Name: Hot Honey Pepperoni Ricotta Pizza
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: Pizza dough (store-bought or homemade); ¾ cup marinara sauce; 2 cups mozzarella cheese (or a mix of mozzarella and provolone); 15 slices pepperoni; ⅓ cup ricotta cheese; 1 tablespoon fresh basil (chopped, plus more for garnish); 2 tablespoons hot honey

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Hot Honey Pepperoni Ricotta Pizza brings together a perfect blend of savory, sweet, and spicy flavors, making it an unforgettable dish. The combination of pepperoni, gooey mozzarella, airy ricotta, and the refreshing touch of basil is a true taste sensation. Topping it off with a drizzle of hot honey takes it to the next level, adding just the right amount of heat and sweetness. This pizza is a delightful twist on traditional pizza that will leave you craving more.

Ingredients

(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
¾ cup marinara sauce
2 cups mozzarella cheese (or a mix of mozzarella and provolone)
15 slices pepperoni
⅓ cup ricotta cheese
1 tablespoon fresh basil (chopped, plus more for garnish)
2 tablespoons hot honey

Directions

Preheat your oven to 550°F (or the highest temperature your oven can reach).
Stretch the pizza dough into a 14-inch circle with a slightly thicker 1-inch crust.
Spread the marinara sauce on the dough, leaving a 1-inch border for the crust.
Sprinkle mozzarella cheese and top with pepperoni slices.
In a small bowl, combine ricotta cheese and chopped basil, then dollop spoonfuls of the mixture onto the pizza.
Bake the pizza for 10 minutes or until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbling. If using a pizza stone or steel, remove the parchment paper after 2 minutes and rotate the pizza halfway through the cooking time.
Garnish with fresh basil and drizzle with hot honey before serving.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 4
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 10 minutes
Total time: 25 minutes

Variations

Vegetarian: Omit the pepperoni for a delicious vegetarian version. You can add other toppings like mushrooms, olives, or bell peppers.
Cheese Options: Mix up the cheeses by adding parmesan or gouda along with the mozzarella and provolone.
Spice Level: Adjust the heat by adding more or less hot honey based on your spice tolerance. You can also sprinkle red pepper flakes for an extra kick.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze the pizza for up to one month.
Reheating: To reheat, place the pizza slices in a toaster oven at 350°F for 8-10 minutes until the crust is crispy again. Alternatively, reheat in a dry skillet on medium heat with a cover to melt the cheese.

FAQs

1. Can I use store-bought pizza dough?

Yes, store-bought pizza dough is a convenient option and will work perfectly for this recipe.

2. What if I don’t have hot honey?

You can make your own hot honey by mixing honey with a pinch of red pepper flakes or chili oil for the desired level of heat.

3. Can I use other types of cheese?

Absolutely! You can experiment with different cheeses like gouda, provolone, or even a little parmesan for added flavor.

4. How do I prevent the pizza crust from getting soggy?

To avoid a soggy crust, make sure to preheat the oven to the highest temperature possible and bake the pizza on a pizza stone or steel. This helps get a crisp crust.

5. Can I use a different type of sauce instead of marinara?

Yes, feel free to try other sauces like pesto or a white garlic sauce for a unique twist.

6. Is this recipe suitable for a gluten-free diet?

You can use gluten-free pizza dough as a substitute to make this recipe gluten-free.

7. How long should I bake the pizza?

Bake the pizza for 10 minutes, but keep an eye on it and check when the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly.

8. Can I make the ricotta mixture ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the ricotta and basil mixture ahead of time and store it in the fridge until you're ready to assemble the pizza.

10. Can I freeze this pizza?

Yes, you can freeze this pizza before or after baking. Just make sure it is wrapped tightly to prevent freezer burn.

Conclusion

This Hot Honey Pepperoni Ricotta Pizza is the perfect combination of sweet, spicy, and savory flavors that will impress everyone at your table. With a crispy crust, melty cheese, and the delightful zing of hot honey, it's sure to become a favorite for your next pizza night. Whether you stick to the recipe or make a few variations, this pizza is a guaranteed hit. Enjoy every bite!