Get ready to elevate your homemade pizza game with this Hot Honey Pepperoni Ricotta Pizza! This isn’t your ordinary pepperoni pizza – it’s a perfect balance of spicy, sweet, and creamy that will have everyone asking for seconds. The combination of crispy pepperoni, dollops of creamy ricotta, and a drizzle of hot honey creates a flavor explosion that’s simply irresistible.
I developed this recipe after experimenting with different pizza toppings, and the moment the hot honey hit the pepperoni and ricotta, I knew I had created something special. It’s sophisticated enough for a dinner party but easy enough for a weeknight family meal.
Why You’ll Love This
- The contrast between spicy pepperoni, cool creamy ricotta, and sweet-heat honey creates incredible depth of flavor
- Comes together in just 45 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights
- Uses simple ingredients you can find at any grocery store
- Customizable to your heat preference – make it as mild or spicy as you like
- Leftovers (if there are any!) reheat beautifully for lunch the next day
Ingredients
- 1 pizza dough
- ¾ cup marinara sauce
- 2 cups mozzarella cheese or a mix with provolone cheese
- 15 pepperoni slices
- ⅓ cup ricotta cheese
- 1 tablespoon fresh basil, chopped, plus more for garnish
- 2 tablespoons hot honey
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 550°F or the highest temperature your oven can go. Dust the pizza dough with flour and stretch into a 14-inch circle with a slightly thicker 1-inch crust. Place on parchment paper if using a pizza steel/stone, or directly on a floured baking sheet.
- Spread marinara sauce on the pizza, leaving 1 inch around the sides for the crust. Sprinkle mozzarella cheese and arrange pepperoni slices on top.
- In a small bowl, mix the ricotta cheese with fresh basil and dollop teaspoonfuls across the pizza.
- Bake for 10 minutes or until the cheese is lightly browned and crust is golden. If using a pizza steel/stone, remove parchment paper 2 minutes into cooking. Rotate the pizza halfway through for even cooking.
- Garnish with fresh basil and drizzle with hot honey before serving.
Tips & Variations
- Make your own hot honey by warming 1/4 cup honey with 1 tablespoon red pepper flakes, then strain after cooling
- For extra crispiness, try using cup-and-char pepperoni which curls up at the edges when baked
- No ricotta? Substitute small chunks of cream cheese or dollops of mascarpone
- Add thinly sliced red onions or jalapeños for extra flavor and heat
- For a time-saving hack, use naan bread or flatbread as your pizza base
- Let your dough come to room temperature before stretching for easier handling
Serving Suggestions
This pizza is a meal in itself, but it pairs beautifully with a simple arugula salad dressed with lemon juice and olive oil to cut through the richness. For a complete Italian feast, serve alongside garlic knots and a glass of Chianti or a cold craft beer.
Keep extra hot honey on the table – many guests will want to add more once they taste how perfectly it complements the other flavors!
Notes
- Store leftover pizza in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days
- Reheat in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes for the best texture (avoid microwave if possible)
- The pizza is done when the bottom is crisp and golden, and the cheese is fully melted with some browned spots
- If your ricotta is very wet, drain it in a fine-mesh sieve for 30 minutes before using
FAQs
Can I make this pizza ahead of time?
You can prepare the dough and toppings up to a day ahead, but for best results, assemble and bake just before serving.
How spicy is this pizza?
The heat level is moderate and comes primarily from the hot honey. You can adjust by using more or less honey, or by adjusting the red pepper flakes.
Can I freeze leftover pizza?
Yes! Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap, then foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat from frozen in a 375°F oven until hot.
What if I don’t have hot honey?
Regular honey with a pinch of cayenne pepper stirred in makes a quick substitute, or simply drizzle with honey and sprinkle with red pepper flakes.
[recipe_card]
