- Crispy Burrata Arugula Pita Pizzas (for a gourmet appetizer pizza!)
- These Sheet Pan Quesadillas Are My Favorite Way to Feed a Crowd Fast
- Philly Cheesesteak Casserole (for another savory, cheesy comfort food bake).
- This Dorito Casserole Is My Favorite Weeknight Dinner Shortcut
Storage and Leftover Tips
This pizza is best enjoyed fresh from the oven.
- Best Fresh: The crispness of the crust and the melt of the cheese are at their peak when served hot.
- Refrigeration: Store any leftover Pimiento Cheese and Ham Pizza, tightly covered, in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. The crust will soften.
- Reheating: Reheat individual slices in a preheated oven or toaster oven at 375°F (190°C) until warmed through and the cheese is bubbly again. This helps the crust regain some crispness. Microwaving is possible but will result in a softer crust.
- Freezing: This pizza is generally not recommended for freezing due to the pimiento cheese base and the cooked crust’s texture changing upon thawing.
Final Thoughts
This Pimiento Cheese and Ham Pizza is a truly delightful and incredibly flavorful fusion that brings a taste of Southern comfort to your pizza night. Its unique combination of creamy pimiento cheese, savory ham, and a crispy crust creates an unforgettable and incredibly satisfying meal. Get ready to indulge in this cheesy, delicious twist!
What are your favorite unusual pizza topping combinations, or do you have a go-to Southern-inspired savory dish? Share your ideas and tips in the comments below, and don’t forget to follow Chefmaniac for more exciting and delicious recipes!
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