Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Hot Honey Ricotta Pizza is the ultimate combination of creamy, spicy, and slightly sweet flavors that will have everyone coming back for seconds. The smooth ricotta adds richness, the hot honey provides a fiery-sweet finish, and the crust delivers the perfect crunch. It’s simple to make, endlessly customizable, and feels indulgent without being heavy. Perfect for weeknight dinners, dinner parties, or date nights, this pizza is a delicious reminder that sometimes, a drizzle of hot honey can transform a good dish into something extraordinary.
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Irresistible Hot Honey Ricotta Pizza Delight: A Sweet and Savory Sensation
- Total Time: 25 mins
- Yield: 1 (12-inch) pizza
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Irresistible Hot Honey Ricotta Pizza Delight combines creamy ricotta, gooey mozzarella, and a drizzle of spicy hot honey on a perfectly crisp crust — the ideal balance of sweet, salty, and savory in every bite.
Ingredients
- 1 lb pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 cup hot honey (plus extra for drizzling)
- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
- Optional toppings: prosciutto, caramelized onions, or roasted red peppers
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 475°F (245°C). If using a pizza stone, place it in the oven while preheating.
- On a lightly floured surface, roll out the pizza dough into a 12-inch circle and transfer it to a parchment-lined baking sheet or pizza peel.
- Brush the dough with olive oil and sprinkle with minced garlic, salt, and black pepper.
- Spread ricotta evenly over the crust, leaving a 1-inch border around the edges.
- Top with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Sprinkle with crushed red pepper flakes.
- Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly and lightly browned.
- Remove from oven and immediately drizzle with hot honey.
- Top with fresh basil and optional toppings such as prosciutto or caramelized onions.
- Slice and serve warm for a sweet-heat delight.
Notes
- Use chili-infused honey or make your own by warming honey with a pinch of red pepper flakes.
- For extra creaminess, mix ricotta with 1 tablespoon of heavy cream before spreading.
- Pairs wonderfully with a glass of crisp white wine or sparkling lemonade.
- Try it on a flatbread for a quick weeknight meal version.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 15 mins
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Pizza Dough
The foundation of your pizza—use store-bought or homemade dough for that perfect crispy-yet-chewy crust.
Ricotta Cheese
Creamy, slightly tangy, and rich—it forms the perfect base layer and balances the spicy honey.
Mozzarella Cheese
Melts beautifully and adds that signature stretchy, cheesy bite every pizza needs.
Parmesan Cheese
Sprinkled on top for a salty, nutty finish that enhances every bite.
Hot Honey
A blend of honey and chili heat that adds sweetness with a spicy kick. You can buy it or make your own by warming honey with red pepper flakes.
Pepperoni or Crispy Prosciutto
Adds savory flavor and texture; the saltiness contrasts perfectly with the honey’s sweetness.
Olive Oil
Brushed over the crust for a golden, crisp edge.
Garlic
Minced or lightly crushed to infuse the ricotta with flavor.
Red Pepper Flakes
For an extra hint of heat that enhances the hot honey drizzle.
Fresh Basil
Adds a fragrant, herbaceous finish and a pop of color.
Salt and Black Pepper
Essential for balancing flavors in the ricotta mixture.
Directions
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 475°F (245°C) and place a pizza stone or baking sheet inside to preheat for at least 10 minutes.
- Prepare the Ricotta Mixture: In a small bowl, combine ricotta cheese, minced garlic, salt, black pepper, and a drizzle of olive oil. Mix until smooth and creamy.
- Shape the Dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll or stretch the dough into your desired shape (about 12 inches in diameter). Transfer to a piece of parchment paper for easy handling.
- Assemble the Pizza: Brush the crust edges lightly with olive oil. Spread the ricotta mixture evenly over the dough, leaving a 1-inch border. Sprinkle mozzarella and a bit of Parmesan over the ricotta. Add pepperoni or prosciutto slices evenly across the top.
- Bake: Carefully transfer the pizza (with parchment) onto the hot pizza stone or baking sheet. Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbling.
- Finish with Hot Honey: Remove the pizza from the oven and immediately drizzle with warm hot honey. Sprinkle red pepper flakes and garnish with fresh basil leaves.
- Slice and Serve: Slice into wedges and enjoy while the cheese is still gooey and the honey is glistening.
Essential Equipment
Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling
Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.
Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.
Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
9×13-inch baking dish – Ideal size to fit your rolled cabbage leaves snugly and prevent them from unraveling.
knife – A sharp, durable kitchen knife perfect for slicing, chopping, and dicing with ease.
Servings and timing
This recipe serves 2–4 people and takes about 25 minutes total—10 minutes prep time and 15 minutes baking and finishing time.
Storage/reheating
Store leftover slices in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for 5–7 minutes or in an air fryer for 3–4 minutes to restore crispness. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the crust soggy.
Variations and Customizations
Spicy Sausage Delight
Swap pepperoni for crumbled Italian sausage for a hearty, flavorful option.
Fig and Prosciutto Combo
Add sliced figs or fig jam for a sweet, gourmet touch alongside the hot honey.
Vegetarian Version
Skip the meat and top with caramelized onions, roasted red peppers, or mushrooms.
Truffle Honey Upgrade
Mix a few drops of truffle oil into the honey for a luxurious, aromatic finish.
Whipped Ricotta Base
Blend ricotta with a bit of lemon zest and olive oil for an airy, tangy texture.
Goat Cheese Blend
Combine ricotta with a spoonful of goat cheese for extra tang and creaminess.
Gluten-Free Option
Use gluten-free pizza dough or cauliflower crust for a lighter alternative.
Sweet Heat Lovers’ Dream
Drizzle extra hot honey and sprinkle with crushed chili flakes before serving.
BBQ Twist
Add grilled chicken and drizzle BBQ sauce with hot honey for a smoky-sweet variation.
Breakfast Pizza Version
Top with a few cracked eggs before baking for a brunch-ready twist.
FAQs
Can I make hot honey at home?
Yes! Warm ½ cup honey with 1–2 teaspoons red pepper flakes. Let steep, then strain and store.
Can I use store-bought pizza dough?
Absolutely—it’s a great time-saver and still delivers delicious results.
What’s the best cheese combination?
Ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan together give a perfect balance of creamy, stretchy, and salty.
Can I grill this pizza?
Yes, cook it on a preheated grill over medium heat for 6–8 minutes until crisp and bubbling.
What does hot honey taste like?
It’s sweet upfront with a lingering spicy warmth—perfect with cheese and savory toppings.
Can I make this pizza without meat?
Definitely—it’s just as good with veggies like spinach, mushrooms, or roasted peppers.
How do I make the crust extra crispy?
Preheat your pizza stone or pan and bake on high heat for the crispiest crust.
What kind of ricotta should I use?
Whole-milk ricotta gives the best creamy texture and flavor.
Can I use pre-shredded cheese?
Freshly shredded cheese melts better, but pre-shredded works in a pinch.
What pairs well with this pizza?
A light salad, sparkling water, or a crisp glass of white wine complements it beautifully.
Conclusion
Irresistible Hot Honey Ricotta Pizza Delight is a perfect example of how a few simple ingredients can create something extraordinary. With its creamy ricotta base, spicy-sweet drizzle, and golden crust, it’s a pizza that satisfies every craving—savory, sweet, and spicy all at once. Whether you’re hosting friends, cooking date-night dinner, or treating yourself after a long day, this pizza guarantees flavor, comfort, and a touch of gourmet flair in every bite. Once you’ve tried it, you’ll never look at pizza the same way again.
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