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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.
Nutritional information is only an estimate. The accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipe on this site is not guaranteed.
Whatever you want to call it, just know it is freaking awesome and the perfect “grown up” last day of school pizza!
I’ve been on a homemade pizza kick this week so I definitely have to try this one next, what a great combo of flavors! Perfect way to celebrate the last day of school!
Nothing beats homemade pizza! I am still trying to perfect baking the crust though!
Liking everything except the jalapenos. It’s a great spin off Hawaiian pizza. Love the addition of sweet Thai chili sauce. I’ll be posting a recipe soon for making that from scratch.
Thanks Farah! I make mine from scratch too! It’s the best!
This is one amazing pizza, Tieghan. And I cracked up at the name, love it!!
Thanks Matt!
I’d much rather have this flavorful pizza than pepperoni anyday! Brilliant!
Me too! Thanks Gwen!
This is one sexy pizza, mmm mmm!
Thanks Julia!
This sounds great! I’m dying to try it on the grill.
As for the name…it doesn’t have to be more than PG-13 rated whatever the story…TJ Hooker was a cop show when I was growing up. :o) It’s just a guy’s name.
I watched that show all the time. William Shatner played TJ Hooker.
Thanks Jodi!
There’s always a story behind a dish. Love it!
Thanks Katya!
I’m with you Canadian bacon definitely can be hit or miss. This pizza sounds delicious!
Thanks Jennifer!
Maybe, we’ll just say it’s because we’re ‘hooked’ on this pizza. Sounds outrageously good! 🙂 Pinning for sure.
Have a wonderful day Tieghan!
Thanks!
Love the story. The pizza. Love the fact that we are SERIOUSLY making this tomorrow night. Thank you!
Thanks Ashley!
Talk about a pizza that packs a flavor punch. YUMMMMM
Thanks Steph!
I’ve never used sweet thai chili sauce…I just assumed it was sweet but you mention it’s spicy…is it hot like schiracha? Is it sambal olek or is that hot chili sauce…I’m confused but I so want to make this and I think I have everything but the thai chili sauce. I wish my last day of school was today and I had the whole summer off…those were the best.
It’s a little spicy, but not overly so.
Thanks!
mmmm jalapeno and pineapple are a beautiful thing!
Agree! Thanks Abigail!
Skeptical about Canadian Bacon?! That is my home land…we are no longer friends.
I’m totally kidding…but this pizza is MAJOR. Love sweet pineapple with some spicy jalapeno! Pinned 🙂
Haha! Sorry!
Thanks so much, Taylor!
This is an awesome flavor combination. Perfect for the last day of school because the ingredients feel summery and fun! But now I am dying to know the story… 🙂
Thanks so much, Bri!! Have a great weekend and email me if you want the reason behind the name!
I don’t know what the connection is to what I am going to say, but “T.J. Hooker” was the name of a police officer that was played by William Shatner, Captain Kirk from Star Trek) . I believe it was on in the early eighties… FYI… Maybe he liked it, or something like that. I am still going to make this!
The movie series WAS caleed “T.J. Hooker.”