Pin My kitchen smelled like pure comfort the first time I made this hot honey ricotta pizza on a rainy Tuesday night. The combination of warm honey and spicy pepper flakes felt like discovering a secret flavor combination that should have been obvious all along. Friends who swore they hated sweet and savory together changed their minds after one bite.
I served this at a casual dinner party last month and watched three people practically lick their plates clean. Someone actually asked if there was more hiding in the kitchen, which is basically the highest compliment a pizza can receive.
Ingredients
- Pizza dough: Store bought works perfectly but let it come to room temperature for easier stretching
- Ricotta cheese: Whole milk ricotta gives the best creamy texture and richness
- Mozzarella cheese: Fresh mozzarella slices work but shredded melts more evenly
- Parmesan cheese: Adds a salty sharpness that balances the sweet honey
- Garlic powder: Distributes garlic flavor evenly throughout the ricotta layer
- Honey: Wildflower or clover honey works beautifully for the hot honey base
- Red wine vinegar: Cuts through the honey sweetness with just the right tang
- Red pepper flakes: Start with one teaspoon and adjust based on your heat tolerance
- Fresh basil: Add right before serving to maintain its bright green color and aroma
Instructions
- Get your oven screaming hot:
- Preheat to 475°F and put your pizza stone inside if you have one. The intense heat creates that perfect crispy bubbly crust.
- Prep your canvas:
- Stretch or roll the dough on a floured surface until it reaches a 12 inch circle. Dust your peel or baking sheet with cornmeal for the easiest transfer.
- Make the creamy base:
- Mix ricotta with garlic powder and season well with salt and pepper. Taste it and adjust before spreading.
- Build your masterpiece:
- Spread ricotta mixture over the dough leaving a half inch border. Layer mozzarella and Parmesan on top then drizzle with olive oil.
- Watch the magic happen:
- Bake for 12 to 15 minutes until the crust turns golden brown and cheese bubbles up gorgeously. Trust your nose more than the timer.
- Create the hot honey:
- Warm honey with red wine vinegar and red pepper flakes in a small saucepan. Stir for 2 to 3 minutes until blended and fragrant.
- The grand finale:
- Let the pizza rest for a few minutes then generously drizzle with that spicy honey. Scatter fresh basil leaves everywhere and slice immediately.
Pin This pizza has become my go to for nights when I want something impressive but effortless. The way the sweet heat cuts through the creamy ricotta is just pure magic.
Perfecting Your Crust
A pizza stone makes all the difference but a preheated baking sheet works in a pinch. The key is getting your cooking surface hot before the dough touches it.
Customizing Your Pie
Prosciutto or crispy bacon added before baking takes this to another level. The salty pork plays so well with the sweet hot honey finish.
Make Ahead Strategy
Mix your ricotta mixture and prepare the hot honey up to a day in advance. Keep everything refrigerated until you are ready to assemble and bake.
- Let the dough come to room temperature for at least 30 minutes before stretching
- Warm the cold ricotta mixture slightly for easier spreading
- Reheat the hot honey gently if it has thickened in the fridge
Pin Every time I make this pizza I remember why simple ingredient combinations are often the most extraordinary. Enjoy every sweet spicy creamy bite.
Recipe Q&A
- → How can I make this pizza spicier?
To increase the heat, you can add more red pepper flakes to your hot honey mixture. You could also sprinkle extra flakes directly onto the pizza before baking, or even incorporate a pinch of cayenne pepper into the ricotta cheese mixture for an extra kick.
- → Can I use store-bought pizza dough?
Absolutely! Using store-bought pizza dough is a fantastic time-saver and makes this dish incredibly quick to assemble. Just be sure to let it come to room temperature before stretching for easier handling.
- → What's the best way to get a crispy crust?
For an extra crispy crust, preheat your oven with a pizza stone or a heavy baking steel for at least 30-45 minutes before baking. Also, a thin layer of cornmeal on your pizza peel or baking sheet helps prevent sticking and adds to the crispy texture.
- → Can I add meat to this dish?
Yes, for a smokier, savory addition, consider adding thin slices of prosciutto or crispy bacon. Cook the meat beforehand and add it to the pizza either before baking (like prosciutto) or after (like cooked bacon) to maintain texture.
- → How can I store leftovers and reheat?
Leftover slices can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. To reheat, place slices on a baking sheet in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 8-10 minutes, or until warmed through and the crust is crisp again. Avoid microwaving for best texture.
- → What other garnishes would work well?
Beyond fresh basil, a sprinkle of fresh arugula after baking adds a peppery freshness. Thinly sliced pickled jalapeños can provide an extra layer of tangy heat, or a drizzle of balsamic glaze could enhance the sweet and savory notes.