Honey Pizza Recipe with Pepperoni & Ricotta – A Savory Delight

 

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Honey Pizza with Pepperoni & Ricotta delivers the best of both worlds—rich, creamy, and savory ingredients paired with a subtle sweetness from the hot honey drizzle. The pepperoni adds a bold, spicy kick, while the ricotta balances it out with its creamy texture. The hot honey enhances the flavor profile, adding a touch of sweetness and heat that elevates the entire dish. It’s the ultimate pizza for those who love to experiment with new flavors and enjoy the perfect pizza night treat.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 1 ball pizza dough (about 250g)
• ¼ cup marinara or pizza sauce
• ¾ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 6–8 slices pepperoni
• ¼ cup ricotta cheese
• 2 tsp hot honey (store-bought or homemade)
• 1 tsp olive oil (for brushing crust)
• Fresh basil or parsley (optional, for garnish)
• Crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)

Directions

1. Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 500°F (260°C) and heat a pizza stone or steel for at least 30 minutes to ensure the crust bakes evenly.
2. Shape the dough: On a floured surface, shape the pizza dough into a 10–12 inch circle. Transfer the dough to a floured pizza peel or parchment paper for easy transfer to the oven.
3. Prepare the base: Spread the marinara sauce evenly over the dough, leaving a border around the edges for the crust.
4. Top the pizza: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the sauce. Add the pepperoni slices and place spoonfuls of ricotta cheese over the pizza.
5. Bake the pizza: Bake the pizza for 7–10 minutes or until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly and melted.
6. Drizzle with hot honey: Once the pizza is out of the oven, drizzle with hot honey for the perfect balance of sweetness and heat. Add crushed red pepper flakes for an extra kick, if desired.
7. Garnish and serve: Garnish with fresh basil or parsley, slice, and serve hot.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 2-3 servings
• Prep time: 15 minutes
• Cook time: 10 minutes
• Total time: 25 minutes

Variations

• Different cheeses: Swap the ricotta for goat cheese or cream cheese for a different creamy texture and flavor.
• Spicy twist: Add more heat by sprinkling extra chili flakes or using a spicier variety of pepperoni.
• Vegan version: Use a dairy-free pizza dough, vegan cheese, and a plant-based pepperoni alternative for a vegan-friendly version.
• Herb-infused honey: Make the hot honey even more flavorful by infusing it with fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme while simmering.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: While this pizza is best enjoyed fresh, leftover slices can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
• Reheating: To reheat, place the pizza on a baking sheet and warm it in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 5-7 minutes to crisp up the crust.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different sauce instead of marinara?

Yes, you can experiment with other sauces such as pesto or a white garlic sauce for a different base flavor.

2. How can I make homemade hot honey?

To make homemade hot honey, simmer ¼ cup of honey with ½ teaspoon of chili flakes for 2-3 minutes. Let it cool before drizzling over your pizza.

3. Can I use pre-made pizza dough?

Absolutely! Store-bought pizza dough works perfectly fine if you’re short on time. Just follow the instructions on the package for baking.

4. Can I make this pizza without the hot honey?

Yes, if you prefer a non-spicy version, you can skip the hot honey and instead drizzle regular honey or just enjoy the pizza without any sweetness.

5. Can I add more toppings to this pizza?

Definitely! Feel free to add vegetables like onions, bell peppers, or mushrooms, or even some olives or arugula for added flavor and texture.

6. Can I use a different type of pepperoni?

Yes, you can use any type of pepperoni you prefer. Turkey or beef pepperoni are great alternatives for a different twist.

7. Can I use a gluten-free pizza dough?

Yes, gluten-free pizza dough will work just as well, and you can follow the same recipe for the toppings.

8. Can I prepare the dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the pizza dough in advance and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days or freeze it for later use.

9. How do I prevent the crust from getting soggy?

Make sure your oven and pizza stone are preheated properly. Also, avoid overloading the pizza with too much sauce or moisture-heavy toppings.

10. Can I freeze this pizza?

While it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze the pizza before baking. Just assemble the pizza, wrap it tightly, and freeze for up to a month. When ready to bake, simply cook from frozen, adding a few extra minutes of baking time.

Conclusion

This Honey Pizza with Pepperoni & Ricotta is a delightful combination of bold, savory flavors and sweet, spicy honey that makes every bite an experience. Quick and easy to make, it’s perfect for pizza nights, summer gatherings, or whenever you crave something a little different. With its balance of textures and flavors, this pizza will quickly become a favorite that’s sure to impress your family and friends.

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