Hot Honey Pizza with Coppa

This Hot Honey Pizza delivers the perfect balance of salty, creamy, and a slow-building spicy sweetness that makes every bite unforgettable. Whether you are gathering friends for game night or just want to shake up the usual pizza routine, the combination of melty cheese, savory cured meats, and that signature honey drizzle hits all the right notes.

Hot honey was a game changer for my homemade pizza nights and even my most skeptical friends now ask for it by name. The first time I served this to my family, they polished off every slice faster than any classic pepperoni.

Ingredients

• Pizza dough: Brings structure and chew Use fresh or high quality refrigerated dough for best results
• Pizza sauce: Adds tanginess and depth Go for low sugar versions or homemade for more control
• Mozzarella cheese: Creates that classic melt and pull Whole milk mozzarella gives better flavor
• Ricotta cheese: Adds rich creaminess Smooth and fresh ricotta is key
• Prosciutto: Gives salty savoriness Look for slices with good marbling
• Coppa or favorite cured meat: Lends spice and complexity Soppressata or salami work well in a pinch
• Thinly sliced red onion: Balances richness and adds texture Choose firm onions for best crunch
• Hot honey: Steals the show by adding heat and sweetness Make your own by warming honey with chili flakes
• Finishing salt: Optional but amplifies all the flavors Use a flaky sea salt for texture

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Oven:

Bring your pizza oven up to a roaring 700 degrees for a Neapolitan-style crust If using a home oven set to the highest temperature with a preheated pizza stone This high heat creates the signature leopard spotted bottom

Shape and Top the Dough:

On a lightly floured pizza peel gently stretch your dough to about twelve inches Aim for an even thickness to prevent soggy spots Spread pizza sauce evenly from center to edge with the back of a spoon Sprinkle mozzarella and dollop on ricotta in little clouds Arrange prosciutto coppa and finish with red onion slices for color and zip

Bake the Pizza:

Slide the pizza onto the hot stone Check that it moves freely if not lift and dust with more flour Swivel the pizza every fifteen seconds using a turning peel This step ensures an evenly blistered crust and prevents scorching Expect a total bake time of around two minutes in a high heat oven

Finish with Hot Honey:

Once golden and bubbling pull your pizza from the oven Drizzle that hot honey generously across the bubbling cheese The honey will seep into the nooks of the toppings Finish with a pinch of flaky salt if desired Slice and serve piping hot

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Every time I drizzle hot honey over a fresh pizza my kids cannot wait for it to cool down It has become their signature request for birthday dinners and movie nights

Storage Tips

This pizza holds up surprisingly well for leftovers Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days To reheat place slices in a dry skillet over medium heat until the cheese re-melts and the base crisps again The honey remains sticky but does not make the pizza soggy

Ingredient Substitutions

You can swap out coppa for spicy salami or even pepperoni if that is what you have Ricotta can be replaced with creamy goat cheese for a tangier take No hot honey No problem Mix a few drops of your favorite hot sauce into regular honey and drizzle

Serving Suggestions

Round out the meal with a bitter green salad and a sharp vinaigrette The fresh crunch balances the richness beautifully For parties serve cut into small squares as an appetizer Guests go wild for sweet and spicy bites

Cultural Context

While inspired by Neapolitan pizza traditions this creation leans into America’s love for turning the classics on their head Hot honey has roots in the American South and Brooklyn’s pizzerias and it has quickly become a favorite way to add zip to all sorts of dishes

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Frequently Asked Questions

→ What does hot honey add to this pizza?

Hot honey provides a sweet heat that pairs perfectly with savory cured meats and creamy cheeses.

→ Can I substitute coppa with another meat?

Yes, you can use any favorite cured meat such as salami or soppressata for a similar flavor profile.

→ Which type of pizza dough works best?

Neapolitan-style dough is ideal for a chewy, blistered crust, but any high-quality dough can be used.

→ How do I prevent the dough from sticking to the peel?

Dust the peel with flour and ensure the dough slides freely before baking. Add more flour if needed.

→ Is finishing salt necessary?

Finishing salt enhances flavor but is optional, especially if your cured meats are already well-seasoned.

→ Can I bake this pizza in a regular oven?

Yes, preheat your oven and baking stone to the highest temperature for a crisp crust.