This Hot Honey Pepperoni Ricotta Pizza is a fun twist on your usual pizza night! It features spicy pepperoni, creamy ricotta, and drizzled with sweet honey for a delightful flavor party.
If you ask me, that honey drizzle really makes this pizza special. It’s all about that sweet and spicy combo! Plus, who doesn’t love extra cheese? Yummy!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pizza Dough: You can use store-bought dough for convenience, or make your own at home. If you’re gluten-free, look for gluten-free pizza dough which is widely available in stores.
Pizza Sauce: A classic marinara sauce works great, but you can use pesto for a different flavor. If you want to keep it super simple, even tomato paste thinned with a bit of water can work!
Mozzarella Cheese: Shredded mozzarella is the best for that stretchy texture. You could substitute with provolone or gouda for a unique flavor, but stay away from pre-shredded cheeses that have anti-caking agents; they don’t melt as well.
Ricotta Cheese: This adds creaminess. If you want a lighter option, try cottage cheese. For a dairy-free choice, you can use almond or cashew cheese.
Hot Honey: This is what makes the pizza truly special! If you can’t find hot honey, mix regular honey with a pinch of red pepper flakes for a similar kick.
How Do I Roll Out the Perfect Pizza Dough?
Rolling out pizza dough might seem tricky, but with a few simple tips, it can be a breeze. Start with a clean, floured surface and keep your dough slightly warm to make it easier to stretch.
- Use your fingers to gently push down the dough from the center toward the edges, working your way around in a circle.
- When your dough is about 1/2 inch thick, grab a rolling pin and roll from the center outwards, turning the dough a quarter turn after each pass to keep it even.
- Don’t stress about making a perfect circle; rustic shapes can add to the homemade charm!
How to Make Hot Honey Pepperoni Ricotta Pizza
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pizza:
- 1 pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 cup pizza sauce
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup sliced pepperoni
- 2 tablespoons hot honey (adjust to taste)
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish
- Olive oil for brushing
- Salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious pizza recipe takes about 15 minutes of prep time and 12-15 minutes of baking time, so you’ll have a hot and tasty pizza ready in about 30 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
First, preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C). If your oven doesn’t go that high, use the highest setting available. Place a pizza stone or a baking sheet in the oven to heat while you prepare the pizza.
2. Roll Out the Dough:
On a floured surface, roll out the pizza dough to your desired thickness. Don’t worry if it’s not perfect; just make sure it’s flat! Once done, carefully transfer the dough to a piece of parchment paper for easier movement later on.
3. Add the Sauce:
Take your pizza sauce and spread it evenly over the rolled-out dough. Remember to leave a small border around the edges for the crust. This will keep the pizza looking nice!
4. Sprinkle the Cheese:
Now, sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the sauce. This cheesy layer will be the star of your pizza!
5. Add Ricotta Drops:
Grab your ricotta cheese and dollop spoonfuls onto the pizza. Leave little spaces between the ricotta so it can spread out as it bakes, creating a creamy texture.
6. Layer on Pepperoni:
Arrange the sliced pepperoni all over the top of the pizza. Feel free to adjust the amount based on how pepperoni-loving you are!
7. Drizzle with Hot Honey:
Carefully drizzle the hot honey over the pizza, making sure to get some over both the ricotta and pepperoni for a sweet kick. You can adjust the amount of honey based on your taste preference.
8. Season It Up:
Sprinkle a pinch of salt and some freshly cracked black pepper on top for added flavor. This will enhance all the yummy tastes!
9. Transfer to the Oven:
Now, it’s time to bake! Carefully move the pizza (still on the parchment paper) onto the hot pizza stone or baking sheet in your preheated oven.
10. Bake Until Perfect:
Let the pizza bake for about 12-15 minutes. You want the crust to be golden brown and the cheese to be bubbly. Keep an eye on it, so it doesn’t burn!
11. Cool and Garnish:
Once it’s done, remove the pizza from the oven and let it cool for a minute. This will help you avoid burning your mouth!
12. Add Fresh Basil:
Sprinkle fresh basil leaves over the pizza for a touch of freshness. You can also drizzle a bit more hot honey if you like it sweeter.
13. Slice and Serve:
Finally, slice your pizza into your preferred pieces, serve it hot, and enjoy the fantastic combination of savory and sweet flavors!
Can I Use Store-Bought Dough Instead of Homemade?
Absolutely! Store-bought pizza dough is a great time-saver. Just make sure to follow the package instructions for rolling and baking. Let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before rolling out to make it easier to shape.
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 dash of hot sauce. Start with a tablespoon of honey and adjust the spice level to your liking. Just drizzle it on top just like you would with the store-bought hot honey!
How Should I Store Leftover Pizza?
Once the pizza has cooled, store it in an airtight container or wrap it tightly in plastic wrap. It will keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days. For best results, reheat slices in the oven or on a skillet to maintain the crispiness of the crust.
Can I Add Other Toppings to This Pizza?
Definitely! Feel free to customize your pizza with other toppings like veggies (bell peppers, onions, mushrooms), different types of cheese (like parmesan or goat cheese), or even meats (like sausage or bacon). Just be mindful of the balance of flavors so that the hot honey still shines through!
