Hot Honey Pepperoni Ricotta Pizza

If you love bold flavors, this Hot Honey Pepperoni Ricotta Pizza is about to become your new obsession. Combining creamy ricotta, spicy pepperoni, melty mozzarella, and a drizzle of sweet heat from hot honey, this pizza balances savory, creamy, spicy, and sweet in every mouthwatering bite. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or craving an elevated pizza night at home, this recipe is simple, irresistible, and unforgettable.

Ingredients for Hot Honey Pepperoni Ricotta Pizza

• 1 ball of pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)

• ¾ cup ricotta cheese

• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

• ½ cup sliced pepperoni

• 1 clove garlic, minced

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)

• Salt and pepper, to taste

• 2 tbsp hot honey (store-bought or homemade)

• Fresh basil or arugula for garnish (optional)

Substitutions

• Ricotta cheese: Can be replaced with cottage cheese, mascarpone, or whipped feta.

• Pepperoni: Try salami, spicy soppressata, or turkey pepperoni for a lighter version.

• Hot Honey: Make your own by mixing honey with chili flakes or use maple syrup for a milder option.

• Mozzarella: Use provolone, fontina, or vegan cheese for dietary needs.

• Dough: Substitute with flatbread, naan, or a cauliflower crust.

How to Make Hot Honey Pepperoni Ricotta Pizza

1. Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C) with a pizza stone or baking sheet inside.

2. Roll out the dough on a floured surface into a 12-inch circle and transfer it to parchment paper.

3. Mix ricotta with garlic, a pinch of salt and pepper, and a drizzle of olive oil.

4. Spread the ricotta over the dough evenly, then sprinkle shredded mozzarella on top.

5. Add pepperoni slices across the pizza, spacing them evenly.

6. Bake for 10–12 minutes, until the crust is golden and cheese is bubbling.

7. Remove from oven and immediately drizzle Hot Honey over the top.

8. Garnish with fresh basil or arugula, slice, and serve hot.

Mix-ins and Topping Ideas

• Caramelized onions

• Roasted red peppers

• Pickled jalapeños

• Crushed red pepper flakes

• A sprinkle of parmesan cheese

• A dash of chili oil for extra heat

Recipe Tips

• Use a preheated pizza stone for a crispier crust.

• Don’t overload the pizza with toppings to prevent sogginess.

• For a creamier texture, whip the ricotta with olive oil before spreading.

• Let the pizza rest for 2 minutes before slicing to allow the cheese to set.

Storage Instructions

• Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

• Reheat: Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 7 minutes or air fry at 350°F for 4–5 minutes.

• Freeze: Freeze baked pizza slices in foil and reheat straight from frozen.

Recipe Variations

• Hot Honey Veggie Pizza: Swap pepperoni for mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini.

• BBQ Hot Honey Pizza: Use BBQ sauce as the base instead of ricotta.

• White Hot Honey Pizza: Skip the mozzarella and add parmesan or fontina only.

• Spicy Sausage Ricotta Pizza: Replace pepperoni with hot Italian Sausage.

FAQs about Hot Honey Pepperoni Ricotta Pizza

What is hot honey?

Hot honey is a sweet and spicy condiment made by infusing honey with chili peppers or red pepper flakes, perfect for drizzling over pizza.

Can I make hot honey at home?

Absolutely! Just warm ½ cup of honey with 1 tsp red pepper flakes for 5 minutes. Strain and store in a jar.

Do I need a pizza stone?

No, but using a preheated baking sheet or pizza steel will help you achieve a crispier crust.

Is this pizza very spicy?

It has a mild heat from the pepperoni and hot honey. You can adjust the spiciness by adding or reducing red pepper flakes.