Hot Honey Pepperoni Ricotta Pizza

If you love when pizza hits all the right notes sweet spicy savory creamy this hot honey pepperoni ricotta pizza recipe is your ticket to pizza night paradise Imagine a bubbly crispy crust with swoops of molten cheese spicy rounds of pepperoni pools of cool ricotta and warm honey kissed with chili heat drizzled over everything This pizza brings major flavor drama and takes barely any more effort than your average pie

My family went wild for this the first time I drizzled on the hot honey and now we compete for the last slice every time I made this with my nephew and it was so fun to see him get creative with the toppings

Ingredients

• Pizza dough: forms the crunchy chewy base always choose dough that feels elastic and springs back

• Flour or cornmeal: prevents sticking so your pizza slides off easily opt for fine cornmeal for extra crunch

• Tomato sauce or pizza sauce: gives tang and moisture go for a simple herby sauce or make your own

• Shredded mozzarella cheese: brings that classic stretch and melt select a low moisture mozzarella if you can for best results

• Whole milk ricotta cheese: adds pockets of creaminess always use whole milk for the richest flavor

• Pepperoni slices: bring savory spicy bite the more the better look for natural casing for those perfect crispy edges

• Hot honey: creates the sweet spicy finish use your favorite store brand or stir honey and chili flakes together at home

• Fresh basil leaves: offer bright fresh flavor and color seek out vibrant unwilted leaves

• Red pepper flakes: pump up the heat level only if you love extra spice buy in small batches for freshness

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prep the Oven and Dough:

Let your oven heat to its absolute highest temperature mine goes to five hundred degrees with a pizza stone or an inverted heavy baking sheet inside for a full half hour minimum This is critical for a bubbly airy crust so do not rush it Shape your dough on a generously floured surface dust your hands and the rolling pin if needed Aim for a twelve inch round and keep the edges slightly thicker for a classic pie

Assemble the Pizza:

Lay your rolled dough on a parchment square or a pizza peel dusted with cornmeal Spoon the tomato sauce from the center toward the sides leaving about a half inch bare at the edges Next scatter the mozzarella cheese evenly so you get melty coverage but it does not pool or make the pizza soggy Add your pepperoni slices in a single layer Press them lightly into the cheese so they crisp and curl Then add dollops of ricotta each about a tablespoon space them out so every slice gets some creamy spots

Bake:

Carefully transfer the pizza onto the hot stone or sheet If you are using parchment it helps to slide the paper onto the hot surface first Bake between eight and twelve minutes Watch for a deeply golden crust and cheese that is bubbling with some toasty brown spots If your ricotta has browned on the tips it is ready to come out

Add Hot Honey and Garnish:

As soon as the pizza leaves the oven drizzle the hot honey generously over the top The heat allows the honey to soak into the cheese Settle basil leaves in between the pools of ricotta and finish with a scattered pinch of red pepper flakes if you like more heat Slice with a sharp rocker knife or kitchen shears Serve right away while the honey is warm and gooey

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When I first tried hot honey on pizza I was skeptical but honestly it transforms the whole experience I look forward to swirling fresh ricotta on top because it melts into little pockets that everyone races to get

Storage Tips

Let leftover slices cool completely before storing to avoid soggy crusts Stack with parchment between each in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to three days For best results reheat slices in a hot oven or toaster oven to regain crispiness I never recommend microwaving as it makes the crust tough

Ingredient Substitutions

If you want a vegetarian pizza swap in spicy pickled peppers or seasoned mushrooms for the pepperoni For a dairyfree version try a vegan shredded cheese and a cashewbased ricotta You can swap out hot honey for chili oil or maple syrup mixed with a pinch of cayenne if you are out

Serving Suggestions

This pizza is a showstopper on its own but it pairs nicely with a crisp arugula salad lightly dressed or a bowl of marinated olives For a party mood slice it into smaller squares so everyone can sample Try serving it with extra hot honey on the side for those who love more heat

Cultural Context

Hot honey on pizza is a newer trend sparked by classic pepperoni and cheese flavors out of New York The sweetspicy combo actually nods to southern flavor profiles and has found its way into pizzerias everywhere I love how it brings together American meltingpot creativity with Old World pizza roots

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Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use store-bought dough?

Yes, store-bought dough works well and saves time. Let it come to room temperature before shaping.

→ What type of hot honey should I use?

Either homemade or any quality store-bought hot honey adds the perfect spicy-sweet finish.

→ Is ricotta placed before or after baking?

Add ricotta in spoonfuls before baking to allow it to warm and blend with the other cheeses.

→ How do I get a crispier crust?

Use a preheated pizza stone or baking sheet and bake at the highest temperature your oven allows.

→ Can I add more toppings?

Absolutely. Try sliced red onions, bell peppers, or extra basil for more flavor and color.