This Hot Honey Pepperoni Ricotta Pizza is a fun twist on your regular pizza! It features spicy pepperoni, creamy ricotta, and a drizzle of sweet honey for a flavor explosion.
Who knew that a little honey could make things so exciting? I love how the spicy and sweet dance together—perfect for impressing friends or just treating yourself! 🍕
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pizza Dough: You can use either store-bought or homemade pizza dough. If you’re short on time, I recommend starting with the store-bought option, which is easy and convenient. You can also try whole wheat or gluten-free dough if you have dietary preferences.
Ricotta Cheese: This creamy cheese adds great texture. If you’re looking for a lighter option, consider using cottage cheese blended until smooth. For a vegan alternative, use cashew cream or tofu blended with a bit of lemon juice.
Hot Honey: The sweet heat from hot honey is a must-have! If you don’t have it, mix regular honey with a pinch of red pepper flakes or try sriracha for a spicy kick. You can adjust the heat level based on your taste.
Pepperoni: Sliced pepperoni is classic, but for a healthier twist, you can use turkey pepperoni or even chopped veggies like bell peppers or mushrooms for a vegetarian version.
How Do I Get the Pizza Crust Just Right?
The pizza crust is really important, and getting it right can make all the difference! Here’s how you can achieve a great crust:
- Preheat Your Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 475°F (245°C). If you have a pizza stone, place it in the oven to heat up.
- Rolling the Dough: Roll out your dough on a floured surface. Aim for your desired thickness, but make sure to keep the edges a bit thicker for a nice crust. This adds texture.
- Transfer Easily: Use a baking sheet or a pizza peel to place your rolled-out dough on. If using a pizza stone, make sure it’s hot to achieve a crispy bottom.
Follow these steps, and you’ll have a delightful crust that complements your toppings perfectly!
How to Make Hot Honey Pepperoni Ricotta Pizza
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pizza:
- 1 pizza dough ball (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 cup pizza sauce
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 4 oz sliced pepperoni
- 2 tablespoons hot honey (or to taste)
- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
- Olive oil, for drizzling
- Salt and pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful pizza takes about 20 minutes to prepare and another 12-15 minutes to bake. So, in total, you’ll spend around 35-40 minutes creating a delicious hot honey pepperoni ricotta pizza that’s sure to impress!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 475°F (245°C). If you have a pizza stone, place it in the oven now so it gets nice and hot!
2. Prepare the Dough:
On a floured surface, roll out the pizza dough to your desired thickness. Aim for a slightly thicker crust around the edges for that perfect bite!
3. Transfer the Dough:
Carefully move your rolled-out dough to a baking sheet or a pizza peel if you’re using a preheated pizza stone. Make sure it’s centered for easy handling!
4. Add the Sauce:
Spread the pizza sauce evenly over the dough, but leave a small border around the edges for the crust. You want it saucy but not overflowing!
5. Sprinkle the Cheese:
Now, sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the sauce. This will be the base of your cheesy goodness!
6. Layer the Pepperoni:
Distribute the sliced pepperoni over the cheese. You can add as many or as few slices as you like. Go wild if you love pepperoni!
7. Add the Ricotta:
Next, add dollops of ricotta cheese across the pizza, spacing them out nicely. This will give you creamy bites throughout the pie!
8. Season It Up:
Sprinkle a little salt and pepper over the toppings to enhance the flavors. Just a pinch will do!
9. Drizzle Some Olive Oil:
For an extra layer of flavor, drizzle a bit of olive oil over the pizza. This will help everything bake up beautifully!
10. Bake the Pizza:
Slide your pizza into the oven (or onto the hot pizza stone) and bake for 12-15 minutes. Keep an eye on it until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbling.
11. Drizzle with Hot Honey:
When the pizza is done, take it out of the oven and drizzle hot honey on top. Adjust the amount based on how sweet or spicy you want it!
12. Garnish:
Finish it up by adding fresh basil leaves as a garnish. This adds color and a fresh taste that’s irresistible!
13. Slice and Serve:
Now, it’s time to slice your pizza and serve it hot. Enjoy the delicious sweet and spicy flavor combination you’ve created!
Feel free to adjust the amount of hot honey according to your taste for that perfect balance of sweetness and spice!
Can I Use a Different Type of Cheese?
Absolutely! If you prefer a different cheese, feel free to substitute the mozzarella with provolone or cheddar. Just keep in mind that the flavor and meltability may slightly change, but it’ll still be delicious. You could also mix in some fontina or gouda for a unique twist!
What If I Don’t Have Hot Honey?
No worries! You can make your own by mixing regular honey with a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to add some heat. Adjust the amount based on how spicy you’d like it. Another option is to use a drizzle of sriracha mixed with honey for an extra kick!
How Do I Store Leftover Pizza?
To store leftover pizza, simply place it in an airtight container or wrap it tightly in aluminum foil. It can be kept in the fridge for up to 3 days. When ready to enjoy, reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, which helps maintain the crispiness of the crust.
Can I Make the Dough Ahead of Time?
Yes! If you’re making homemade dough, you can prepare it a day in advance. After kneading, let it rise, then punch it down and wrap it tightly in plastic wrap. Store it in the refrigerator. Just remember to bring it back to room temperature before rolling it out to ensure it stretches easily!
