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I remember the first time I stumbled upon hot honey pepperoni pizza. It was a rainy Saturday afternoon, and I wanted nothing more than to curl up with a delicious slice of comfort food. With the skies pouring outside, I ventured into my kitchen, letting creativity swirl in the air like the steam rising from my oven.
As that golden crust slowly transformed and the sweet-spicy scent of hot honey mingled with the savory pepperoni wafted through my little home, I felt an overwhelming sense of warmth and joy. When I finally pulled that pizza out, the sight of bubbling mozzarella, dollops of creamy, and a drizzle of honey just made me feel all the cozy vibes. One bite, and I knew I had discovered something truly special. This pizza became an instant favorite! Each delicious slice is a perfect harmony of flavors, texture, and comfort, and I can’t wait for you to experience it too!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: Whip this up in no time—even on busy weeknights!
- Flavor Explosion: The sweet heat of the hot honey combined with the rich —oh my!
- Crowd Pleaser: Perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings with friends.
- Customizable: Make it your own with different toppings or spice levels.
- Baking Therapy: There’s just something soothing about making your own pizza dough and toppings!
Ingredients
- 1 ball pizza dough (store-bought or homemade): Use whatever is easiest for you! Homemade brings out the best flavors, but store-bought is quick and convenient.
- Flour or cornmeal, for dusting: This will keep your dough from sticking! Both options work beautifully—cornmeal adds a delightful crunch.
- ½ cup tomato sauce or pizza sauce: Choose your favorite! A homemade sauce can elevate the flavor, but a good-quality store-bought sauce will do just fine.
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: The melty goodness of mozzarella is non-negotiable for the quintessential pizza experience!
- ¼ cup whole milk ricotta cheese, dolloped: Creamy ricotta adds a luxurious texture and balances the pizza with its subtle sweetness.
- 20–25 slices pepperoni: Choose your favorite kind—is it spicy or classic? You decide!
- 1–2 tablespoons hot honey (store-bought or homemade): Sweet with a touch of heat—find the right balance that suits your taste buds!
- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish (optional): Nothing beats fresh herbs for that pop of color and flavor!
- Red pepper flakes, for extra heat (optional): If you love to spice things up, reach for those red flakes!
Full recipe card is below.
How to Make It
Step 1: Prep the Oven and Dough
Preheat your oven to 500°F (260°C)—or as hot as yours can go. Place a pizza stone or baking sheet inside to heat up for at least 30 minutes. While that’s warming, roll out your pizza dough on a floured surface into a lovely 12-inch round, taking care not to tear it. Feel the soft dough as you stretch it, embracing the warmth of the kitchen!
Step 2: Assemble the Pizza
Spread the tomato sauce evenly over the dough, leaving about a ½-inch border. You want that crust to be the luscious star of the show! Sprinkle mozzarella cheese generously across the top, creating a gooey layer. Now, arrange those pepperoni slices in a fun, overlapping fashion, and don’t forget to dollop ricotta around the pizza with a little love!
Step 3: Bake
Carefully transfer the pizza to the preheated stone or baking sheet—watch the sizzle as it hits the hot surface! Bake for 8–12 minutes or until the crust turns a beautiful golden brown and the cheese is bubbling away like a scene right out of your pizza dreams.
Step 4: Add Hot Honey and Garnish
The moment has come! Drizzle that hot honey across the pizza the second it comes out of the oven—watch it ooze into the cheese and toppings. Pop on a few fresh basil leaves and sprinkle some red pepper flakes for an extra kick if you like. Slice, serve, and enjoy those hugs of flavor!
Pro Tips for Success
- Let your dough rest at room temperature for about 30 minutes before rolling it out for best texture.
- If you have a pizza peel, use it to transfer! Dust it with flour or cornmeal for a smooth slide.
- For a crispier crust, keep your pizza stone in the oven for longer preheating!
- Mix your hot honey with a little olive oil for an even smoother drizzle.
- Taste-test your sauce; a sprinkle of salt or a dash of garlic powder can make a world of difference!
Flavor Variations
- Veggie Delight: Add sliced bell peppers, mushrooms, or red onions for a veggie twist.
- Spicy Sausage: Swap pepperoni for spicy Italian sausage for a heartier slice.
- Pesto Drizzle: Replace tomato sauce with pesto for a fresh herbaceous flavor.
- Cheddar Surprise: Mix some sharp cheddar with mozzarella for added richness.
Serving Suggestions
Pair this delightful pizza with a fresh green salad drizzled in a tangy vinaigrette for a little balance. A glass of your favorite red wine or a light sparkling drink brings out the flavors wonderfully. Slice the pizza neatly, and serve it on a large wooden board for that rustic, cozy feel!
Make-Ahead & Storage
You can prepare a homemade pizza dough up to 2 days in advance. Just store it in the refrigerator, wrapped in plastic. The sauce can be made ahead too—keep it in an airtight container for up to a week. Once cooked, pizza will be fine at room temperature for a day, but refrigerate leftovers if you’re keeping any!
Leftovers
Leftover pizza? No worries! Try chopping it up into pieces and tossing it into a salad for a fun and unexpected dish. You can also make mini pepperoni ricotta pizza bites by cutting up the slices and baking them for a quick snack!
Freezing
Absolutely, you can freeze this pizza! Ensure it’s completely cooled down, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil. It’ll stay fresh for about 2-3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, just thaw it in the fridge overnight.
Reheating
For the best results, reheat your pizza slices in a skillet on low heat, covered, until the cheese is melty and the crust is crispy. The microwave will do in a pinch, but your crust will lose that delightful crunch.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Absolutely! Feel free to mix in provolone, gouda, or even a sprinkle of feta for a unique twist.
Is hot honey spicy?
It typically has a mild heat. However, if you’re very sensitive, start with less and adjust to your taste!
Can I make this pizza without pepperoni?
Of course! Feel free to add your favorite toppings—veggies, sausage, or even a Mediterranean flair!
What type of flour is best for dough?
All-purpose flour works great, or you can use bread flour for a chewier crust!
Final Thoughts
Cooking is all about making heartwarming memories, and nothing captures that coziness quite like a homemade pizza, especially Hot Honey Pepperoni Ricotta Pizza! I hope this recipe fills your kitchen with delicious aromas and leads to laughter-filled gatherings. Don’t be afraid to get creative and make it your own. Happy cooking, lovely friends! Remember, you’ve got this!
Now, roll up those sleeves and get ready for some pizza perfection! Enjoy every bite, and savor the joy of a warm slice straight from your own oven. 🍕❤️
Hot Honey Pepperoni Ricotta Pizza
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat your oven to 500°F (260°C)—or as hot as yours can go. Place a pizza stone or baking sheet inside to heat up for at least 30 minutes.
- Roll out your pizza dough on a floured surface into a lovely 12-inch round, taking care not to tear it.
- Spread the tomato sauce evenly over the dough, leaving about a ½-inch border.
- Sprinkle mozzarella cheese generously across the top.
- Arrange the pepperoni slices in a fun, overlapping fashion.
- Dollop ricotta around the pizza.
- Transfer the pizza to the preheated stone or baking sheet carefully and bake for 8–12 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown.
- Drizzle hot honey across the pizza immediately after removing it from the oven.
- Garnish with fresh basil leaves and sprinkle red pepper flakes if desired.
- Slice, serve, and enjoy!
