This pizza is a tasty mix of spicy and sweet! It features crispy pepperoni, creamy ricotta, and a drizzle of hot honey that brings everything together in a delightful way.
You won’t be able to resist that sweet kick! I love how easy it is to whip up this pizza when I’m craving something fun and different. Perfect to share, or not! 😉
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pizza Dough: You can use store-bought dough for convenience. If you’re feeling adventurous, homemade dough offers a fresh taste. Gluten-free dough is also an option if needed!
Marinara Sauce: Opt for a traditional marinara or use your favorite pizza sauce. In a pinch, any tangy tomato sauce will work. You can also try pesto for something different.
Ricotta Cheese: Ricotta adds creaminess. If you can’t find it, cottage cheese works as a substitute though it’s a bit thinner. Cream cheese can provide a similar texture, too!
Hot Honey: This ingredient adds sweetness and a spicy kick. If you don’t have hot honey, you can mix regular honey with a pinch of red pepper flakes for a similar flavor. Maple syrup with a dash of chili powder also works even though the flavor profile shifts slightly.
Fresh Basil: Fresh basil elevates the pizza with its aroma. Dried basil is a common substitute, but fresh gives the best flavor. If you’re out, arugula can add a nice peppery touch.
How Do You Achieve a Perfectly Baked Pizza Crust?
The key to a great pizza crust is high heat and preheating. Start by preheating your oven to 475°F, or even higher if your oven allows. If using a pizza stone, place it in the oven to heat up as well; this will give your crust a lovely, crisp texture.
- Roll the dough on a floured surface to your desired thickness, typically ¼ inch for a nice balance between crunchy and chewy.
- Transfer your rolled-out dough to a pizza peel or lined baking sheet. This makes it easier to move to the oven.
- Don’t overload your pizza with too many toppings, as this can result in a soggy crust. Balance is key!
- Once in the oven, keep an eye on your pizza. You want it golden and bubbly, which usually takes about 12-15 minutes.
Hot Honey Pepperoni Ricotta Pizza
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pizza:
- 1 pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup ricotta cheese
- 20 slices of pepperoni
- 2 tbsp hot honey (or more to taste)
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish
- Olive oil for drizzling
- Salt and pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This scrumptious pizza takes about 10 minutes to prep and around 15 minutes to bake. So, in just about 25 minutes, you’ll have a delicious pizza ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 475°F (245°C). If you have a pizza stone, make sure to place it in the oven while it’s heating up so it gets nice and hot!
2. Prepare the Dough:
On a floured surface, roll out your pizza dough to your favorite thickness. Once it’s rolled out, transfer it onto a pizza peel or a baking sheet lined with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
3. Add the Sauce:
Spread the marinara sauce evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges. This will help create a nice crust!
4. Cheese It Up:
Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the sauce. The more cheese, the better!
5. Add the Ricotta:
Using a spoon, dollop small amounts of ricotta cheese all over the pizza. Try to spread it out nicely for a creamy taste in each bite.
6. Layer the Pepperoni:
Now it’s time for the pepperoni! Place the slices evenly on top of the cheese to give it that classic pizza flair.
7. Drizzle with Hot Honey:
Take your hot honey and drizzle it over the whole pizza. Adjust the drizzle to your taste—more honey if you like it extra sweet and spicy!
8. Season:
Lightly sprinkle some salt and pepper over the pizza to enhance the flavors.
9. Bake the Pizza:
If you’re using a pizza stone, carefully slide the pizza onto the stone. If you’re using a baking sheet, just pop it right into the oven. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly and slightly browned.
10. Cool and Garnish:
Once baked, take the pizza out of the oven and let it cool for a minute. Then, garnish it with fresh basil leaves and a drizzle of olive oil for that finishing touch.
11. Slice and Serve:
Slice the pizza and serve it hot! Enjoy your delicious Hot Honey Pepperoni Ricotta Pizza with your friends or family!
Can I Use Store-Bought Pizza Dough?
Absolutely! Store-bought pizza dough is a great time-saver. Just make sure to follow the package instructions for best results. If it’s refrigerated, let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before rolling it out, as it will be easier to handle.
What Can I Substitute for Ricotta Cheese?
If you don’t have ricotta cheese on hand, you can substitute it with cottage cheese (blended for a smoother texture), cream cheese, or even a goat cheese spread for a different flavor profile. Just keep the volume similar to maintain the pizza’s creaminess.
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 10-15 minutes until warmed through, or microwave slices for about 30 seconds, though the oven will help preserve the crust’s crispiness better.
Can I Make This Pizza Spicier?
Of course! If you love heat, consider adding red pepper flakes or even sliced jalapeños in addition to the hot honey. Just adjust to your spice preference, and remember that the honey will add a bit of sweetness to the heat!
