If you’ve ever looked for that perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and savory in your pizza, look no further. Hot Honey Ricotta Pizza delivers a flavor-packed punch with every bite. It’s thick, melty mozzarella topped with creamy ricotta, and a drizzle of hot honey that elevates the whole thing. One slice and it’s hard to stop at two.
This is the pizza you bring to a casual dinner, share with friends watching the game, or make just to satisfy a cheese-and-spice craving. It’s simple, slightly fancy, and unforgettable.
Why you’ll love this recipe
This pizza is all about contrast and harmony. The mozzarella gives you gooey comfort, the ricotta adds a cool creaminess, , and hot honey ties everything together with heat and sweetness.
It’s so easy to assemble, yet feels special—like a gourmet twist on a Friday night staple. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or treating yourself solo, this pizza brings the kind of flavor that keeps everyone asking for more.
Ingredients
(tip: you’ll find the full ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below)
For the pizza dough:
1 ball of pizza dough (store‑bought or homemade)
Flour or cornmeal for dusting
For the toppings:
½ cup tomato sauce or pizza sauce
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
¼ cup whole-milk ricotta cheese, dolloped
1–2 tablespoons hot honey (store‑bought or homemade)
Fresh basil leaves (optional garnish)
Red pepper flakes (optional, for extra heat)
Instructions
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Preheat your oven to 500°F (260°C), or as hot as it allows. Place a pizza stone or baking sheet inside to heat up for at least 30 minutes.
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Roll out the pizza dough on a lightly floured surface into a 12-inch round. Dust with flour or cornmeal if needed to prevent sticking.
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Spread tomato sauce over the dough, leaving a ½-inch border around the edges.
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Sprinkle shredded mozzarella evenly across the sauce.
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Arrange pepperoni slices on top, then place dollops of ricotta cheese around the pizza.
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Slide the pizza onto the preheated stone or baking sheet.
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Bake for 8–12 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbling and slightly browned.
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Remove from the oven and immediately drizzle the hot honey over the top.
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Garnish with fresh basil and, if desired, a sprinkle of red pepper flakes.
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Slice and serve right away.
Variations
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Add sautéed garlic or caramelized onions under the cheese for an extra layer of flavor.
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Use burrata instead of ricotta for a richer, creamier topping.
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Serve with a drizzle of balsamic glaze instead of hot honey, or use both.
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Add a few marinated jalapeño slices or crushed chili flakes if you like more heat.
Heating and Storage
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Store leftover slices in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
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Reheat in a hot skillet or in the oven at 375°F until warmed through and crispy again.
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Avoid freezing—mozzarella and crust texture suffer when thawed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make my own hot honey?
Yes! Simply infuse honey with red pepper flakes by gently heating them together, then strain before using.
What’s the best pizza stone alternative?
A preheated baking sheet works well if you don’t have a pizza stone—it still gives a crisp bottom.
Can I use pre-baked pizza dough?
Absolutely. Just place it on a baking surface, top it, and bake according to cue.
Is it okay to use low-moisture mozzarella?
Yes. Low-moisture mozzarella works best for minimal sogginess, but fresh shredded also tastes great.
Can I make this ahead of time?
You can stretch and top the dough ahead, then refrigerate it until baking time. Let it sit at room temperature for 15 minutes before baking.
What if I don’t have fresh basil?
You can substitute with dried oregano or no garnish at all—it’s still delicious.
Is hot honey widely available?
Many grocery stores now carry hot honey near other specialty condiments. You can also find it online or make your own.
Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes—use a gluten-free pizza dough and dust with cornmeal if desired.
What’s the ideal oven temperature?
The hotter, the better—500°F mimics the high heat of pizza ovens, giving you a crisp crust.
How can I get the crust crunchier?
Brush the outer rim lightly with olive oil before baking to boost crispiness and golden color.
Conclusion
Hot Honey Pepperoni Ricotta Pizza is the kind of pizza that surprises and delights with every bite. It’s easy enough for a casual night in, but special enough to impress guests. The creamy ricotta and chewy mozzarella, spicy-sweet hot honey, and classic pepperoni create a flavor trifecta that never gets old. Make it once, and it will become one of your favorite go-to recipes.
Print
Hot Honey Pepperoni Ricotta Pizza
- Total Time: 25 minutes (excluding dough prep)
- Yield: 1 twelve‑inch pizza
- Diet: Halal
Description
Spicy meets sweet in this Hot Honey Pepperoni Ricotta Pizza. Creamy ricotta, mozzarella, pepperoni, and a drizzle of hot honey—baked to golden perfection for a flavor-packed twist on pizza night.
Ingredients
Pizza dough:
1 ball pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
Flour or cornmeal, for dusting
Toppings:
½ cup tomato or pizza sauce
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
¼ cup whole-milk ricotta cheese, dolloped
1–2 tablespoons hot honey
Fresh basil leaves (optional)
Red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 500°F (260°C) with stone or baking sheet inside.
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Roll dough into 12‑inch round on floured surface.
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Spread sauce, sprinkle mozzarella, and dollop ricotta.
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Bake for 8–12 minutes until crust is golden and cheese bubbly.
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Drizzle hot honey, then garnish with basil and red pepper flakes.
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Slice and serve immediately.
Notes
- Use cornmeal or flour to avoid sticking.
- Adjust hot honey to your preferred spice level.
- Use fresh mozzarella sparingly to reduce moisture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American-Italian Fusion
