Hot Honey Pepperoni Ricotta Pizza Recipe

I recently crafted my own Honey Pizza with vibrant ingredients like pepperoni and creamy basil ricotta cheese layered atop pizza dough brushed with olive oil. A drizzle of hot honey ties everything together with a hint of spice, while fresh basil leaves add a final burst of flavor in this unique pizza recipe.

I recently whipped up my new favorite creation, the Hot Honey Pepperoni Ricotta Pizza, and I gotta say its a total game changer. I started with a simple 1 lb pizza dough and drizzled 2 tablespoons of olive oil over it before adding 8 ounces of thinly sliced pepperoni.

Then i dolloped generous spoonfuls of 1 cup basil ricotta cheese all over the top giving it that creamy twist that you just dont see every day. The real magic though comes from drizzling 3 tablespoons of hot honey all over the pie which brings a perfect mix of savory and a touch of sweetness.

A pinch of salt and freshly ground black pepper, and if i feel a bit daring, i add a dash of crushed red pepper flakes to kick things up a notch. This pizza really defies the ordinary; its bold, addicting and a must try for every true food lover out there.

Why I Like this Recipe

I’ve gotta say, this pizza totally wins me over. First off, I love how the pepperoni, basil ricotta, and hot honey all mix together to create a unique flavor explosion every time I take a bite. It kinda surprises me how a hint of sweetness from the hot honey makes the whole pizza even more addicting.

Secondly, I really appreciate that there’s a perfect balance between savory and sweet in this recipe. I mean, the creamy basil ricotta paired with spicy pepperoni and that extra kick of hot honey is just something I can’t get enough of.

Also, the texture is just awesome. The crust turns out nice and golden thanks to the olive oil and the way it’s baked, so every bite gives me that satisfying crunch mixed with a soft, chewy center.

Last but not least, the little touches like a sprinkle of salt and fresh basil leaves really bring the flavor home. It feels like each ingredient is doing its part to make the whole pizza taste incredible.

Ingredients

• Pizza dough: Rich in carbohydrates, provides energy and a base for our crispy yet chewy pizza.
• Olive oil: Packed with healthy fats and antioxidants, it adds a smooth, rich flavor.
• Pepperoni: High in protein and spices, it delivers a punch of savory, meaty goodness.
• Basil ricotta cheese: Creamy and protein-rich, offers a herby, tangy twist to every bite.
• Hot honey: Sweet with fiery notes, it balances spice and sweetness perfectly.
• Salt and pepper: Enhances flavors while addin a pinch of essential seasoning.
• Fresh basil leaves: They add a bright, aromatic finish and extra nutrients.
• Optional crushed red pepper flakes: Extra heat for bold flavor lovers who like it spicy.

Ingredient Quantities

• 1 lb pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 8 ounces thinly sliced pepperoni
• 1 cup basil ricotta cheese
• 3 tablespoons hot honey
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
• Optional: 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes

How to Make this

1. Preheat your oven to 475°F and if you have a pizza stone, put it in the oven so it heats up too.

2. On a lightly floured surface, roll out your 1 lb of pizza dough to your desired thickness and shape.

3. Brush the dough with 2 tablespoons olive oil and sprinkle a pinch of salt and freshly ground pepper all over.

4. Lay the 8 ounces of thinly sliced pepperoni evenly over the dough making sure every bite is tasty.

5. Dollop the 1 cup basil ricotta cheese evenly over the pepperoni, try not to cover everything completely.

6. If you like it spicy, add an optional 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes scattered over the top.

7. Bake the pizza in your preheated oven for about 10-12 minutes until the crust gets nice and golden.

8. Once the pizza is done baking, drizzle 3 tablespoons of hot honey over it immediately so it soaks in.

9. Garnish with a few fresh basil leaves spread out on top for that extra pop of flavor.

10. Let it cool slightly before cutting it up and enjoying this next level hot honey pizza.

Equipment Needed

1. Preheated oven and, if you have it, a pizza stone to heat along with the oven
2. Lightly floured work surface to roll out your dough
3. Rolling pin so you can get your pizza dough to the right thickness
4. Pastry brush to evenly spread the olive oil on your dough
5. Pizza peel or a baking sheet to transfer the pizza safely into the oven
6. Measuring spoons so you can get the right amount of salt, pepper, crushed red pepper flakes, and hot honey
7. A knife to trim or garnish with fresh basil if needed

FAQ

Hot Honey Pepperoni Ricotta Pizza Recipe Substitutions and Variations

• Pizza Dough: Instead, you can use a premade flatbread or naan if you’re looking for something a bit different
• Basil Ricotta Cheese: Try mixing goat cheese with a bit of basil pesto for that creamy herby flavor
• Hot Honey: You can make your own by mixing regular honey with a splash of sriracha or a pinch of extra chili flakes
• Pepperoni: Substitute with turkey pepperoni or even a spicy thinly sliced salami for a leaner twist
• Olive Oil: In a pinch, a mild vegetable oil might work if you’re out of olive oil

Pro Tips

1. Make sure your pizza stone is super hot before you put the dough in – that helps the crust get nice and crispy.
2. Be careful when dolloping the basil ricotta; leave some of the pepperoni exposed so every bite has a kick of that classic pepperoni flavor.
3. Drizzle the hot honey immediately out of the oven so it soaks in well, but don’t overdo it or you might end up with too much sweetness on your bite.
4. Don’t be shy with a little extra salt and pepper on the dough before you add your toppings – it really helps make all the flavors pop.