Hot Honey Pepperoni Pizza Recipe

Introduction

Hot Honey Pepperoni Pizza is a perfect blend of spicy, sweet, and savory flavors. Crispy pepperoni and creamy cheeses come together on a golden crust, finished with a drizzle of spicy honey for a delightful kick. This easy recipe will elevate your homemade pizza game.

Ingredients

• Pizza dough
• Pepperoni slices
• Ricotta cheese
• Mozzarella cheese
• Hot honey
• Fresh basil
• Pizza sauce
• Olive oil

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C). If using a pizza stone, place it in the oven during preheating. Otherwise, lightly oil a large baking sheet.
2. Step 2: On a floured surface, stretch the pizza dough into a 12-14 inch circle. Transfer it to the prepared baking sheet or a pizza peel if using a stone.
3. Step 3: Brush the crust edges with olive oil. Spread pizza sauce evenly over the dough, leaving about a 1-inch border. Tear mozzarella into pieces and scatter them on top, then arrange pepperoni slices evenly.
4. Step 4: Add spoonfuls of ricotta cheese evenly across the pizza, placing small dollops between the pepperoni slices.
5. Step 5: Bake the pizza for 12-15 minutes until the crust turns golden brown and the cheese bubbles. Remove from the oven and let it cool for 2-3 minutes.
6. Step 6: Drizzle hot honey evenly over the pizza. Tear fresh basil leaves and scatter them on top. Slice and serve immediately while hot.

Tips & Variations

• For extra crispiness, use a pizza stone and preheat it thoroughly before baking.
• Try adding red pepper flakes to the pizza sauce for more heat.
• Substitute fresh mozzarella for shredded if you prefer an even melt.
• Experiment with different types of honey and hot sauce blends to customize the spicy-sweet flavor.

Storage

Store leftover pizza in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm slices in a skillet over medium heat to restore crispiness or bake at 375°F (190°C) for 5-7 minutes. Avoid microwaving to keep the crust crisp.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought pizza dough for this recipe?

Yes, store-bought dough works well and saves time. Just make sure to let it come to room temperature before stretching for easier handling.

What is hot honey and where can I find it?

Hot honey is a blend of honey infused with chili peppers, giving it a spicy kick. You can find it in many grocery stores or make your own by gently warming honey with crushed red pepper flakes.

Hot Honey Pepperoni Pizza Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.6 from 94 reviews

This Hot Honey Pepperoni Pizza combines the spicy sweetness of hot honey with classic pepperoni and creamy ricotta on a crispy, golden crust. Topped with fresh basil and melted mozzarella, this easy-to-make pizza delivers a perfect balance of flavors and textures, ideal for a delicious homemade meal.

• Author: Grace
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 12-15 minutes
• Total Time: 22-25 minutes
• Yield: 1 large 12-14 inch pizza (4 servings) 1x
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian-American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Pizza Base

• 1 pizza dough (enough to stretch into 12–14 inch circle)
• Olive oil (for brushing crust and baking sheet)

Sauces and Cheese

• Pizza sauce (approximately 1/2 cup)
• Mozzarella cheese (torn into pieces, about 1 1/2 cups)
• Ricotta cheese (spoonfuls, about 1/2 cup)

Toppings

• Pepperoni slices (about 20-25 slices)
• Fresh basil leaves (a handful, torn)
• Hot honey (for drizzling, about 2-3 tablespoons)

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C). If you have a pizza stone, place it in the oven as it heats. Otherwise, lightly oil a large baking sheet to prepare for baking.
2. Shape Dough: On a floured surface, stretch the pizza dough into a 12-14 inch circle. Transfer it to the prepared baking sheet or onto a pizza peel if you are using a pizza stone.
3. Add Base Toppings: Brush the edges of the dough with olive oil to help achieve a golden crust. Evenly spread the pizza sauce over the dough, leaving about a 1-inch border around the edges. Distribute torn mozzarella pieces evenly over the sauce, then arrange pepperoni slices on top.
4. Add Ricotta: Spoon dollops of ricotta cheese evenly across the pizza, placing them between the pepperoni slices to create delightful creamy bursts in each bite.
5. Bake Pizza: Place the pizza in the oven and bake for 12-15 minutes until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly. Once baked, remove the pizza from the oven and let it rest for 2-3 minutes to cool slightly.
6. Finish and Serve: Drizzle hot honey evenly over the pizza, enhancing the spicy-sweet flavor. Tear fresh basil leaves and scatter them on top. Slice the pizza and serve immediately while hot for the best taste.

Notes

• Using a pizza stone helps achieve a crispier crust, but a baking sheet works well too.
• If you prefer less heat, reduce the amount of hot honey or use a mild honey.
• Allowing the pizza to rest for a few minutes after baking helps the cheese set slightly and prevents burns when slicing.
• Fresh basil can be substituted with dried basil if fresh is unavailable, though fresh adds a brighter flavor.

Keywords: hot honey pizza, pepperoni pizza, spicy pizza, homemade pizza, ricotta cheese pizza, baked pizza