This Hot Honey Pepperoni Ricotta Pizza is a delightful twist on the classic! With spicy pepperoni and creamy ricotta topped with a drizzle of sweet honey, it’s a treat for your taste buds.
It’s like a party in your mouth! I love how the sweet and spicy dance together—perfect for impressing friends or just treating yourself on a cozy night in!
Making this pizza is a breeze! Just spread the ricotta, sprinkle on the pepperoni, and add a splash of honey. It’s quick, delicious, and a sure way to put a smile on your face!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pizza Dough: You can use store-bought dough for convenience or make your own for a fresher taste. If you’re gluten-free, look for gluten-free pizza dough options available at many stores.
Pizza Sauce: While homemade sauce is delicious, store-bought options can save time. Try to find one with simple ingredients or even a marinara sauce as a substitute.
Cheese: Mozzarella is classic, but I love mixing in a bit of provolone or a sprinkle of Parmesan for extra flavor. You can use vegan cheese if you’re looking for a dairy-free option.
Pepperoni: Traditional pepperoni is great, but turkey or beef pepperoni are tasty alternatives. For a healthier choice, you might go for a veggie pepperoni.
Hot Honey: If you can’t find hot honey, mix regular honey with a pinch of red pepper flakes or some sriracha to achieve that sweet and spicy kick!
How Do I Get the Perfect Pizza Crust?
The pizza crust can make or break your pizza experience. Stretching or rolling it out evenly is crucial. Here’s how to do it properly:
- Flour your surface and your hands to prevent sticking.
- Pat the dough into a round shape and gently stretch it from the center outwards, rotating as you go.
- Don’t rush it! Allow the dough to rest for a few minutes if it shrinks back. This relaxes the gluten.
- Make sure to leave about 1/2 inch without toppings for a nice crust.
And remember, a well-heated oven with a pizza stone helps achieve that crispy finish! Preheat your oven thoroughly for the best results.
How to Make Hot Honey Pepperoni Ricotta Pizza?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Pizza:
- 1 lb pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 cup pizza sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup sliced pepperoni
- 2-3 tablespoons hot honey (adjust to taste)
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish
- Olive oil for drizzling
- Salt and pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious pizza recipe will take about 10 minutes to prepare and 12-15 minutes to bake, making a total of about 25-30 minutes from start to finish. It’s a quick way to make a tasty pizza that everyone will love!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
First, get your oven nice and hot! Preheat it to 475°F (245°C). If you have a pizza stone, place it in the oven as it heats up so it’s ready for your pizza.
2. Prepare the Dough:
Next, take your pizza dough and put it on a lightly floured surface. Use your hands or a rolling pin to stretch or roll out the dough to about 12 inches in diameter. Once it’s ready, transfer the dough to a pizza peel or a baking sheet lined with parchment paper so it doesn’t stick.
3. Add the Sauce:
Now spread the pizza sauce evenly over the dough. Make sure to leave around half an inch of crust without sauce for a lovely crust later!
4. Layer the Cheese:
Time to add cheese! Sprinkle half of the shredded mozzarella cheese all over the sauce. Then, take dollops of the ricotta cheese and spread it evenly across the pizza.
5. Add the Pepperoni:
Place the sliced pepperoni all over the cheese, spreading it out evenly so every bite will have a bit of flavor!
6. Top with More Cheese:
Don’t forget more cheese! Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese over the pepperoni to ensure gooey deliciousness.
7. Bake the Pizza:
Now it’s time to bake! Carefully slide your pizza onto the preheated pizza stone (or place the baking sheet in the oven). Bake for about 12-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly and melted.
8. Drizzle with Hot Honey:
Once your pizza is out of the oven, grab that hot honey! Drizzle it all over the pizza according to your taste. It adds the perfect sweet touch!
9. Garnish:
Lastly, add a fresh touch by placing basil leaves on top. If you like, drizzle a little olive oil over the pizza and sprinkle with some salt and pepper for extra flavor.
10. Slice and Serve:
Let your pizza cool for just a minute so you don’t burn your mouth (we know it looks good!). Then slice it into wedges and enjoy your homemade Hot Honey Pepperoni Ricotta Pizza!
Can I Use Homemade Pizza Dough Instead of Store-Bought?
Absolutely! Homemade pizza dough can add a personal touch. Just follow your favorite recipe, and make sure to let it rise properly before stretching it out. The texture might be slightly different, but it will taste great!
What Can I Substitute for Ricotta Cheese?
If you don’t have ricotta cheese, you can use cottage cheese or cream cheese as a substitute. For cottage cheese, blend it until smooth for a similar consistency. If using cream cheese, soften it first and consider adding a dash of lemon juice for a brighter flavor.
How Should I Store Leftover Pizza?
Store any leftover pizza in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To keep the crust crispy when reheating, place the slices on a baking sheet in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes.
Can I Adjust the Spice Level of the Hot Honey?
Yes! If you prefer a milder flavor, start with a smaller amount of hot honey, taste it, and then drizzle on more as needed. You can also mix the hot honey with regular honey to reduce the heat while maintaining sweetness.
