Hot Honey Pepperoni Ricotta Pizza Recipe

I crafted a Homemade Pizza that bursts with flavor and intrigue. The dough, brushed with extra virgin olive oil, supports rich tomato sauce and melted mozzarella, layered with pepperoni, creamy ricotta, and fresh basil. A drizzle of hot honey adds a bold kick that keeps you coming back for more.

I’ve been experimenting in the kitchen and came up with a Hot Honey Pepperoni Ricotta Pizza that completely blew my mind. I started out with 1 lb of pizza dough, stretching it into a perfect 12-inch circle, then lightly drizzled 1-2 tbsp of extra virgin olive oil on top.

I spread a rich 1/2 cup of tomato sauce over the dough—marinara works best for me—and sprinkled 1-1/2 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese evenly. The real magic comes with about 20-25 slices of pepperoni that turn this into one epic pepperoni pizza.

I couldn’t resist tossing in 1/2 cup of ricotta cheese and a handful of fresh basil leaves for that extra pop of flavor. Finally, I finished it off with 2-3 tbsp of hot honey and a pinch of salt with freshly ground black pepper.

This pizza, mixing savory, spicy and sweet, totally nails the homemade deep dish vibe!

Why I Like this Recipe

I like this recipe because:
1. I love how it hits the perfect balance between sweet and spicy—each bite keeps me coming back for more.
2. I really appreciate the mix of cheeses; the mozzarella and ricotta blend together for that creamy, comforting feel.
3. I dig the way the pepperoni crisps up and pairs with the fresh basil, giving it a cool, gourmet vibe.
4. I enjoy the extra kick from the hot honey, which adds a fun twist and makes the whole pizza addictive.

This next level hot honey pizza is sooo good. It’s savory with just a little bit of sweetness, and im not kidding when i say it’s addicting. I loaded it up with pepperoni, tossed on generous dollops of basil ricotta, and then drizzled hot honey all over it. The result is messy but in the best possible way, and i love how every bite goes off different and keeps it interesting.

Ingredients

• Pizza dough gives you carbs for energy and a tasty, chewy, simple base.
• Extra virgin olive oil adds rich healthy fats and makes it extra smooth taste.
• Tomato sauce brings tangy flavor and vitamin boost with natural lycopene power.
• Mozzarella cheese provides protein and melts into a gooey, delightful cheesy layer.
• Pepperoni slices offer protein and a spicy, salty punch while adding bold flavor.
• Ricotta cheese gives creaminess and extra protein, creating a smooth, rich topping.
• Fresh basil leaves add a burst of herbal freshness and essential vitamins to each slice.
• Hot honey brings a perfect blend of sweetness and heat that elevates the flavor.

Ingredient Quantities

• 1 lb pizza dough (enough for a 12-inch round pizza)
• 1-2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• 1/2 cup tomato sauce (a good quality marinara works best)
• 1-1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 20-25 pepperoni slices
• 1/2 cup ricotta cheese
• A handful of fresh basil leaves, roughly chopped (about 2-3 tbsp)
• 2-3 tbsp hot honey (plus extra for drizzling)
• A pinch of salt and some freshly ground black pepper

How to Make this

1. Preheat your oven to 475°F while you slowly work on that dough.

2. