Hot Honey Pepperoni Ricotta Pizza

Pizza nights get a full upgrade with this Hot Honey Pepperoni Ricotta Pizza loaded with melty cheese, creamy ricotta, and a drizzle of sweet spicy honey. When I want something restaurant quality at home, this is the pie I reach for — the mix of crisp pepperoni, dreamy ricotta, and hot honey never fails to impress.

The first time I made this pizza, my family hovered around the oven from start to finish, unable to resist the aroma of pepperoni sizzling and honey caramelizing.

Ingredients

• Pizza dough: Fresh dough is key to a chewy golden crust. Try to get dough from your favorite bakery or the refrigerated section of the store
• Flour or cornmeal: Lightly dust for easy rolling and crisp bottom. Opt for fine cornmeal for extra crunch if you like
• Tomato sauce or pizza sauce: Brings tangy tomato base to every bite. Go for a thicker pizza sauce or a smooth high-quality jarred tomato sauce
• Mozzarella cheese: Melty and stretchy cheese for that classic pizza pull. Choose whole milk mozzarella for best melt and flavor
• Whole milk ricotta cheese: Rich and creamy pockets throughout the pizza. Use fresh ricotta if possible for a luscious texture
• Pepperoni: Bold and savory with curled edges that crisp up in the oven. Choose a natural deli-style pepperoni with visible fat marbling
• Hot honey: Sweet heat that wakes up each slice. You can buy it or make your own by infusing honey with crushed red pepper
• Fresh basil leaves: For a fresh herbal finish add after baking for best flavor and color
• Red pepper flakes: Optional but perfect for adding even more spice to suit your taste

Instructions

Prep the Oven and Dough:

Place a pizza stone or heavy baking sheet in your oven and set it to the highest temperature possible. Give it at least thirty minutes to preheat — this deep heat is what gives the crust its irresistible chew. Roll out the pizza dough on a surface dusted lightly with flour or cornmeal until you have a twelve-inch round that is even but not too thin

Assemble the Pizza:

Coat the surface of the dough with a generous spoonful of tomato sauce, spreading right to the edge but leaving a small border so the crust can puff. Scatter mozzarella cheese evenly across the surface. Arrange pepperoni slices so that every bite will get that meaty flavor. Gently dollop ricotta by the spoonful across the pizza so it melts into creamy pockets

Bake:

Working quickly transfer the assembled pizza to the hot stone or baking sheet. You will see the dough start to bubble almost right away. Bake for about eight to twelve minutes until the edges are deeply golden and the cheese is bubbling with spots of caramelized color

Add Hot Honey and Garnish:

As soon as you pull the pizza from the oven drizzle hot honey over the surface so it melts into all the nooks. Add fresh basil leaves which will wilt a bit from the heat and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes if you love extra heat. Let it rest a few moments then slice and serve while cheese is still stretchy

Finding good ricotta changed the whole pizza experience for me. When I found a local dairy with fresh ricotta it turned the pizza from delicious to unforgettable. My family still talks about the first time we tried it with true whole milk ricotta — every bite was creamy perfection.

Storage Tips

Let leftovers cool completely before storing in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Pizza keeps well for up to three days. To crisp up again reheat leftovers in a toaster oven or on a hot skillet rather than the microwave.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you cannot find hot honey mix regular honey with a pinch of red pepper flakes and let it sit for ten minutes. Turkey pepperoni or vegan pepperoni substitutes work well if needed. Cottage cheese can also be swapped for ricotta but will be less creamy and more tangy.

Serving Suggestions

Pair slices with a peppery arugula salad and a bright vinaigrette for a balanced meal. Add a platter of marinated olives or roasted peppers to make guests feel like they are at a trattoria. For appetizer-size, cut the pizza into small squares or strips for easy sharing at parties.

Cultural and Historical Context

Pizza with honey is inspired by the Italian tradition of balancing spicy meats with sweet notes. American pizzerias have recently popularized hot honey as a pizza topping for its blend of heat and sweetness. Ricotta is a classic Italian cheese that brings a touch of creamy luxury to home pies.

Seasonal Adaptations

Swap pepperoni for sliced summer tomatoes or roasted peppers in late summer — Add a dusting of lemon zest with hot honey for a floral spring touch — Toss fresh arugula or basil over the baked pizza for a summer garden flavor boost

Success Stories

I introduced this pizza to our Friday pizza night rotation and the whole family now demands hot honey on every pizza we make. My neighbor asked for the recipe after one taste and now says it is her go-to for entertaining friends.

Freezer Meal Conversion

Par-bake the crust for about five minutes then cool completely. Add sauce and cheese and freeze on a tray before wrapping tightly. When ready to eat, top with pepperoni and ricotta and bake straight from frozen adding an extra five minutes to the baking time. Always add the hot honey and basil after baking for best flavor.

Experiment and make the pizza your own — trying different cheeses or spicy sauces often leads to your personal house specialty. Each batch comes out a little different but always delicious. The combination of sweet and heat brings everyone back to the table for pizza night.

Recipe Q&A

→ How do you prevent a soggy pizza crust?

Preheat your pizza stone or baking sheet thoroughly and avoid overloading sauce or toppings. Baking at a high temperature ensures a crisp bottom.

→ Can I make my own hot honey at home?

Yes! Heat honey gently with red pepper flakes, infuse for a few minutes, then strain for a homemade spicy finish.

→ What cheese works best with pepperoni and honey?

Shredded mozzarella delivers stretch, while ricotta adds creaminess. The pairing balances the spicy and sweet flavors.

→ Is it necessary to add fresh basil?

Fresh basil is optional, but it brings a vibrant color and herby aroma that complements the rich toppings.

→ Can store-bought dough be used?

Absolutely, both store-bought and homemade dough work well. Let it come to room temperature for easier stretching.

→ What’s the best way to serve this pizza?

Let the pizza cool briefly before slicing. Serve hot to enjoy the gooey cheese and honey drizzle at their best.