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Please know that I do not mean to offend anyone with this title.
It’s just the title of the pizza and trust me, I debated back and forth whether to actually name a pizza, TJ Hooker, but in the end I just had to do it. Because with this name comes a story, and we all like stories, right?
Ok, so here it goes. Basically, I really wanted to create a meal inspired by the last day of school. I texted each one of my cousins, and brothers – basically everyone in my phone contacts under the age of twenty-eight. I only received responses from a handful of people (Abby is always there for me) but it was pretty obvious that pizza, chicken fingers, anything grilled, ice cream and popsicles were all acceptable last day of school foods. I already had the sweet part covered (TOMORROW!), so I was really looking for something savory.
Pizza seemed like the best fit. For one, who does not love pizza? Two, I feel like it is what every kid/teenager and um… me, would want at their “School’s Out, It’s Finally Summer party”. Three, pizza is always fun, and no matter how old I get, it always will be.
So pizza it was. Now what kind of pizza?
Everyone said cheese, pepperoni – the classics.
I know the classics are awesome, but I feel like everyone knows how to make a cheese pizza and to be honest, there is nothing very fun or exciting about a plain cheese pizza. I love um, but not really what I was looking for today. Or actually tomorrow since that is officially Asher’s last day of school, but hey, we’re prepping for it.
So as I said, everyone said classic pizza – except Brendan. The brother who just had surgery on both knees a week ago yesterday and somehow managed to drive himself to his doctor appointment on Tuesday. I mean, he can’t walk, but apparently driving is all good. Really though, remember this is just Brendan, he is insane.
Anyway, Brendan said I had to make his favorite pizza. I said “ok, fine what is your favorite pizza”? I should have predicted that the next words out of his mouth would be shocking. I mean, this is Brendan, only outrageous things come out of his mouth, so only he would suggest a pizza liker this. “Well, it’s the TJ Hook Pizza”. Call me weird, but right then and there I knew I had to make this pizza. It just sounded like a great pizza. So I went with it, not even knowing what the name really meant or what it actually consisted of .
If you know me, than you know that this is not typical. See, I think and stew and then think some more, until I am 100% sure that I am confident in what I am making (while not really, but I try to convince myself that I am), and that I am excited about it. But with this pizza the name just had me hooked. I wanted to know more… I wanted to taste it!
From there I said just text me what is in it, I am going to start the dough.
Luckily, I was cool with the three ingredients that Brendan text back. Pineapple (clearly I am highly addicted to this amazing fruit), Canadian Bacon (ok, a little skeptical on this one, but it works here) and jalapeños (yes!). So basically a Hawaiian Pizza. I asked what kind of sauce and Brendan said, “not sure maybe tomato”, but that just didn’t sit well with me. I thought something with a sweet and spicy kick would work so much better. Enter the Chipotle BBQ. I just used my favorite BBQ sauce and added some chipotle chiles and pineapple juices. Super simple, but so good. Then I drizzled the entire thing with sweet Thai chili sauce, it’s the secret weapon for the pizza. Meaning, it is awesome and you must not skip it! Just be sure to adjust how much or little you use based on your desired liking. I always use the max amount because, over at this house, it can never really be too spicy.
Then, to top it all off, of course there is the cheese. Swiss, fontina and a little blue, if you are into it. SO GOOD.
Perfect way to ring in summer if you ask me. Tropical BBQ pizza. Pretty perfect right?
And I do realize that probably a lot of kids would never go near this pizza. I get it, they are kids. So here is what I do. Double the dough recipe, make the kids a plain cheese pizza and then make this one for the adults who have graduated beyond plain cheese. Hey, this way there is more for you anyway!
Oh, and as for why this pizza is call the TJ Hooker Pizza? Well, unfortunately it is not really a PG 13 kind of thing, which makes it probably not so appropriate for a family blog, but if you are feeling curious, email me and I will share!
It made me laugh and trust me, I am a tough one to try and get a good laugh out of.
The TJ Hooker Pizza (Chipotle BBQ and Sweet Chili Pineapple + Jalapeño Pizza with Bacon)!
Servings: 4 Servings
Calories Per Serving: 1329 kcal
Nutritional information is only an estimate. The accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipe on this site is not guaranteed.
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Ingredients
Pizza Dough
- 1 1/2 cups flour
- 1/2 cup warm water
- 1 1/2 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Toppings
- 4 ounces Canadian Bacon chopped (may swap bacon) - leave off for a vegetarian pizza
- 1/2 cup of [your favorite BBQ sauce | https://www.halfbakedharvest.com/homemade-barbecue-sauce-just-like-sweet-baby-rays/]
- 2 tablespoon pineapple juice
- 1-2 canned chipotle chilies depending on the amount of heat you like, finely chopped (I used 2)
- 1/2 a lime juiced
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro chopped
- 2-4 tablespoons sweet thai chili sauce again, depending on the amount of heat you like (I used 4 tablespoons)
- 1 cup shredded swiss cheese
- 1 cup shredded fontina cheese
- 2 ounces crumbled blue cheese optional
- 4 slices thick fresh pineapple finely chopped (may used canned, but I prefer fresh)
- 2 jalapeños seeded - if desired
Instructions
For the Dough:
- In a large bowl, combine water, yeast and honey. Mix with a spoon, then let sit until foamy, about 10 minutes. Add in the flour and olive oil stirring with a spoon until the dough comes together but is still sticky. Using your hands, on a floured surface, form the dough into a ball and work the additional 1/2 cup flour into the dough if needed. You can also do all the mixing and kneading in your stand mixer with the dough hook attachment. Now rub the same bowl with olive oil, then place the dough inside, turning to coat. Cover with a towel and place in a warm place to rise for about 1 1/2 hours.
To assemble the Pizza:
- When the dough is ready, start assembling the pizzas. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat, add the Canadian Bacon. Cook over medium heat for 5 minutes or until crisp. Remove from the heat and set aside.
- Meanwhile add the BBQ sauce, pineapple juice, chipotle chiles, lime juice and cilantro to a small bowl. Whisk to combine.
- Once the pizza dough is ready, lightly flour a counter. Use your hands or a rolling pin to roll the dough out until you have a flattened disk. Place the pizzas on a greased baking sheet and then use your hands to gently tug, pull and push the pizza dough into your desired shape.
- Spread the chipotle BBQ sauce over the pizza dough. Sprinkle on 3/4 fourths of the cheeses. Add the Canadian bacon, and chopped pineapple, then drizzle on the sweet thai chili sauce. Sprinkle on the remaining cheese. Add the jalapeño slices. Bake the pizza for 25-30 minutes or until the cheese is all melty and gooey.
- Remove the pizza from the oven and and sprinkle with fresh cilantro and blue cheese if desired. Slice and EAT!
Whatever you want to call it, just know it is freaking awesome and the perfect “grown up” last day of school pizza!
Soooo good.
Thanks so much Kathy!!
The ONLY pizza dough recipe I use! And I’ve tried MANY!
Hey Mallory,
Happy Friday! Thanks a bunch for making this recipe, I am thrilled that it was enjoyed:) xTieghan
I didn’t see salt in the directions to make dough. It’s in the ingredient list.
Hey Kristen,
The directions for the dough are the first thing listed under the ingredient list:)
FOR THE DOUGH:
In a large bowl, combine water, yeast and honey. Mix with a spoon, then let sit until foamy, about 10 minutes. Add in the flour and olive oil stirring with a spoon until the dough comes together but is still sticky. Using your hands, on a floured surface, form the dough into a ball and work the additional 1/2 cup flour into the dough if needed. You can also do all the mixing and kneading in your stand mixer with the dough hook attachment. Now rub the same bowl with olive oil, then place the dough inside, turning to coat. Cover with a towel and place in a warm place to rise for about 1 1/2 hours.
I agree Kristen – Tiegan, we see the instructions, but salt is not included in the dough making instructions although it is included in the ingredient list (1/4 tsp) for the dough.
Hi Marie,
You can add it with the flour:) xTieghan
I’m curious as I now have received all 3 of your books as Xmas presents. I’m an avid cook and reader. I like to read reviews on recipes for recommendations and comments from those who have made your recipes. But I’m frustrated to find so many variations of your recipes when I google the cook book recipe title only to find so many different but similar names/versions used, so I’m not sure which one to try? All have a slight change of ingredients. I’m surely not willing to try 3-4 to find the perfect one. In all my 50 years of cooking, I prefer just one – maybe from the book (and obviously the most liked) version. To keep it simple. Your recipes sound great but wish things would be more straightforward so I don’t question whether I should combine from several similar (all from HBH) and hope for the best result.
Just curious why there are so many options posted online from you on really, what should be just simple and easy to follow the original book version. Thanks for input.
Hi Bonnie,
Thanks for sharing your feedback and sorry you feel this way. All of the recipes that are in the cookbooks are exclusive to the books, so you won’t find those online. The recipes that are on the blog are completely free and not found in the cookbooks. Is there a specific recipe that you had a question about that you say is a similar variation? Let me know how I can help! xT
There have been quite a few so not to worry. I respect your reply, thanks. I’ll just stick to your books and hope they are the best of the best!
Look forward to cooking thru your recipes!