This easy hot honey pepperoni ricotta pizza is a fun twist on a classic! With a crispy crust, creamy ricotta, and spicy pepperoni, every bite is packed with flavor. Plus, the hot honey adds a sweet kick!
I love how the sweet and spicy mix makes it perfect for a movie night. It’s so simple to whip up, and it’s hard to resist sneaking a slice (or three) before it’s even fully cooked! 🍕
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pizza Dough: Store-bought dough is convenient, but homemade can be even better if you have the time. You can also use a pre-made crust, like a flatbread or pita, if you’re short on time.
Pizza Sauce: Use your favorite pizza or marinara sauce. For a unique touch, try a pesto or a spicy arrabbiata sauce if you want extra flavor.
Mozzarella Cheese: Shredded mozzarella provides the best meltiness. If you want a bit of tang, mix in some provolone or fontina cheese.
Ricotta Cheese: This creamy cheese adds a delightful texture. You can swap it with mascarpone for a richer taste, or even cottage cheese if you want a lighter option.
Hot Honey: If you can’t find hot honey, mix regular honey with a pinch of chili flakes to get that sweet and spicy kick.
How Do I Get My Pizza Dough Perfectly Crispy?
Getting a crispy crust starts with properly baking your pizza. Here’s how to ensure it turns out right:
- Preheat your oven to a high temperature, ideally 475°F (245°C). High heat is key!
- If using a pizza stone, let it heat up, as this helps create a crisp base.
- Brush the dough with olive oil. This creates a barrier that helps keep the dough from getting soggy.
- Avoid overloading your toppings. Too many can make the crust soggy. Stick to a balance!
- Bake for the suggested time or until the edges are golden brown. Keep an eye on it during the last few minutes to avoid burning.
With these simple steps, you’ll enjoy a beautifully crispy pizza every time!
Easy Hot Honey Pepperoni Ricotta Pizza
Ingredients
- 1 ball of pizza dough (store-bought or homemade, about 12-inch)
- 1/2 cup pizza sauce or marinara sauce
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup ricotta cheese
- 20-25 slices pepperoni
- Fresh basil leaves, chopped (about 1/4 cup)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Hot honey (honey infused with chili flakes or use store-bought hot honey), for drizzling
- Optional: red pepper flakes, for extra heat
- Cornmeal or flour for dusting the pizza peel or baking sheet
Time Estimate
This delicious pizza will take about 15 minutes to prepare and 10-12 minutes to bake, totaling around 30 minutes from start to finish. Perfect for a quick dinner or a fun pizza night!
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven:
Begin by preheating your oven to 475°F (245°C). If you have a pizza stone, place it in the oven to heat up, as a hot stone helps create a crispy crust. If not, a baking sheet will work just fine!
2. Prepare the Dough:
On a lightly floured surface, stretch and shape your pizza dough into a roughly 12-inch circle. Don’t worry if it’s not perfect; rustic pizzas are charming!
3. Transfer the Dough:
Carefully place your dough onto a pizza peel or a baking sheet that has been dusted with cornmeal or flour. This will help the pizza slide off easily when it’s ready to bake.
4. Brush with Olive Oil:
Lightly brush the surface of the dough with olive oil. This step will help create a deliciously crisp crust as it bakes.
5. Add the Sauce:
Spread the pizza sauce evenly over the dough, making sure to leave about an inch of space around the edges for the crust.
6. Sprinkle the Cheese:
Evenly sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the sauce, creating a nice layer of melty goodness.
7. Add the Ricotta:
Using a spoon, dollop spoonfuls of ricotta cheese evenly across the pizza. This will give a creamy texture and delicious flavor!
8. Layer with Pepperoni:
Now, arrange the pepperoni slices on top of the cheeses. Feel free to add more or less, depending on your preference!
9. Bake the Pizza:
Carefully transfer your pizza to the hot pizza stone or place the baking sheet in the oven. Bake for about 10-12 minutes or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly and slightly browned.
10. Add the Final Touches:
Once baked, remove the pizza from the oven and immediately drizzle hot honey over the top to add a sweet and spicy kick.
11. Garnish and Serve:
Sprinkle fresh chopped basil on top, along with optional red pepper flakes if you like it hot. Slice the pizza and serve warm to enjoy your flavorful easy hot honey pepperoni ricotta pizza!
Dig in and enjoy every cheesy, spicy, delightful bite! 🍕
FAQ
Can I Use Store-Bought Pizza Dough?
Absolutely! Store-bought pizza dough is a great time-saver and works well for this recipe. Just make sure to follow the package instructions for best results!
How Can I Make This Pizza Spicier?
If you like heat, add extra red pepper flakes on top or mix some into the pizza sauce before spreading it on the dough. For more spice, try using a spicier pepperoni or chorizo!
Can I Make This Pizza Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the pizza up to the baking step, cover it, and refrigerate for a few hours. When ready to bake, simply pop it in the oven and adjust the baking time if it’s cold from the fridge.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover pizza in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place slices in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes for the best texture!
