Sweet and Spicy Pizza

This hot honey pepperoni ricotta pizza combines sweet, spicy, and creamy elements to create an irresistible twist on a classic. The contrast between the spicy pepperoni, cooling ricotta dollops, and sweet-heat honey drizzle creates flavor magic in every bite.

I first made this pizza during a weekend movie night, and it instantly became our family favorite. The hot honey drizzle was such a game changer that my teenagers now request it on everything from chicken to vegetables.

Ingredients

• Pizza dough store bought or homemade to save time while still getting that perfect chewy crust
• Tomato sauce provides a tangy base that complements the sweet and spicy toppings
• Mozzarella cheese creates that classic stretchy pizza texture everyone loves
• Ricotta cheese adds cool creaminess that balances the heat of the pepperoni and honey
• Pepperoni the slightly spicy cured meat that crisps up beautifully in a hot oven
• Hot honey brings a sweet heat element that elevates this pizza to gourmet status
• Fresh basil optional but adds a fragrant brightness that cuts through the rich flavors

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prep the Oven and Dough

Preheat your oven to its maximum temperature usually 500°F with a pizza stone or baking sheet inside. This extreme heat is crucial for creating that perfect crispy yet chewy crust. Allow a good 30 minutes for proper preheating. Meanwhile roll out your room temperature dough on a floured surface until you achieve a 12inch round with even thickness throughout.

Assemble the Pizza

Start with a thin layer of tomato sauce leaving a border for the crust to puff up nicely. The key is using just enough sauce to flavor the base without making it soggy. Distribute the mozzarella evenly then arrange pepperoni slices in an overlapping pattern. Finish by adding small dollops of ricotta strategically placed around the pizza like little clouds of creaminess.

Bake

Transfer your assembled pizza carefully to the preheated stone or baking sheet. The intense heat will immediately start cooking the bottom of the crust. Bake for 8 to 12 minutes watching carefully as oven temperatures vary. Look for a golden brown crust edges with spots of caramelization and bubbling cheese with light browning on top.

Add Hot Honey and Garnish

The final magic happens right after baking. While the pizza is still piping hot drizzle the hot honey in a zigzag pattern across the entire surface. The heat will help it spread and infuse into the toppings. Add torn basil leaves and optional red pepper flakes for those who enjoy extra heat. Slice immediately and serve while everything is still gooey and warm.

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My absolute favorite part of this recipe is watching guests experience that first bite when the hot honey hits their taste buds. It transforms an already delicious pizza into something truly memorable. My daughter actually requested this pizza for her birthday dinner last year instead of going to a restaurant.

Perfect Pizza Dough Tips

Whether using store bought or homemade dough the key to success is temperature. Cold dough is difficult to stretch and will spring back stubbornly. For best results remove your dough from the refrigerator at least 30 minutes before you plan to use it. Place it on a lightly floured counter covered with a clean kitchen towel. This rest period allows the gluten to relax making the dough more pliable and cooperative when you stretch it out.

The Hot Honey Secret

The hot honey is truly the star ingredient that elevates this pizza. You can certainly purchase premade hot honey but making your own allows you to control the heat level. Simply warm 1/2 cup of good quality honey in a small saucepan then add 1 to 2 tablespoons of red pepper flakes depending on your heat preference. Let it steep for at least 1 hour before straining. The infused honey will keep for months in an airtight container and can be used on everything from cheese boards to fried chicken.

Serving Suggestions

This pizza pairs beautifully with a simple arugula salad dressed with lemon juice and olive oil. The peppery greens and bright acidity balance the richness of the pizza perfectly. For beverages a cold craft IPA works wonderfully with the spicy elements or try a crisp Pinot Grigio if you prefer wine. For a full Italian inspired spread consider starting with marinated olives and ending with a small scoop of vanilla gelato to cool the palate after the sweet heat of the pizza.

Storage and Reheating

While pizza is always best fresh any leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat avoid the microwave which will make the crust soggy. Instead place cold slices in a dry skillet over medium low heat and cover with a lid. This method crisps up the bottom while gently melting the cheese on top. For a larger quantity reheat in a 350°F oven on a baking sheet for about 10 minutes.

Common Recipe Questions

→ Can I make my own hot honey?

Yes! Homemade hot honey is simple to prepare. Combine 1 cup of honey with 1-2 tablespoons of red pepper flakes in a small saucepan. Heat gently for 5-10 minutes, then let steep for 1 hour. Strain if desired or leave the pepper flakes for more heat. Store in a jar at room temperature for up to 3 months.

→ What's the best way to achieve a crispy crust?

For the crispiest crust, preheat your oven to its maximum temperature (ideally 500°F/260°C) with a pizza stone or baking sheet inside for at least 30 minutes. Brush the crust edge with olive oil before baking, and avoid overloading with sauce. Using a thin layer of cornmeal under the dough also helps create a crispy bottom.

→ How can I prevent my pizza from getting soggy?

To prevent sogginess, use a light hand with sauce (about ½ cup is perfect for a 12-inch pizza). Pat moist ingredients like ricotta with paper towels to remove excess moisture. Ensure your oven is fully preheated before baking, and consider par-baking the crust for 3-4 minutes before adding toppings if using particularly wet ingredients.

→ What cheese substitutions work well for this pizza?

If ricotta isn't available, you can substitute with small dollops of goat cheese, burrata, or even mascarpone for creaminess. For the mozzarella base, low-moisture whole milk mozzarella provides the best melt and flavor, but a combination of provolone and fontina also works beautifully.

→ Can this pizza be prepared ahead of time?

You can prepare components ahead of time: stretch the dough and store it covered in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours, prep toppings and store separately. For best results, assemble just before baking. If needed, you can assemble the pizza 2-3 hours ahead and refrigerate, but allow it to come to room temperature for 20 minutes before baking.

→ What are good side dishes to serve with this pizza?

This flavorful pizza pairs wonderfully with a simple arugula salad dressed with lemon and olive oil to cut through the richness. For a heartier meal, serve with garlic knots, roasted vegetables like broccoli or Brussels sprouts, or an antipasto platter with marinated vegetables and olives.