Hot Honey Garlic Bread Pizza

This hot honey garlic bread pizza is my shortcut craving cure when I want something that tastes like it took hours but is on the table in under thirty minutes The combo of crusty garlic bread creamy cheese and a sticky spicy drizzle makes it irresistible and it always disappears at gatherings or for a Friday night treat

I made this first for an impromptu game night and now everyone requests the hot honey twist whenever we do an easy pizza bar It is a melt and ooze kind of comfort

Ingredients

• Large garlic bread loaf: Acts as a quick fluffy base Go for bakeryfresh or quality frozen for best results
• Shredded mozzarella cheese: Essential for gooey melt Choose fullfat for maximum richness
• Ricotta cheese: Creamy pockets throughout Use a fresh brand with little water for best texture
• Olive oil: Base for the flavorful topping Select extra virgin for real depth
• Fresh garlic: Cloves add punchy bite Use plump unblemished cloves
• Red pepper flakes: Brings a gentle heat Carefully adjust for your spice comfort
• Dried oregano: Adds a pizza shop vibe Look for aromatic leaves not powder
• Salt and black pepper: Brings out flavors Use kosher salt and fresh cracked pepper
• Hot honey: Drizzle for sticky sweet heat Try homemade or reputable brands
• Fresh basil: Garnish bonus for color and herb pop Only use perky bright leaves
• Grated Parmesan cheese: Extra umami for serving Choose authentic Parmigiano if possible

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prep Your Oven:

Set your oven to four hundred degrees Fahrenheit or two hundred Celsius Give it time to fully heat up so your bread crisps up perfectly

Bake and Toast Bread:

If you are using frozen garlic bread place it in the oven just until edges crisp but it is not cooked through yet Usually five to seven minutes Pull it out and set aside You want it ready to take on toppings without getting soggy

Mix the Flavor Oil:

In a small bowl thoroughly combine olive oil minced garlic red pepper flakes dried oregano a good pinch of salt and freshly cracked black pepper Use the back of your spoon to gently crush the garlic releasing those spicy oils

Spread the Garlic Oil:

With a pastry brush or back of a spoon smear the oil mixture all over the surface of the garlic bread Press some of the minced garlic into the air pockets for full flavor impact

Layer Ricotta:

Dot and spread ricotta cheese evenly onto the flavored bread Break up any large clumps so every bite is creamy and smooth

Add Mozzarella Blanket:

Scatter shredded mozzarella cheese generously right over the ricotta Make sure to get to the very edge so every slice gets a crispy cheese bit

Bake Until Melty:

Slide the loaded bread back into the oven Bake for ten to twelve minutes Watch for bubbling cheese and golden edges that show you it is ready

Finish With Hot Honey:

As soon as it comes out drizzle warm hot honey over every part The heat will help it ooze into the cheesy topping giving you an irresistible sweetspicy layer

Slice and Garnish:

Cool just one minute for easy slicing then cut into pieces Top with fresh basil for a bright note and shower with grated Parmesan to finish Serve while still warm and melty

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Vividly remember spreading on the hot honey with my kids right out of the oven The way it bubbles and settles into those cheese puddles is food magic My favorite touch has always been the ricotta dollops that toast up as little clouds against the sharp mozzarella

Storage Tips

This pizza keeps in the fridge for up to three days in an airtight container Reheat in a toaster oven or on a skillet to regain the crispness Avoid reheating in the microwave as it may go limp If you want to freeze wrap individual slices tightly in foil leaving off fresh basil or honey Freeze slices up to one month and add hot honey after warming

Ingredient Swaps That Work

Swap the ricotta for whipped feta or mascarpone for a new creamy note Mozzarella can be mixed with provolone or fontina for more layers of flavor If you want to make it vegan use plantbased cheese and a garlic olive oil spread Opt for glutenfree garlic bread if needed

Serving Suggestions

This hot honey garlic bread pizza is perfect with a crisp green salad or a bowl of tomato soup I sometimes serve it as finger food for parties with a side of pickled vegetables or olives For a weekend meal try topping it off with a few slices of prosciutto or a sunny egg after baking

Quick Origins of Hot Honey

Hot honey started as a New York City pizzeria secret and now you see it everywhere It is just honey infused with chilis for that slow burn and floral sweetness The combination with pizza is pure magic especially with garlicky cheesy flavors because it cuts through the richness and brightens every piece

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Frequently Asked Questions

→ What is hot honey and how is it used here?

Hot honey is honey infused with chili for a spicy-sweet kick. Here, it's drizzled over the baked loaf for a sweet and spicy finish.

→ Can I make this with fresh garlic bread?

Yes, use fresh or homemade garlic bread for extra flavor and texture. Slightly toast before adding toppings for crispness.

→ Which cheeses blend best for this dish?

Ricotta adds creaminess, while mozzarella melts beautifully. A sprinkle of Parmesan at the end boosts savory notes.

→ How spicy will it be with hot honey?

The dish has a gentle heat, but you can adjust by choosing milder hot honey or reducing red pepper flakes as desired.

→ Is basil essential or can I use other herbs?

Basil adds freshness, but oregano, parsley, or thyme work as flavorful substitutes to customize the flavor.

→ Can I prepare this loaf ahead of time?

To keep bread crisp, assemble before baking and finish with honey and herbs just before serving.