Spicy Hot Honey Pepperoni Ricotta Pizza

Craving a slice of comfort with a twist? Look no further than this irresistible Hot Honey Pepperoni Ricotta Pizza. Picture this: a perfect pizza dough topped with marinara sauce, melted mozzarella cheese, zesty pepperoni slices, dollops of creamy ricotta, and a drizzle of that magical hot honey. Each bite is a symphony of flavors – salty pepperoni, creamy ricotta, and a sweet-heat kick from the hot honey that will leave you craving more. This pizza is not just your average Friday night treat; it’s a culinary experience that will have your taste buds singing with delight.

I stumbled upon this flavor-packed creation on one of those nights when I wanted to break away from the ordinary and try something new. The combination of ingredients may sound unconventional, but trust me, it works like a charm. Creamy ricotta paired with fresh basil, spicy pepperoni, and that irresistible hot honey drizzle creates a harmony of tastes that will surprise and delight even the pickiest eaters. Whether you’re a pizza purist or an adventurous foodie, this Hot Honey Pepperoni Ricotta Pizza is bound to become a new favorite in your household. So, roll up your sleeves, preheat that oven, and get ready to indulge in a slice of pizza perfection.

Quick Benefits

• Unique Flavor Experience: The combination of creamy ricotta, spicy pepperoni, fresh basil, and sweet-heat hot honey creates a flavor profile that is both familiar and completely new.
• Crowd-Pleasing: Even picky eaters like plain cheese pizza lovers and homemade pizza critics have been won over by this pizza’s rich and balanced flavors.
• Versatile: Easily customizable with variations like caramelized onions, prosciutto, goat cheese, or red pepper flakes to suit different tastes and preferences.
• Simple and Fun to Make: An easy recipe that’s perfect for a Friday night meal, allowing for experimentation and creativity with toppings and flavors.

Why You’ll Love This Spicy Hot Honey Pepperoni Ricotta Pizza Recipe

• Unique Flavor Combination: The blend of creamy ricotta, spicy pepperoni, fresh basil, and sweet-hot honey offers a taste experience that is both comforting and exciting.
• Versatile: Easily customizable with different toppings like prosciutto, caramelized onions, or adding red pepper flakes for heat lovers.
• Family-Friendly: Even picky eaters like the author’s teenage nephew found this pizza irresistible, making it a hit with both kids and adults.
• Surprisingly Delicious: Even self-proclaimed pizza snobs enjoyed this recipe, proving its appeal to a wide range of taste preferences.
• Perfect Balance of Flavors: Each bite delivers a mix of salty, creamy, spicy, and sweet notes, creating a satisfying and harmonious taste profile.
• Great for Pizza Night: A fun and easy recipe to elevate your Friday night pizza tradition with a homemade touch that feels special.
• Pairing Options: Goes well with a simple arugula salad and complements nicely with a cold beer or crisp white wine for a complete meal experience.
• Easy to Make: Simple to prepare with basic ingredients yet delivers a gourmet feel, making it suitable for both beginners and experienced home cooks.

Ingredients for Spicy Hot Honey Pepperoni Ricotta Pizza

Pizza Base

• 1 pizza dough
• 2 cups mozzarella cheese or a mix with provolone cheese
• ¾ cup marinara sauce

Toppings

• 2 tablespoons hot honey
• ⅓ cup ricotta cheese
• 15 pepperoni slices
• 1 tablespoon fresh basil, chopped, plus more for garnish

How to Make Spicy Hot Honey Pepperoni Ricotta Pizza

Step 1: Preheat oven and prep dough

Preheat oven to 550°F or highest temperature. Dust pizza dough with flour, stretch into a 14-inch circle with a 1-inch crust. Place on parchment paper (for steel/stone) or floured baking sheet.

Step 2: Add sauce and cheese

Spread marinara sauce on the pizza, leaving a 1-inch border for the crust. Top with mozzarella cheese and pepperoni slices.

Step 3: Add ricotta mixture

Combine ricotta cheese with fresh basil in a small bowl, then spoon teaspoonfuls onto the pizza.

Step 4: Bake until golden

Bake for 10 minutes or until the cheese is lightly browned and crust is golden. If using a pizza steel/stone, remove parchment paper after 2 minutes. Rotate the pizza halfway through baking for even cooking.

Step 5: Finish and serve

Before serving, top with fresh basil and drizzle with hot honey as a garnish.

Storage Tips

After enjoying the hot honey pepperoni ricotta pizza, any leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator. To keep the pizza as fresh as possible, store it in an airtight container or wrap it tightly in plastic wrap. When reheating, place the pizza in a preheated 400-degree oven for about 5 minutes to crisp up the crust and melt the cheese. While reheated pizza is delicious, it’s best enjoyed fresh out of the oven for the optimal gooey cheese and crispy crust experience.

The hot honey drizzle can crystallize if stored for an extended period. To restore its pourable consistency, simply microwave the hot honey for a short period until it becomes liquid again. This will help maintain the sweet-heat balance that adds such a unique and delicious flavor to the pizza. Whether serving the pizza as a weekend treat or enjoying it as a quick weeknight meal, this recipe offers a delightful blend of flavors that will satisfy a variety of taste preferences.

