If you’re craving something extraordinary that brings together spicy, sweet, and creamy all in one slice, then you’re going to love this Hot Honey Pepperoni Ricotta Pizza Recipe. It’s that perfect blend of crispy pepperoni, luscious ricotta, mozzarella’s melty goodness, and a sweet kick from hot honey that’ll make every bite an absolute joy. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or treating yourself, this pizza recipe is a guaranteed showstopper that combines approachable ingredients with bold flavors for an unforgettable homemade pizza experience.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the ingredients right is half the fun and half the secret to creating the perfect Hot Honey Pepperoni Ricotta Pizza Recipe. Each component plays a vital role: the dough forms that crisp, chewy base; tomato sauce adds the classic tangy foundation; mozzarella brings gooey, stretchy cheese magic; ricotta lends creamy richness; and of course, pepperoni with hot honey delivers a fantastic spicy-sweet punch.
- Pizza dough: Use one ball of store-bought or homemade dough for a crisp and chewy crust that’s the perfect canvas.
- Tomato sauce (½ cup): A flavorful, slightly tangy layer that complements every other topping.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese (1 cup): For that beautifully melted, stretchy texture everyone loves on pizza.
- Whole milk ricotta cheese (¼ cup): Adds creamy pockets of mild, fresh flavor that balance the spice.
- Pepperoni slices (20–25): The salty, crispy topping that provides that classic pizza kick.
- Hot honey (1–2 tablespoons): A brilliant blend of heat and sweetness to drizzle on top and elevate all flavors.
- Fresh basil leaves (optional): For a fresh, herbaceous lift that adds color and brightness.
- Red pepper flakes (optional): Extra heat for those who want to turn up the spice factor even more.
How to Make Hot Honey Pepperoni Ricotta Pizza Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 500°F (260°C) and placing a pizza stone or baking sheet inside to heat for at least 30 minutes. This ensures your crust bakes up incredibly crisp and evenly cooked, giving you that restaurant-quality base.
Step 2: Roll Out the Dough
On a floured surface, roll out your pizza dough into a 12-inch round. Don’t worry about perfect circles here—this process lets you stretch and shape the dough to fit your style, while also creating that light, airy crust everyone loves.
Step 3: Spread the Tomato Sauce
Evenly spread ½ cup of tomato sauce over the dough, leaving about a ½-inch border around the edges free. This prevents the sauce from spilling over and helps form a nice crust edge that crisps up beautifully.
Step 4: Add Mozzarella and Pepperoni
Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese uniformly across the pizza, then arrange your 20–25 pepperoni slices on top. The cheese melts into a gooey delight, while the pepperoni crisps perfectly in the oven, delivering incredible flavor and texture.
Step 5: Dollop the Ricotta
Using a spoon, place small dollops of whole milk ricotta cheese evenly around the pizza. These creamy pockets offer a mild contrast to the spicy pepperoni and add a luscious texture that complements the overall richness.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Carefully transfer the pizza to the preheated stone or baking sheet and bake for 8 to 12 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the crust is golden and crisp, and the cheese is bubbling with those delicious brown spots that scream ready to eat.
Step 7: Drizzle Hot Honey and Add Final Touches
As soon as the pizza comes out of the oven, drizzle 1 to 2 tablespoons of hot honey over the top. This sweet heat elevates every bite. Then, add fresh basil leaves and sprinkle red pepper flakes if you prefer an extra kick of spice and vibrant color.
Step 8: Slice and Serve
Cut the pizza into 8 generous slices and serve immediately. The contrast of hot honey and spicy pepperoni with that creamy ricotta will make this one a fast favorite at your table.
How to Serve Hot Honey Pepperoni Ricotta Pizza Recipe
Garnishes
A few fresh basil leaves sprinkled on top right before serving add a pop of color and a burst of fragrant herbaceousness that pairs so well with the hot honey’s sweetness. If you really love heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes can add a welcome extra layer of fire.
Side Dishes
Since this pizza is rich and flavorful, pairing it with a simple green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette makes for a refreshing balance. Roasted garlic or a bowl of tangy pickles on the side can also complement the spicy-sweet complexity perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try serving it as a pizza board where the slices are arranged with small bowls of extra hot honey and ricotta for dipping or drizzling. You can even add a sprinkle of microgreens for a bit of earthy crunch and visual appeal to impress your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap leftover pizza slices tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, then store in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days, ready for you to enjoy the next day with almost as much flavor and texture as freshly baked.
