Why You’ll Love This Recipe
It is fast, flavorful, and beautifully balanced with creaminess, heat, sweetness, and crunch. The ingredients are simple, but the results taste restaurant-worthy.
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Irresistible Hot Honey Ricotta Pizza: A Sweet–Spicy, Creamy Slice You’ll Crave Again and Again
- Total Time: 23 mins
- Yield: 1 pizza (2–3 servings)
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A crispy, golden pizza topped with creamy ricotta, melty mozzarella, and a drizzle of sweet–spicy hot honey—simple, irresistible, and perfect for pizza night.
Ingredients
- 1 lb pizza dough (homemade or store-bought)
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Hot Honey:
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1–2 tsp hot sauce or 1/4 tsp chili flakes
- Fresh basil for topping (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 475°F (245°C). If using a pizza stone, heat it in the oven.
- On a floured surface, stretch or roll pizza dough into a 12-inch circle.
- Brush dough with olive oil and sprinkle with minced garlic.
- Spread dollops of ricotta over the surface, then top with mozzarella and Parmesan.
- Season with oregano, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper.
- Bake for 10–13 minutes until crust is golden and cheese is bubbly.
- In a small bowl, mix honey with hot sauce or chili flakes.
- Drizzle hot honey generously over the hot pizza.
- Top with fresh basil if desired, slice, and serve.
Notes
- Use Calabrian chili paste for the best sweet-heat flavor.
- Add pepperoni or prosciutto for a heartier pizza.
- Whip ricotta with a little olive oil for extra creaminess.
- Hot honey can be made ahead and stored at room temperature.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 13 mins
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Pizza dough
Forms the crispy yet tender foundation of the pizza. Homemade or store-bought both work well.
Ricotta cheese
Creates a creamy, mild base that pairs beautifully with the heat of the honey.
Mozzarella cheese
Adds gooey stretch, richness, and structure to the pizza.
Parmesan cheese
Brings a salty, nutty contrast that sharpens the overall flavor.
Olive oil
Brushed onto the crust to promote golden color and subtle richness.
Garlic
Adds aromatic depth that complements the ricotta and cheese blend.
Red pepper flakes
Contribute heat inside the pizza before the hot honey adds an additional layer of spice.
Hot honey
The signature finishing touch—sweet, sticky, and spicy. It ties every flavor together beautifully.
Fresh basil
Adds freshness, earthiness, and color that brighten the rich cheeses.
Salt and black pepper
Balance the creamy ricotta mixture and enhance overall flavor.
Directions
Begin by preheating your oven to a high temperature, ideally 475–500°F, to achieve a crisp pizza crust. If using a pizza stone, place it in the oven to heat. On a lightly floured surface, stretch or roll the pizza dough into your preferred shape. Transfer it to a sheet of parchment paper for easy handling. Brush the outer edges lightly with olive oil.
In a bowl, mix the ricotta with minced garlic, salt, black pepper, and a pinch of red pepper flakes. Spread this mixture evenly over the dough, leaving a border for the crust. Top with shredded mozzarella and a light scattering of Parmesan. Carefully transfer the pizza onto the stone or a baking sheet and bake until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbling and lightly browned.
Once the pizza emerges from the oven, immediately drizzle it with warm hot honey. The heat of the pizza helps the honey seep into the cheese for perfect coverage. Finish with fresh basil leaves, torn by hand for maximum aroma. Slice and serve while the crust is crisp and the honey is still beautifully glossy.
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
Serves 2–4
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Baking time: 12–15 minutes
Total time: about 30 minutes
Storage/reheating
Store leftover slices in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat in a hot oven or air fryer to restore crispness; avoid microwaving, as it softens the crust. If freezing, wrap slices well and freeze for up to one month. Reheat straight from frozen in a 400°F oven until hot and crispy.
Variations and Customizations
Caramelized Onion Ricotta Pizza
Add sweet caramelized onions under the mozzarella for an extra-savoury depth that works beautifully with hot honey.
Spicy Sausage Version
Top the ricotta with cooked spicy Italian sausage for a heartier, protein-rich option.
Prosciutto Finish
Lay thin slices of prosciutto on top after baking for a salty, delicate contrast.
Roasted Garlic Spread
Replace minced raw garlic with roasted garlic for a mellow, buttery flavor.
Three-Cheese Blend
Add fontina or burrata for extra creaminess.
Veggie-Friendly Option
Include roasted red peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini slices for added texture and color.
Pesto Drizzle
Add a small amount of basil pesto after baking for a vibrant herbal touch.
Extra-Hot Honey Kick
Stir cayenne or minced fresh chili into your hot honey for an even bolder finish.
Gluten-Free Pizza
Use a high-quality gluten-free dough or crust; the toppings remain the same.
White Pizza Variation
Skip mozzarella and use only ricotta, Parmesan, and basil for a lighter, elegant approach.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought pizza dough?
Yes, it works very well and saves time.
What can I use instead of ricotta?
Mascarpone or whipped cottage cheese can be substituted for a similar creaminess.
Is hot honey very spicy?
It offers mild to moderate heat. You can adjust by adding more or less.
Can I make this on a regular baking sheet?
Yes, though a pizza stone yields a crispier crust.
Do I need to pre-bake the dough?
Not for this recipe unless your dough is very thick.
Can I add meat to this pizza?
Spicy sausage, bacon, or pepperoni all pair nicely with hot honey.
What herbs work besides basil?
Thyme or oregano can also complement the sweet–spicy flavors.
Does the ricotta need to be drained?
If it’s very wet, a brief drain improves texture.
Can I make hot honey at home?
Yes, warm honey with red pepper flakes until infused.
How do I prevent a soggy crust?
Bake at a high temperature and avoid overloading the pizza.
Conclusion
This Irresistible Hot Honey Ricotta Pizza delivers a memorable fusion of sweet heat, creamy texture, and crispy crust, making it a standout dish for any occasion. The combination of melty cheese, fragrant basil, and spicy-sweet honey creates a dynamic flavor profile that feels both modern and comforting. Whether you keep it simple or explore creative variations, this pizza offers an irresistible balance that will quickly become a beloved staple in your kitchen.
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