Hot Honey Pepperoni Ricotta Pizza

Hot honey pepperoni ricotta pizza is a true flavor bomb where savory, spicy, and sweet come together in every bite. It is everything you want from delivery but even better homemade with molten cheese, crispy pepperoni, luscious basil ricotta, and a drizzle of sticky hot honey. One slice is never enough.

I made this on a Friday night once for friends and they still text me asking when I will bake it again. Be warned it disappears fast.

Ingredients

• Pizza dough: gives you that perfect chewy yet crisp base look for a ball with good elasticity and minimal dryness for best results
• Marinara sauce: brings tang and moisture a thicker sauce means less sogginess
• Mozzarella cheese: or try mixing with provolone for serious melt factor
• Pepperoni slices: add savory spice choose ones with some natural curl for crispy edges
• Ricotta cheese: offers creamy relief from spice grab whole milk ricotta for richness
• Fresh basil: brings pops of herbal brightness select leaves that look vibrant with no dark spots
• Hot honey: this is the magic sweet and spicy finish try to find one with real chili infusion for bold flavor

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prep the Oven:

Preheat your oven as high as it goes at least 550 F This big blast of heat gives you charred edges and a chewy crust that mimics true pizzeria style

Shape the Dough:

Lightly dust your hands and work surface with flour Stretch the dough to a fourteen inch circle using fingers to press and gently shape keep the edges a little thicker for a classic crust Handle dough with care to avoid tearing

Prepare the Pan:

If you have a pizza stone or steel place a piece of parchment paper on a pizza peel or an overturned baking sheet and set the dough on top If not dust a baking sheet with a little flour or cornmeal and place the dough right on it This ensures the crust gets nicely crisp

Sauce and Toppings:

Spoon the marinara evenly on the dough leaving a one inch border for crust Layer on the mozzarella and scatter pepperoni in a single layer Make sure each bite gets some pepperoni

Ricotta Swirl:

Finely chop the basil and mix it into the ricotta in a small bowl Use a teaspoon to drop little dollops of basil ricotta all over the pizza space them out so everyone gets a creamy surprise

Bake the Pizza:

Slide the pizza into the hot oven Bake ten minutes until the cheese is bubbling and browned and the crust is deep golden If using a pizza stone or steel remove the parchment after two minutes for direct contact Rotate the pizza halfway for even browning

Finish and Serve:

Scatter extra fresh basil on top and drizzle hot honey generously over the pizza The honey will seep into the cheese and crust bringing everything together

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The hot honey is my personal favorite part It turns the pizza into something craveable and just a little fancy My family always debates who will get the last slice but we never skip passing the honey bottle for extra drizzle

Storage Tips

Leftover slices keep well in an airtight container up to three days I like to reheat on a skillet over medium heat so the crust gets crispy again and the cheese melts just right Avoid the microwave if possible

Ingredient Substitutions

No hot honey Try swirling regular honey with a pinch of chili flakes or a thin splash of sriracha

Go meatless by skipping pepperoni and adding roasted vegetables such as thin zucchini or red peppers

Swap basil for arugula as a peppery garnish after baking

Serving Suggestions

This pizza stands tall all on its own but a simple green salad with lemony dressing or a bowl of marinated olives works perfectly on the side To make it extra special serve with chilled lambrusco or crisp sparkling water

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Cultural and Historical Context

Pepperoni pizza is a staple in American Italian cuisine and adding spicy honey is a trend inspired by New York slice shops Hot honey itself has Italian origins with roots in Calabria where honey is often infused with chiles It is a beautiful fusion of old world and new tricks that makes pizza night memorable

Recipe FAQs

→ How do I prevent soggy pizza crust?

Preheat your oven and baking surface thoroughly. Bake on a pizza stone or steel, and avoid overloading with sauce or toppings.

→ What cheeses work best for this style?

A blend of mozzarella and provolone delivers that gooey melt; ricotta with fresh basil adds a creamy texture.

→ How do I stretch pizza dough evenly?

Allow the dough to rest at room temperature, then gently press and stretch with your fingers, leaving a thicker border.

→ What does hot honey add?

Hot honey brings a sweet and spicy contrast that complements the richness of the cheese and the heat of the pepperoni.

→ Can I use store-bought dough?

Yes, store-bought dough works well, just let it rest so it’s easier to stretch and results in a crispier crust.

→ How should I reheat leftovers?

For best results, reheat slices in a hot oven or skillet to maintain a crisp base and melty cheese.