This Hot Honey Pepperoni Ricotta Pizza is a fun twist on your regular pizza! It’s got a nice blend of spicy pepperoni and creamy ricotta, all drizzled with sweet hot honey.
Honestly, who thought sweet and spicy on pizza would be this good? I can’t get enough of that honey drizzle! Perfect for a cozy movie night or Friday treat.
The best part? Making it is super simple! Just spread the ricotta, add pepperoni, bake, and top it with honey. You’ll feel like a pizza pro in no time!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pizza Dough: You can use homemade dough or store-bought. If you’re gluten-free, look for gluten-free pizza dough options available in stores or try cauliflower crust for a healthier twist.
Pizza Sauce: Any marinara or store-bought pizza sauce works well. If you want to make it your own, mix tomato sauce with Italian herbs like oregano and basil for extra flavor.
Mozzarella Cheese: Shredded mozzarella gives that gooey texture we all love, but you could also use provolone or a blend of Italian cheeses if you prefer a different taste.
Ricotta Cheese: This adds a creamy touch to the pizza. If you’re out of ricotta, cream cheese or cottage cheese can be used as substitutes, though the flavor will vary.
Hot Honey: If you can’t find hot honey, mix regular honey with a few pinches of chili flakes or drizzle it with a bit of sriracha for that sweet and spicy kick.
How Do You Get the Pizza Dough Just Right?
Stretching dough can be tricky, but with practice, you’ll get it! Here’s how to do it without tearing:
- Start with room temperature dough; if it’s cold, let it sit out for 30 minutes.
- Lightly flour your work surface to prevent sticking. Use a rolling pin or your fingers to gently flatten the dough from the center outwards.
- To stretch, use your knuckles to gently push the dough out, rotating it often to keep the shape round.
- If the dough resists, let it rest for a few minutes before trying again. This allows the gluten to relax for easier stretching.
Once rolled out, make sure the dough is no longer sticking to your surface before transferring it to the baking sheet or stone!
Easy Hot Honey Pepperoni Ricotta Pizza
Ingredients:
- 1 ball of pizza dough (store-bought or homemade, about 12 inches)
- 1/2 cup pizza sauce or marinara sauce
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup ricotta cheese
- 20 slices of pepperoni
- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
- Hot honey (honey infused with chili flakes or hot sauce), for drizzling
- Olive oil, for brushing the crust
- Optional: red pepper flakes, for extra heat
Time Needed:
This delicious pizza takes about 15 minutes to prep and 10-12 minutes to bake. Total time is around 30 minutes, making it a quick and tasty option for a weeknight dinner or a fun gathering!
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 as it heats up. This will help give your crust a wonderful crispy texture!
2. Prepare the Dough:
On a lightly floured surface, roll out your pizza dough into a circle about 12 inches in diameter. If you’re using a pizza stone, transfer it carefully onto a pizza peel or a baking sheet to make later transfers easier.
3. Brush the Crust:
Take a little olive oil and lightly brush it around the outer edge of the crust. This will help it turn golden brown and crispy while baking.
4. Add the Sauce:
Spread the pizza sauce evenly over the rolled-out dough. Leave about an inch around the edges for the crust—this is where you’ll get that delightful crunch!
5. Sprinkle the Cheese:
Now, sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the sauce. Don’t be shy; cheese is one of the best parts!
6. Add Ricotta:
Using a spoon, dollop small amounts of ricotta cheese randomly over the mozzarella. This adds a creamy surprise in every bite!
7. Layer on the Pepperoni:
Finally, arrange the pepperoni slices on top of the cheese. Spread them out but feel free to pack them on if you love pepperoni!
8. Bake the Pizza:
Carefully slide the pizza onto your preheated pizza stone or place your baking sheet in the oven. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbling.
9. Drizzle with Hot Honey:
As soon as the pizza comes out of the oven, drizzle it generously with hot honey. The combination of sweet and spicy is fantastic!
10. Garnish and Serve:
Add some fresh basil leaves on top for a touch of freshness, and if you like a bit more heat, sprinkle some red pepper flakes over it. Slice up your pizza, serve hot, and enjoy this delicious blend of flavors!
This pizza strikes the perfect balance between creamy ricotta, savory spicy pepperoni, and sweet hot honey, making it a simple yet gourmet homemade treat. Enjoy!
FAQ for Easy Hot Honey Pepperoni Ricotta Pizza
Can I Use Store-Bought Pizza Dough?
Absolutely! Store-bought pizza dough is a great time-saver and works perfectly for this recipe. Just make sure to follow the package instructions for best results or let it rest for 30 minutes if it’s refrigerated.
What If I Don’t Have Hot Honey?
No worries! You can make your own by mixing regular honey with a pinch of red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce to taste. This will give a similar sweet and spicy flavor to your pizza!
How to Store Leftover Pizza?
Store any leftover pizza in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes or use the microwave, though this may affect the crust’s crispiness.
Can I Add More Toppings?
Definitely! Feel free to customize your pizza with additional toppings like veggies, different cheeses, or meats. Just keep in mind that more toppings may alter the cooking time slightly, so keep an eye on it while it bakes!
