HOT HONEY PEPPERONI RICOTTA PIZZA

This Hot Honey Pepperoni Ricotta Pizza is the perfect balance of sweet, spicy, creamy, and crispy—all baked into one epic pie. Think crispy crust layered with zesty tomato sauce, gooey mozzarella, spicy pepperoni, dollops of creamy ricotta, and a drizzle of sweet hot honey that ties it all together. It’s bold, indulgent, and guaranteed to level up your pizza night.

🛒 Ingredients

1 ball of pizza dough (homemade or store-bought)
½ cup pizza sauce or marinara
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
20–25 slices spicy pepperoni
½ cup ricotta cheese
1 tablespoon olive oil (for brushing the crust)
½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Fresh basil or arugula for garnish (optional)

For the Hot Honey

¼ cup honey
1–2 teaspoons chili flakes (adjust to your heat preference)
½ teaspoon apple cider vinegar (optional, for a slight tang)

🔄 Substitutions

Pepperoni: Use turkey pepperoni or spicy salami
Ricotta: Swap with whipped feta or cream cheese for a twist
Hot honey: Store-bought or DIY with honey + sriracha
Crust: Use naan, flatbread, or gluten-free dough

👨‍🍳 How to Make

Preheat oven to 475°F (245°C) and place a pizza stone or baking sheet inside to heat up
On a floured surface, roll out your pizza dough to desired size and thickness
Transfer dough to parchment paper
Spread pizza sauce evenly over the base, leaving a ½-inch border
Sprinkle mozzarella evenly over the sauce
Layer pepperoni slices over the cheese
Drop spoonfuls of ricotta across the pizza
Brush crust edges with olive oil
Bake for 10–12 minutes or until cheese is bubbly and crust is golden
While it bakes, make the hot honey: combine honey, chili flakes, and vinegar in a small saucepan. Heat gently for 1–2 minutes, then set aside
Remove pizza from oven and drizzle with warm hot honey
Garnish with fresh basil or arugula if desired. Slice and serve immediately

🍕 Mix-ins & Add-ons

Caramelized onions for sweetness
Pickled jalapeños for extra heat
Crumbled sausage for more savory flavor
Shaved Parmesan or burrata after baking
Fresh garlic or garlic oil base instead of tomato sauce

✅ Recipe Tips

Use a pizza stone for a crispy, pizzeria-style crust
Don’t overdo the ricotta—small dollops melt perfectly into the cheese
Make your hot honey ahead—it lasts for weeks in the fridge
Use parchment paper to transfer the pizza easily into the oven

📦 Storage

Refrigerator: Store leftover slices in an airtight container for up to 3 days
Freezer: Freeze cooled slices for up to 1 month
Reheat: Use an oven or skillet to re-crisp the crust (avoid microwaving if possible)

🌀 Recipe Variations

White Hot Honey Pizza: Skip the red sauce and use olive oil and garlic as the base
Hot Honey Veggie Pizza: Add peppers, onions, and mushrooms with a ricotta drizzle
Hot Honey Flatbread: Make on naan for a super fast version
Breakfast Pizza: Add a fried egg on top post-bake for a brunch-worthy treat

❓ FAQs

Can I use store-bought hot honey?
Absolutely! Mike’s Hot Honey is a popular choice, but homemade is just as easy and customizable

Is this pizza very spicy?
The chili flakes add a slow burn, but the honey balances it beautifully. Adjust to your spice level

Can I make this with pre-made crust?
Yes! Just follow the same topping instructions and adjust baking time to crust package directions

What’s the best way to reheat this pizza?
Use a skillet over medium heat for crispy results, or a toaster oven at 350°F for 5–7 minutes

This Hot Honey Pepperoni Ricotta Pizza brings serious flavor with every bite—creamy, spicy, sweet, and melty perfection. It’s pizza with personality, and once you try it, you’ll crave it on repeat.