Freezing
If you want to save a slice for later, freezing is a great option. Place slices on a baking sheet in a single layer and freeze until solid, then transfer to an airtight container or freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to 2 months, making busy nights easier and tastier.
Reheating
For the best reheating results, pop the slices in a hot skillet over medium heat for a few minutes to crisp the bottom and warm the cheese without making the crust soggy. Alternatively, a quick reheating in a 375°F oven on a baking sheet works beautifully to bring back that freshly baked vibe.
FAQs
Can I use regular honey instead of hot honey for this pizza?
Absolutely! Regular honey will add sweetness without the spicy kick, so if you prefer a milder flavor or want to control the heat separately, you can drizzle hot sauce or red pepper flakes instead.
Is ricotta cheese necessary for this recipe?
Ricotta adds creaminess and helps balance the spice and saltiness of the pepperoni, but if you don’t have it on hand, you can omit it or substitute with fresh mozzarella or burrata for a similarly creamy effect.
Can I make this pizza on a grill instead of an oven?
Yes, grilling pizza is a fantastic option! Preheat your grill, place the rolled-out dough directly on the grate, and cook until bubbly, then add toppings and close the lid to melt the cheese. Just keep an eye on it so it doesn’t burn.
How spicy is the Hot Honey Pepperoni Ricotta Pizza Recipe?
The heat level is moderate and mostly comes from the hot honey and optional red pepper flakes. It’s designed to have a warm, tingling spice without overwhelming the other flavors, but you can always adjust the amount of spicy toppings to suit your palate.
Can I prepare this pizza dough in advance?
Yes! Making your dough ahead of time and refrigerating it overnight can actually improve the flavor and texture. Just let it come to room temperature before rolling it out and assembling your pizza.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a pizza that’s simple yet bursting with layers of flavor, the Hot Honey Pepperoni Ricotta Pizza Recipe is a must-try. It’s like your favorite pepperoni pizza got an exciting upgrade with creamy ricotta and that unforgettable hot honey twist. Stay cozy, get your oven fired up, and share this delicious creation with friends or family—you’re going to make some memories with every bite!
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Hot Honey Pepperoni Ricotta Pizza Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Pizza
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
This Hot Honey Pepperoni Ricotta Pizza combines a perfectly crispy crust with melty mozzarella, creamy ricotta, and spicy-sweet hot honey drizzled over savory pepperoni slices. The optional fresh basil and red pepper flakes add a bright, spicy kick making it an irresistible, flavorful pizza perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Pizza Base
- 1 ball pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
Toppings
- ½ cup tomato sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ¼ cup whole milk ricotta cheese
- 20–25 slices pepperoni
Finishing Touches
- 1–2 tablespoons hot honey
- Fresh basil leaves (optional)
- Red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 500°F (260°C) with a pizza stone or baking sheet placed inside to heat thoroughly for at least 30 minutes to ensure a crisp crust.
- Roll Out Dough: On a floured surface, roll out the pizza dough into a 12-inch round shape to create the base for your pizza.
- Apply Tomato Sauce: Spread ½ cup of tomato sauce evenly over the dough, leaving about a ½-inch border around the edges to form the crust.
- Add Mozzarella and Pepperoni: Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese evenly on top of the sauce, then arrange the 20–25 slices of pepperoni over the cheese for balanced flavor distribution.
- Dollop Ricotta: Scoop small dollops of ¼ cup whole milk ricotta cheese around the pizza to add creamy richness in every bite.
- Bake Pizza: Transfer the prepared pizza onto the preheated pizza stone or baking sheet and bake for 8–12 minutes, or until the crust turns golden and the cheese is bubbling and slightly browned.
- Drizzle Hot Honey and Garnish: Immediately after removing from the oven, drizzle 1–2 tablespoons of hot honey over the pizza. Add fresh basil leaves and red pepper flakes if desired to enhance flavor and add fresh, spicy notes.
- Slice and Serve: Slice the pizza into 8 pieces and serve hot to enjoy the perfect combination of spicy, sweet, cheesy, and savory elements.
Notes
- For a crispier crust, use a pizza stone and ensure it is preheated properly.
- You can adjust the amount of hot honey based on your preference for sweetness and heat.
- Fresh basil and red pepper flakes are optional but recommended for added flavor and aroma.
- If you don’t have whole milk ricotta, part-skim ricotta can be substituted, though whole milk yields a creamier texture.
- Allow the pizza dough to come to room temperature before rolling for easier handling.
