VEGAN Hawaiian Pizza with Coconut Bacon

I can hardly contain my excitement to share this recipe with you, friends!!

I'm going to go out on a limb and say this was one of my more genius ideas! I know that pineapple on pizza usually triggers some strong opinions! I've always been a fan :) Especially when you add in coconut bacon, caramelized onion and garlic, plus my favorite vegan mozzarella! 

When I did the first trial run for this pizza, I had never made coconut bacon before! I will now be making it regularly! It was so simple to throw together, uses ingredients I always have on hand, and packs an amazing flavor punch for many different uses. 

The nutrition info on this pizza will depend on the crust and sauce you use, so keep that in mind. This isn't exactly a health food - more of a healthIER and plant-based version of a favorite ;) It's also high in fiber and protein, as well as vitamin C and iron! 

This pizza comes together in 45 minutes. I guarantee it will satisfy herbivores and omnivores, alike! 

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VEGAN Hawaiian Pizza with Coconut Bacon 

Makes: 1 14-inch pizza

Prep Time: 30 minutes

Cook Time: 10-15 minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes

Ingredients for Coconut Bacon:

3 1/2 cups large coconut flakes, unsweetened

2 TBSP natural liquid smoke*

2 TBSP 100% maple syrup

1 TBSP tamari or liquid aminos

1 TBSP water, to thin

1 tsp fresh ground pepper

1/2 tsp smoked paprika

1/2 tsp garlic powder

1 TBSP nutritional yeast

Ingredients for Pizza:

1 14 inch pizza crust of choice (can be homemade or store-bought dough, whole wheat or gluten-free if preferred)

1-2 tsp grapeseed oil

1/2 red onion, sliced in half moons

2-3 garlic cloves, minced

Pinch of sea salt

1/4 cup marinara or pizza sauce (homemade or store-bought)**

1 cup pineapple, finely diced

1/2 cup vegan mozzarella (optional)***

Method

Prepare coconut bacon: Pre-heat the oven to 325 degrees F. In a medium bowl, mix together the liquid smoke, maple syrup, tamari/liquid aminos, water, spices, and nutritional yeast. Stir well to combine. Add in the coconut flakes and gently stir until all flakes are coated in sauce. Pour flakes on a large baking sheet covered with parchment paper. Place in oven for a total of 20-25 minutes, ensuring you stir the mixture every 8-10 minutes! The outer coconut flakes can burn quickly if not monitored and turned. Remove from the oven when golden brown. Set aside to cool. (SEE NOTE)

Prepare caramelized onions: Heat a small skillet over medium-low heat, add grapeseed oil, half-moon onion, and salt. Stirring consistently, cook until the onion develops a caramelized color (see above photo). In the last few minutes of cooking, reduce heat to low and add in minced garlic. Cook for 1-2 minutes, until fragrant, ensuring garlic does not burn. Remove from heat and set aside.

Assemble Pizza: Increase oven temperature to 450 degrees F. Prepare your crust on a pizza stone or baking sheet. Spread marinara/pizza sauce evenly across crust, followed by diced pineapple, caramelized onion and garlic, and vegan mozzarella. Place in oven for 8-10 minutes (this will depend on your crust/dough). Remove from oven and evenly add coconut bacon as topping. Re-place in the oven for another 3-5 minutes. (Pizza will likely need a total of ~15 minutes cook time unless otherwise indicated on your crust instructions.)

Remove from oven when crust appears golden brown and crisp. Top with additional coconut bacon and vegan parmesan!

Notes:

Coconut Bacon note: You WILL have leftovers. I like to make this in a large batch and use leftovers for salad toppings, vegan BLTs, or just snacking! It will stay fresh in a sealed container at room temp for at least a week!

*Liquid smoke is a seasoning made from the condensation of smoking wood chips. It's then diluted in a bit of water and bottled. A quality, safe brand should contain just that: smoke and water. No added preservatives. Read about how it's made here and the safety of liquid smoke here. (In summary, small amounts of liquid smoke show no evidence of increasing cancer risk. However, smoked meats continue to be associated with increased risk!)

**Easy marina recipe here. Remember if you choose store-bought to be aware of the sodium and sugar content. Some pizza sauces are loaded with additives!

***My favorite vegan mozzarella is this cashew-based option from Miyoko's Kitchen (no affiliation, just obsessed with their plant-based cheeses!) You can find their products at Natural Grocers in KC!

Nutrition: 

Serving Size: 2 slices with ~ 4 TBSP coconut bacon

Total Calories: 479  Total Fat: 22 g  Sodium: 400 mg  Potassium: 216 mg

Total Carbohydrate: 71 g  Fiber: 12 g  Sugar: 8 g  Protein: 15 g 

Vitamin C: 43%  Iron: 26% (Percent Daily Value)