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One rainy Saturday afternoon in my cozy kitchen. The kind of day where the scent of something heavenly bubbling in the oven can lift your spirits like a warm hug. I had a craving for pizza—something classic yet exciting—when I stumbled upon the idea of adding hot honey to my pepperoni masterpiece. You see, there’s a wonderful alchemy when you introduce a sweet, spicy drizzle over gooey mascarpone and savory pepperoni. The first bite was a revelation—the crunch of the crust, the smooth creaminess of the ricotta, and that spicy sweetness enveloping it all left me smitten! Fast forward to now, and whenever I make this Hot Honey Pepperoni Ricotta Pizza, my family comes running to the kitchen like moths to a flame. I promise you, once you try it, you’ll be just as enchanted!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy & Quick: Prepped in under 30 minutes, perfect for weeknights or casual gatherings.
- Flavor Explosion: It’s a party of flavors with each mouthful—savory, spicy, and oh-so-gooey!
- Customizable: Use your favorite toppings and sauces; this recipe is as flexible as you’d like it to be!
- Crowd-Pleasing: Kids and adults alike can’t resist a slice (or four) of this delectable pie.
- Cozy Vibes: The whole process—from making the dough to pulling it out of the oven—creates a warm, inviting atmosphere at home.
Ingredients
- 1 pizza dough: You can make your own or grab some from the store! If you choose pre-made, remember to let it come to room temperature for easy stretching.
- 3/4 cup marinara sauce: A good sauce is the foundation of any pizza! Go for a brand with natural ingredients for a rich flavor.
- 2 cups mozzarella cheese (or a mix with provolone cheese): This melty blend is dreamy, but feel free to use your favorites!
- 15 pepperoni slices: Classic, crispy pepperoni brings the nostalgic pizza vibe—don’t skimp on them!
- 1/3 cup ricotta cheese: This creamy goodness creates luxurious dollops that balance the pizza’s flavors.
- 1 tablespoon fresh basil (chopped, more for garnish): Fresh herbs brighten every bite! They add a lovely aroma and freshness.
- 2 tablespoons hot honey: Spicy and sweet—it adds that exciting kick you didn’t know was missing!
Full recipe card is below.
How to Make It
Preheat Your Oven
Start by cranking that oven up to its highest setting, ideally 550°F. We want it roaring hot to create that perfect crispy crust.
Stretching the Dough
Dust your pizza dough with a sprinkle of flour and carefully stretch it into a 14-inch circle with a thicker, cuddly crust. If you’re using a pizza stone or steel, transfer your dough onto parchment paper on a pizza peel (or an upside-down baking sheet). If you’re going simple with a baking sheet, just dust it with flour or cornmeal.
Saucing It Up
Spread your marinara sauce generously over the dough, leaving that 1-inch border around the sides. The aroma of the tomato will have you dreaming of Italy!
Add Cheese and Pepperoni
Sprinkle a generous layer of mozzarella cheese all over. Place those sumptuous pepperoni slices right on top—don’t hold back, folks!
Ricotta Goodness
In a small bowl, mix the ricotta cheese with the freshly chopped basil, then dollop these creamy spoonfuls across the pizza. It’s like a tasty cloud floating on top of your pie!
Bake It
Slide your pizza into the hot oven for about 10 minutes, or until that cheese is beautifully browned and the crust is gloriously golden. If you’re using a pizza stone, remove the parchment paper after 2 minutes—get that crust all the love it can handle. Rotating the pizza halfway through will ensure even cooking.
Finishing Touches
Once it’s finished baking, garnish with extra fresh basil and drizzle with hot honey—stay calm, because this is where the magic happens!
Pro Tips for Success
- For a crunchier crust, preheat the pizza stone or steel for at least 30 minutes before baking.
- If your dough is a bit sticky, dust with flour to make stretching easier—no one wants a dough fiasco!
- Love your cheese? Swap some mozzarella for provolone for an extra depth of flavor!
- Remember, fresh ingredients are key! Go with fresh basil and high-quality marinara for the best outcome.
Flavor Variations
- Veggie Heaven: Throw in some vibrant bell peppers or spicy jalapeños instead of half the pepperoni for a colorful option.
- Herb-Infused: Swap the basil for fragrant oregano or even fresh thyme to switch things up.
- Cheesy Delight: Try adding a sprinkle of feta or goat cheese for a tangy twist that surprises the palate.
Serving Suggestions
Pair your Hot Honey Pepperoni Ricotta Pizza with a simple arugula salad dressed with lemon and olive oil for some freshness or a classic Caesar salad for something heartier. If you’re feeling indulgent, a glass of chilled Pinot Grigio or a hoppy craft beer will complement those rich flavors perfectly!
Make-Ahead & Storage
This pizza dough can be made ahead! Prepare it the day before and store it in the fridge, tightly wrapped. Just let it come to room temp before stretching it out. If you have leftovers, store any whole or sliced pizza in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Leftovers
Turn your pizza into a delicious breakfast by scrambling the leftovers with eggs! Add a sprinkle of fresh herbs and enjoy a cheesy, savory start to your day.
Freezing
Yes, you can freeze this pizza! Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil. When you’re craving some late-night pizza, let it thaw in the fridge overnight, and then bake fresh!
Reheating
For the crispiest reheating method, warm your slices in a skillet over medium heat, covered, for about 5 minutes. Alternatively, pop them in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes for a trusty revival. Whatever you do, just avoid the microwave if you can—I want that crust to stay nice and crunchy!
FAQs
Can I use a store-bought pizza dough?
Absolutely! Store-bought dough can save time and still make a delicious pizza.
Is hot honey essential?
While it offers a unique finish, feel free to skip it or replace it with regular honey or even chili oil if you prefer.
Can I make this pizza vegetarian?
Of course! Just skip the pepperoni and load it up with your favorite veggies!
What type of pizza stone or steel works best?
A good pizza steel tends to yield the best results, but any sturdy stone will work wonders too!
Final Thoughts
There’s something just so special about gathering around a hot, homemade pizza with loved ones. It’s comforting, nostalgic, and utterly satisfying. With this Hot Honey Pepperoni Ricotta Pizza, you’ll create not just a meal, but a warm memory in your kitchen. So roll up those sleeves, get that dough floured, and let’s make some delicious magic together. Happy cooking, my friends! 🍕✨
Hot Honey Pepperoni Ricotta Pizza
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat your oven to its highest setting, ideally 550°F.
- Dust your pizza dough with flour and stretch it into a 14-inch circle.
- Spread marinara sauce over the dough, leaving a 1-inch border.
- Sprinkle mozzarella cheese over the sauce.
- Place pepperoni slices on top.
- Mix ricotta cheese with chopped basil and dollop over the pizza.
- Slide the pizza into the hot oven for about 10 minutes or until cheese is browned.
- If using a pizza stone, remove parchment after 2 minutes and rotate halfway through.
- Garnish with fresh basil and drizzle with hot honey before serving.