Ingredient Substitutions

For a vegetarian version of this pizza, you can omit the pepperoni and replace it with sliced vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or olives. These vegetables will still provide a burst of flavor and texture on the pizza. Additionally, if you prefer a different cheese than mozzarella or provolone, you can experiment with gouda, cheddar, or even a vegan cheese alternative to suit your taste preferences.

If you don’t have hot honey on hand, you can create a similar sweet and spicy effect by drizzling regular honey over the pizza and sprinkling it with a pinch of red pepper flakes before or after baking. This will give the pizza a touch of heat and sweetness similar to hot honey. Furthermore, if you’re not a fan of ricotta cheese, you can substitute it with creamy goat cheese, feta, or even a vegan ricotta alternative for a different creamy texture and flavor profile. Feel free to customize the toppings and ingredients to make this pizza your own unique creation.

Serving Suggestions

To elevate the Hot Honey Pepperoni Ricotta Pizza experience, try serving it with a side of tangy pickled jalapeños or banana peppers to add a zesty kick that complements the sweet heat of the hot honey. The briny acidity of the pickled peppers cuts through the richness of the cheese and pepperoni, creating a perfect balance of flavors. Another serving suggestion is to sprinkle some grated Parmesan cheese over the pizza right after it comes out of the oven for an extra layer of nutty umami goodness. The Parmesan adds a depth of flavor that enhances the overall taste profile of the pizza, making each bite even more satisfying.

FAQs for Spicy Hot Honey Pepperoni Ricotta Pizza

Can I substitute the pepperoni with a different type of meat?

Absolutely! You can try using prosciutto instead of pepperoni to create a more sophisticated flavor profile that complements the hot honey and ricotta cheese beautifully.

How can I prevent the hot honey from turning bitter when baking the pizza?

To prevent the hot honey from turning bitter, it’s best to wait until the pizza comes out of the oven before drizzling the hot honey on top. This way, you can enjoy the sweet-heat flavor without any burnt or bitter taste.

Can I prepare this pizza ahead of time?

This pizza is best enjoyed fresh out of the oven while the cheese is gooey and the crust is crispy. However, you can prepare the ingredients ahead of time and assemble the pizza just before baking. Leftovers can be reheated in a 400-degree oven for about 5 minutes to crisp the crust back up.

How can I make the hot honey pourable again if it crystallizes?

If the hot honey crystallizes, you can easily make it pourable again by giving it a quick zap in the microwave. This will help restore its smooth consistency for drizzling over the pizza.

Conclusion

Whether you’re a pizza aficionado or just looking to switch up your usual dinner routine, Hot Honey Pepperoni Ricotta Pizza is a must-try recipe that will surprise and delight your taste buds. The creamy ricotta, spicy pepperoni, and that irresistible drizzle of hot honey come together to create a flavor explosion that will have you craving more.

So next time you’re in the mood for a homemade pizza night, why not give this Hot Honey Pepperoni Ricotta Pizza a shot? It’s a crowd-pleaser that even the pickiest eaters will love. Remember, don’t be afraid to get creative with your toppings and make it your own. With just a few simple ingredients and a little bit of experimentation, you can elevate your pizza game to new heights. Enjoy making and savoring every slice of this Hot Honey Pepperoni Ricotta Pizza!

Spicy Hot Honey Pepperoni Ricotta Pizza

Indulge in a flavor explosion with Hot Honey Pepperoni Ricotta Pizza – a sweet, spicy, and creamy twist on a classic favorite.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time15 Minutes

Cook Time10 Minutes

Total Time25 Minutes

CuisineItalian

Skill LevelEasy

Servings4 Servings (1 large pizza)

Ingredients

Pizza Base

• 1 pizza dough
• 2 cups mozzarella cheese or a mix with provolone cheese
• ¾ cup marinara sauce

Toppings

• 2 tablespoons hot honey
• ⅓ cup ricotta cheese
• 15 pepperoni slices
• 1 tablespoon fresh basil, chopped, plus more for garnish

Instructions

1. Preheat oven and prep dough: Preheat oven to 550°F or highest temperature. Dust pizza dough with flour, stretch into a 14-inch circle with a 1-inch crust. Place on parchment paper (for steel/stone) or floured baking sheet.
2. Add sauce and cheese: Spread marinara sauce on the pizza, leaving a 1-inch border for the crust. Top with mozzarella cheese and pepperoni slices.
3. Add ricotta mixture: Combine ricotta cheese with fresh basil in a small bowl, then spoon teaspoonfuls onto the pizza.
4. Bake until golden: Bake for 10 minutes or until the cheese is lightly browned and crust is golden. If using a pizza steel/stone, remove parchment paper after 2 minutes. Rotate the pizza halfway through baking for even cooking.
5. Finish and serve: Before serving, top with fresh basil and drizzle with hot honey as a garnish.