Hot Honey Pepperoni Ricotta Pizza Recipe

Introduction

This Hot Honey Pepperoni Ricotta Pizza combines classic flavors with a sweet and spicy twist. Crispy pepperoni, creamy ricotta, and a drizzle of hot honey create a deliciously balanced slice that’s sure to become a favorite.

Ingredients

• 1 pizza dough
• 3/4 cup marinara sauce
• 2 cups mozzarella cheese (or a mix with provolone cheese)
• 15 pepperoni slices
• 1/3 cup ricotta cheese
• 1 tablespoon fresh basil (chopped, more for garnish)
• 2 tablespoons hot honey

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 550°F or the highest temperature your oven can reach.
2. Step 2: Dust the pizza dough lightly with flour and stretch it into a 14-inch circle with a slightly thicker 1-inch crust. If using a pizza steel or stone, place the dough on a piece of parchment paper on a pizza peel or an upside-down baking sheet. Alternatively, dust the peel with cornmeal instead of using parchment. If not using a steel or stone, dust a baking sheet with flour or cornmeal and place the dough directly on it.
3. Step 3: Spread the marinara sauce evenly over the pizza dough, leaving a 1-inch border around the edges for the crust.
4. Step 4: Sprinkle the mozzarella cheese over the sauce, then arrange the pepperoni slices on top.
5. Step 5: In a small bowl, combine the ricotta cheese with the chopped fresh basil. Dollop teaspoons of this mixture evenly over the pizza.
6. Step 6: Bake the pizza for about 10 minutes, or until the cheese is lightly browned and the crust is golden. If using a pizza steel or stone, remove the parchment paper 2 minutes into baking. Rotate the pizza halfway through to ensure even cooking.
7. Step 7: Once baked, garnish with additional fresh basil and drizzle hot honey over the top before serving.

Tips & Variations

• For extra heat, increase the amount of hot honey or add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the ricotta mixture.
• Substitute pepperoni with spicy salami or chorizo for a different flavor profile.
• If you don’t have fresh basil, dried basil can be used in a pinch; add it to the ricotta for more even distribution.
• Use a pizza stone or steel for a crisper crust, preheating it in the oven for at least 30 minutes before baking.

Storage

Store leftover pizza in an airtight container or wrapped tightly in foil in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat slices in a hot skillet or oven to preserve the crispiness of the crust rather than using a microwave.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought pizza dough for this recipe?

Yes, store-bought dough works well and saves time. Just be sure to follow the stretching and resting instructions if provided on the package.

What if I don’t have hot honey?

You can make your own by gently warming honey with a pinch of chili flakes or drizzle regular honey and add a few drops of hot sauce to taste.

Hot Honey Pepperoni Ricotta Pizza Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 51 reviews

This Hot Honey Pepperoni Ricotta Pizza combines the classic flavors of pepperoni and mozzarella with creamy ricotta cheese and a spicy-sweet hot honey drizzle. Perfectly baked to achieve a golden crust and bubbly cheese, this pizza offers a delightful balance of savory, creamy, and spicy elements with a fresh basil finish.

• Author: Naya
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 1 14-inch pizza (serves 2-3) 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian-American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Pizza Base

• 1 pizza dough (14-inch)
• Flour or cornmeal (for dusting)

Sauce and Cheese

• 3/4 cup marinara sauce
• 2 cups mozzarella cheese (or a mix with provolone cheese)
• 1/3 cup ricotta cheese

Toppings and Garnish

• 15 pepperoni slices
• 1 tablespoon fresh basil (chopped, plus more for garnish)
• 2 tablespoons hot honey

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 550°F or the highest temperature possible to ensure a crispy and well-cooked pizza.
2. Prepare Dough: Lightly dust your work surface with flour and stretch the pizza dough into a 14-inch circle, making the crust about 1 inch thick and slightly puffed for texture. If using a pizza steel or stone, transfer the dough onto a parchment paper on a pizza peel or an inverted baking sheet dusted with cornmeal. Otherwise, place the dough directly on a floured or cornmeal-dusted baking sheet.
3. Apply Sauce: Evenly spread 3/4 cup of marinara sauce over the dough, leaving a 1-inch border around the edges to form the crust.
4. Add Cheese and Pepperoni: Generously sprinkle 2 cups of mozzarella (or mozzarella-provolone mix) over the sauce, then arrange 15 pepperoni slices evenly on top.
5. Top with Ricotta and Basil: In a small bowl, combine ricotta cheese with chopped fresh basil. Dollop spoonfuls of this mixture evenly over the pizza for creamy herbaceous pockets.
6. Bake the Pizza: Place the pizza in the preheated oven and bake for 10 minutes or until the cheese is lightly browned and the crust turns golden. If using a pizza stone or steel, remove the parchment after 2 minutes of baking to get a crispier bottom. Rotate the pizza halfway through baking to ensure even cooking.
7. Garnish and Serve: Once out of the oven, garnish with additional fresh basil and generously drizzle 2 tablespoons of hot honey over the whole pizza to add a spicy-sweet finish.

Notes

• You can substitute the pepperoni with your preferred cured meat or omit for a vegetarian version.
• Using a pizza stone or steel helps achieve a crispier crust but is optional.
• Adjust the amount of hot honey according to your preference for spice and sweetness.
• If you don’t have fresh basil, dried basil can be used in the ricotta mixture but fresh basil is preferred for garnish.
• Make sure to rotate the pizza during baking for even heat distribution.

Keywords: Hot honey pizza, pepperoni pizza, ricotta pizza, spicy honey pizza, homemade pizza, easy pizza recipe