If you love the perfect balance of sweet heat and savory comfort, you are going to adore this Hot Honey Pepperoni Ricotta Pizza. This pizza brings together crispy, thin crust loaded with melty mozzarella and creamy ricotta, topped with spicy pepperoni and finished off with a luscious drizzle of hot honey that adds a captivating sweet-spicy kick. Every bite bursts with layers of flavor and comforting textures, making it an irresistible dish to share or savor all by yourself. Whether you’re craving a quick weeknight meal or a crowd-pleasing treat, the Hot Honey Pepperoni Ricotta Pizza is an absolute game-changer.

Hot Honey Pepperoni Ricotta Pizza Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Creating this mouthwatering Hot Honey Pepperoni Ricotta Pizza is surprisingly simple. With just a handful of carefully chosen ingredients, each component plays a crucial role in delivering the perfect harmony of flavors, textures, and colors that make this pizza so unforgettable.

Pizza dough: Choose either store-bought or homemade for your preferred crust thickness and chewiness.
Flour or cornmeal: For dusting your surface and pizza peel, ensures easy handling and a crispy base.
Tomato sauce: Adds tangy, savory depth and a beautiful red foundation.
Shredded mozzarella: The classic stretchy cheese that blankets your pizza with melty goodness.
Whole milk ricotta cheese: Dolloped on top for creamy richness and a fresh contrast to the spicy pepperoni.
Pepperoni slices: Provide that essential bold, spiced flavor and sizzling edges.
Hot honey: A stunning sweet and spicy drizzle that makes this pizza truly special.
Fresh basil leaves (optional): For a bright, herbal freshness that elevates every bite.
Red pepper flakes (optional): Add extra heat if you crave an even spicier punch.

How to Make Hot Honey Pepperoni Ricotta Pizza

Step 1: Prep the Oven and Dough

Get your oven roaring hot by preheating it to 500°F (260°C) or the highest setting possible. This intense heat is key to achieving that crispy yet chewy crust everyone dreams of. Place a pizza stone or heavy baking sheet inside the oven to heat up — this will help your pizza base cook evenly. Meanwhile, roll out your pizza dough on a floured surface into a 12-inch round, keeping it as even as possible for uniform cooking.

Step 2: Assemble the Pizza

Spread a generous layer of tomato sauce over the dough, making sure to leave about a half-inch border so the crust puffs nicely. Next, sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese evenly to cover the sauce but still allow room for the ricotta. Arrange 20 to 25 pepperoni slices thoughtfully atop the cheese. Finally, dot the pizza with spoonfuls of whole milk ricotta cheese, creating pockets of creamy decadence that soften the spicy pepperoni beautifully.

Step 3: Bake

Carefully transfer the prepared pizza to your preheated stone or baking sheet. Bake for 8 to 12 minutes, watching for a golden crust and bubbling, slightly browned cheese that tells you it’s ready. The high heat ensures a crisp exterior while locking in all the vibrant flavors from your toppings.

Step 4: Add Hot Honey and Garnish

As soon as the pizza comes out of the oven, drizzle the hot honey generously over the entire surface. This sweet and spicy glaze is the magic touch that transforms the pizza into an unforgettable culinary experience. Add fresh basil leaves for a pop of color and brightness, and sprinkle red pepper flakes if you want to dial up the heat even further. Slice it up and serve immediately for the best melt-in-your-mouth results.

How to Serve Hot Honey Pepperoni Ricotta Pizza

Hot Honey Pepperoni Ricotta Pizza Recipe

Garnishes

Fresh basil leaves are a gorgeous garnish that adds aromatic freshness and a vibrant green contrast to the rich toppings. For those who love extra spice, a sprinkle of red pepper flakes on top brings a lively heat that works in harmony with the hot honey. A light drizzle of extra hot honey after baking can also make every bite sing.

Side Dishes

Pair your Hot Honey Pepperoni Ricotta Pizza with a simple crisp green salad tossed in tangy vinaigrette to balance out the richness. Garlic roasted vegetables or a bright tomato and cucumber salad also complement the spicy, sweet, and cheesy notes wonderfully. For a cozy night in, serve alongside a chilled glass of sparkling water or your favorite craft beer.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, cut your Hot Honey Pepperoni Ricotta Pizza into smaller squares to create easy-to-eat party bites perfect for sharing. You can also turn it into a delightful pizza sandwich by folding halves together for a melty, handheld treat. Experiment with adding a swirl of pesto or drizzle of balsamic glaze to bring even more complexity to the plate.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftover Hot Honey Pepperoni Ricotta Pizza, pack slices tightly in an airtight container and refrigerate. It will stay fresh and delicious for up to 3 days, making for an easy next-day meal or snack that you’ll still look forward to.

Freezing

To freeze your pizza, wrap each slice individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag. This pizza freezes well for up to 2 months, maintaining most of its fantastic flavor and texture when reheated properly.

Reheating

The best way to bring your leftover Hot Honey Pepperoni Ricotta Pizza back to life is to reheat it in a hot skillet or in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 8 minutes. This revives the crispy crust and melty cheese without making it soggy like a microwave sometimes does. Drizzle a little fresh hot honey over the warm slices for that signature finish.

FAQs

Can I use gluten-free pizza dough for this recipe?

Absolutely! Gluten-free pizza dough works wonderfully with the Hot Honey Pepperoni Ricotta Pizza toppings. Just keep in mind that gluten-free crusts may bake faster or have a different texture, so watch carefully to avoid burning.

Is there a substitute for ricotta cheese?

If you don’t have ricotta on hand, burrata or fresh cream cheese can create a similar creamy effect. Just dollop them generously like you would the ricotta to maintain the luxuriously smooth texture.

How spicy is the hot honey drizzle?

The heat level depends on the brand of hot honey or how you make it yourself. Typically, it offers a pleasant mild to medium heat with a sweet backbone, making it accessible even if you’re not a spicy food fanatic. Use less or skip the red pepper flakes if you want to keep it mild.

Can I make the pizza dough from scratch?

Yes! Homemade pizza dough adds a wonderful personal touch and allows you to control thickness and chewiness. There are many easy recipes to try, but using store-bought dough is a great shortcut without sacrificing taste.

What’s the best cheese combination for this pizza?

Mozzarella is essential for that classic stretch and melt, while whole milk ricotta adds creamy richness and a mild tang that balances the pepperoni’s spice. This combo creates a perfect texture and flavor contrast that makes Hot Honey Pepperoni Ricotta Pizza so special.

Final Thoughts

There is something truly magical about the blend of spicy hot honey with savory pepperoni and smooth ricotta layered on a perfectly baked crust. The Hot Honey Pepperoni Ricotta Pizza isn’t just a meal—it’s an experience that brightens up any day and delights every pizza lover. I wholeheartedly encourage you to give this recipe a try and watch it become one of your favorites to make (and eat!) over and over again.