This pizza is a fun twist on the classic! Topped with creamy ricotta, spicy pepperoni, and a drizzle of hot honey, it’s sure to excite your taste buds.
Honestly, who knew honey could make pizza even better? I love serving this with a side of extra napkins—things can get a bit sticky with all that deliciousness!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pizza Dough: You can use store-bought dough for convenience or make your own at home. If you’re gluten-free, plenty of gluten-free doughs are available in stores or you can use a cauliflower crust.
Pizza Sauce: If you prefer homemade, simply blend canned tomatoes with garlic, salt, and herbs. In a pinch, store-bought marinara or even pesto can work well.
Mozzarella Cheese: I love using fresh mozzarella, but shredded mozzarella works just fine too! For a twist, you could try provolone or Gouda for a different flavor.
Ricotta Cheese: This adds creaminess to the pizza. If you’re looking for a lighter option, cottage cheese is a great substitute. You could also skip it entirely for a simpler pizza.
Hot Honey: The sweet and spicy kick from hot honey is amazing! If you don’t have it, mix regular honey with a pinch of cayenne or red pepper flakes to create a similar effect.
How Do I Roll Out the Pizza Dough Properly?
Rolling out pizza dough can be tricky, but with a few tips, you can get a perfect shape! First, sprinkle flour on your work surface and your rolling pin to prevent sticking. Then, gently push the dough from the center outward.
- Work slowly to maintain a uniform thickness and round shape.
- For a rustic look, don’t worry about perfect edges; a little irregularity adds character!
- If the dough resists stretching, let it rest for 5-10 minutes before trying again.
Once rolled out, carefully transfer the dough onto a pizza peel or baking sheet, using flour or cornmeal to help it slide easily. Happy pizza-making!
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 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup sliced pepperoni
- 2 tablespoons hot honey (or to taste)
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish
- Olive oil for brushing
- Salt and pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious pizza will take about 15 minutes to prepare and around 10-12 minutes to bake. Altogether, you’re looking at a total of about 30 minutes from start to finish. Perfect for a quick and tasty dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 475°F (245°C). If you have a pizza stone, place it in the oven so it heats up nicely. This will give your pizza a wonderful, crispy crust!
2. Prepare the Dough:
On a floured surface, roll out your pizza dough. You can shape it into a circle or rectangle, depending on your preference. Aim for your desired thickness. Once rolled out, carefully transfer it to a pizza peel or a baking sheet to get ready for topping.
3. Add Olive Oil and Sauce:
Brush the surface of the dough lightly with olive oil to enhance the flavor and prevent it from getting soggy. Next, spread an even layer of pizza sauce across the dough, leaving a little border around the edges for the crust.
4. Top with Cheese and Ricotta:
Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella evenly over the sauce. Then, take spoonfuls of ricotta cheese and drop them around the pizza, spacing them out for a nice creamy bite in each slice.
5. Add the Pepperoni:
Layer the sliced pepperoni over the mozzarella and ricotta. Feel free to add more if you love pepperoni! Then, season the pizza lightly with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Bake the Pizza:
Carefully slide the pizza onto the preheated pizza stone, or place your baking sheet in the oven. Bake for about 10-12 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbling and beautifully melted.
7. Drizzle and Garnish:
Once the pizza is out of the oven, drizzle hot honey over the top to add a sweet kick. Sprinkle fresh basil leaves for a fragrant touch.
8. Slice and Serve:
Slice up your yummy Hot Honey Pepperoni Ricotta Pizza and serve it hot. Enjoy the perfect blend of flavors and the delightful combination of sweet and savory!
Can I Use Store-Bought Pizza Dough?
Absolutely! Store-bought pizza dough is a great time-saver. Just follow the package instructions for thawing if it’s frozen, and then roll it out as directed in the recipe. Homemade dough works too, of course, if you prefer that homemade touch!
What Can I Substitute for Ricotta Cheese?
If you don’t have ricotta on hand, you can use cottage cheese for a similar texture. Just make sure to drain it well. Cream cheese or mascarpone also works for a richer flavor, but they will change the taste profile slightly.
How to Store Leftover Pizza?
Store any leftover pizza in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, it’s best to use the oven at 350°F (175°C) for better texture, heating for about 10-15 minutes. You can also use the microwave, but the crust may become a bit soggy.
Can I Adjust the Spice Level of the Hot Honey?
Definitely! If you prefer a milder taste, start with a small drizzle of hot honey and taste before adding more. You can also make your own hot honey by mixing honey with a small amount of chili flakes or hot sauce to adjust to your liking!
