This Hot Honey Pepperoni Ricotta Pizza is a fun twist on a classic favorite! It combines spicy pepperoni, creamy ricotta, and a sweet drizzle of hot honey for a perfect balance of flavors.
Every bite is a mix of spicy and sweet that dances on your taste buds. I love serving it with friends—everyone gets really excited about the honey! 🍕✨
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pizza Dough: You can use store-bought dough for convenience or make your own if you’re feeling adventurous! Whole wheat or gluten-free dough are great alternatives for those with dietary preferences.
Pizza Sauce: A good marinara works well, but you’ll also find that homemade sauce is quite simple! Just use tomatoes, garlic, and herbs. If tomato-based sauce isn’t your thing, try pesto or barbecue sauce for a unique twist.
Mozzarella Cheese: Shredded mozzarella is standard, but for extra flavor, consider fresh mozzarella or a blend of mozzarella and provolone. If you want a dairy-free option, vegan cheese will do the trick.
Ricotta Cheese: This cheese adds creaminess. If you’re short on it, cottage cheese can work too! For a dairy-free version, look for vegan ricotta made from nuts or tofu.
Hot Honey: If you can’t find hot honey, regular honey with a pinch of chili flakes is a great alternative. You can adjust the heat levels based on your preference!
What’s the Best Way to Roll Out Pizza Dough?
Rolling out pizza dough can be tricky, but here are some tips to get it right:
- Start with room temperature dough to make it easier to roll. If your dough is cold, let it sit out for about 30 minutes.
- Flour your surface lightly to prevent sticking. Too much flour can make the dough tough, so use just enough.
- Use a rolling pin or your hands to gently stretch the dough. Start from the center and work your way out to the edges.
- If you want a thicker crust, don’t roll it out too thin; keep about 1/4 inch thickness for the outer edge.
Remember, practice makes perfect, so don’t worry if your first pizza shape isn’t round!
How to Make Hot Honey Pepperoni Ricotta Pizza
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pizza:
- 1 pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 cup pizza sauce
- 1 ½ cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup sliced pepperoni
- 2 tablespoons hot honey (or regular honey with a pinch of chili flakes)
- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
- Olive oil, for drizzling
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Cornmeal (for dusting)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious pizza takes about 20 minutes to prepare and another 12-15 minutes to bake. So in total, you’ll need about 35 minutes from start to finish. It’s a quick and tasty meal perfect for pizza night!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare
First, preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C). If you have a pizza stone, place it in the oven to heat up. This helps to achieve a crispy crust!
2. Roll Out the Dough
On a floured surface, roll out your pizza dough to your desired thickness. If you’re using a pizza stone, sprinkle a pizza peel or a piece of parchment paper with cornmeal to prevent sticking. This will help you slide the pizza onto the stone smoothly.
3. Assemble the Pizza
Carefully transfer the rolled-out dough onto the pizza peel or parchment. Next, spread the pizza sauce evenly over the dough, making sure to leave a small border around the edges for the crust. Then, sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the sauce. Don’t forget to dollop spoonfuls of ricotta cheese across the pizza for that creamy texture. Top it off with the sliced pepperoni.
4. Season and Drizzle
Season your pizza with a little salt and pepper, and add a gentle drizzle of olive oil to enhance the flavors.
5. Bake the Pizza
Now, carefully slide your pizza onto the preheated pizza stone or baking sheet in the oven. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbling and slightly browned.
6. Finish and Serve
Once out of the oven, immediately drizzle the hot honey over the top. This adds a sweet and spicy kick! Garnish with fresh basil leaves before slicing your pizza into wedges. Let it cool for just a minute, then enjoy your warm and flavorful Hot Honey Pepperoni Ricotta Pizza!
Can I Use a Different Type of Cheese?
Absolutely! If you prefer a different flavor, feel free to substitute mozzarella with provolone, fontina, or even a dairy-free cheese for a vegan option. Just ensure that any cheese you choose melts well for the best texture.
What If I Don’t Have Hot Honey?
No problem! You can easily make your own by mixing regular honey with a pinch of chili flakes or a few drops of hot sauce. Adjust the heat level to your liking — start with a little and add more if you want it spicier!
How Do I Store Leftover Pizza?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place slices directly on a baking sheet and warm them in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10 minutes or until heated through. This helps maintain a crispy crust!
Can I Freeze This Pizza?
You can certainly freeze it! To freeze, let the baked pizza cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. It will last in the freezer for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating to enjoy later!
