Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Hot honey pepperoni pizza with ricotta is the perfect blend of flavors — sweet, spicy, creamy, and savory — all in one incredible bite. The crispy pepperoni cups, creamy dollops of ricotta, and drizzle of hot honey over a golden crust create a pizza that’s both gourmet and comforting. I once made this for a Friday night dinner, and it quickly became everyone’s favorite — the hot honey adds just the right kick to balance the rich cheese and smoky pepperoni. Whether baked in the oven or on a pizza stone, this recipe delivers restaurant-quality flavor at home with minimal effort. It’s indulgent, bold, and guaranteed to become a staple in your pizza night rotation.
Hot Honey Pepperoni Pizza with Ricotta: Sweet, Spicy, and Irresistibly Cheesy
- Total Time: 22 mins
- Yield: 1 large pizza (8 slices)
- Diet: Halal
Description
This Hot Honey Pepperoni Pizza with Ricotta is a perfect balance of spicy, sweet, and savory flavors. Featuring crispy pepperoni, creamy ricotta, melted mozzarella, and a drizzle of hot honey on a golden crust — it’s a restaurant-worthy pizza you can easily make at home.
Ingredients
- 1 ball (about 12 oz) pizza dough, homemade or store-bought
- 1/2 cup pizza sauce
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup pepperoni slices
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1–2 tbsp hot honey (store-bought or homemade)
- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
- Flour, for dusting
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 475°F (245°C). If using a pizza stone, place it in the oven while it preheats.
- Lightly flour a surface and stretch or roll out the pizza dough into a 12-inch round.
- Brush the dough lightly with olive oil, then spread the pizza sauce evenly over the surface, leaving a small border around the edges.
- Sprinkle shredded mozzarella evenly over the sauce.
- Add spoonfuls of ricotta across the pizza, spacing them evenly.
- Top with pepperoni slices and a light sprinkle of red pepper flakes if desired.
- Transfer the pizza to a hot pizza stone or baking sheet and bake for 10–12 minutes, until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbling.
- Remove from the oven and drizzle with hot honey while still warm.
- Top with fresh basil leaves, slice, and serve immediately.
Notes
- Use a mix of mozzarella and provolone for extra cheesy flavor.
- Homemade hot honey can be made by heating honey with a pinch of chili flakes.
- Try using spicy pepperoni or soppressata for a bolder taste.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 12 mins
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Bake
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Pizza dough — Store-bought or homemade; the foundation for your crispy, chewy crust.
Olive oil — Brushed over the dough to create a golden, flavorful base.
Pizza sauce or crushed tomatoes — A light layer gives a fresh, tangy balance to the rich toppings.
Mozzarella cheese — Shredded low-moisture mozzarella for that perfect, bubbly melt.
Ricotta cheese — Creamy dollops that add a soft, luxurious texture.
Pepperoni slices — The star topping; they crisp up beautifully in the oven.
Hot honey — Sweet with a touch of heat, it adds the ultimate finishing drizzle.
Crushed red pepper flakes — Enhances the spiciness of the honey for extra kick.
Fresh basil — Adds brightness and freshness to balance the richness.
Parmesan cheese (optional) — For a final sprinkle of savory depth.
Directions
Preheat oven to 475°F (245°C). If using a pizza stone, place it in the oven to preheat. On a lightly floured surface, stretch or roll out the pizza dough into a 12-inch round. Transfer to a parchment-lined baking sheet or preheated stone.
Brush the dough lightly with olive oil, then spread a thin layer of pizza sauce over the surface, leaving a small border for the crust. Sprinkle mozzarella evenly across the pizza. Add pepperoni slices, spacing them so they crisp and curl as they bake.
Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbling. Remove from the oven and add small dollops of ricotta across the pizza. Drizzle generously with hot honey and sprinkle with crushed red pepper flakes and fresh basil. Add Parmesan if desired.
Slice and serve immediately while the cheese is still warm and gooey.
Essential Equipment
Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling
Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
- Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
- large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
- Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.
- Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
- Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
- 9×13-inch baking dish – Ideal size to fit your rolled cabbage leaves snugly and prevent them from unraveling.
- knife – A sharp, durable kitchen knife perfect for slicing, chopping, and dicing with ease.
- Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes 1 large pizza (about 8 slices). Preparation takes 10 minutes, baking 12 minutes. Total time: 25 minutes.
Storage/reheating
Store leftover slices in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in an oven at 375°F (190°C) for 5–7 minutes or in an air fryer for a crisp crust. Avoid microwaving to maintain texture. You can also freeze unbaked pizza dough or baked slices for up to 2 months.
Variations and Customizations
Spicy Inferno — Add sliced jalapeños or a drizzle of chili oil before baking.
White Pizza Style — Skip the tomato sauce and use olive oil, ricotta, and mozzarella only.
Veggie Boost — Add roasted red peppers, mushrooms, or spinach for more texture and flavor.
Meat Lovers — Combine pepperoni with spicy Italian sausage or prosciutto.
Garlic Butter Crust — Brush the edges of the crust with garlic butter before baking.
Burrata Swap — Use burrata instead of ricotta for a richer, creamier bite.
Gluten-Free — Use a gluten-free pizza crust or cauliflower base.
Vegan Version — Use vegan cheese and plant-based pepperoni with agave-chili drizzle.
Honey Garlic — Mix honey with minced garlic and chili flakes for a garlicky kick.
Wood-Fired Flavor — Bake on a pizza stone or outdoor grill for a charred, crispy edge.
FAQs
What is hot honey?
Hot honey is honey infused with chili peppers or hot sauce, giving it a sweet-heat flavor.
Can I make hot honey at home?
Yes, simply heat honey with red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce until warmed through, then cool.
Can I use fresh dough from the store?
Absolutely, it works great — just let it rest at room temperature before rolling.
What cheese works best besides ricotta?
Burrata, goat cheese, or mascarpone all pair beautifully with the spicy honey.
How do I make the pepperoni crispy?
Bake at high heat — around 475°F — and don’t overcrowd the slices.
Can I make this pizza on a grill?
Yes, grill the dough first on both sides, then add toppings and cook until the cheese melts.
What’s the best honey-to-spice ratio?
Start with ½ cup honey and 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes — adjust to your heat preference.
Can I use pre-shredded cheese?
Yes, but freshly grated melts better and gives a smoother texture.
Is ricotta added before or after baking?
After baking — this keeps it creamy and fresh instead of dry.
Can I make mini versions?
Yes, make personal-sized pizzas or flatbreads for easy individual servings.
Conclusion
Hot honey pepperoni pizza with ricotta is a bold and flavorful twist on a classic favorite. The balance of creamy ricotta, crispy pepperoni, and that irresistible drizzle of hot honey creates a pizza that’s both comforting and gourmet. Sweet, spicy, and perfectly cheesy, this recipe is sure to impress whether you’re hosting friends or treating yourself to the ultimate pizza night. Once you’ve tried this combination, plain pepperoni pizza will never be the same again.
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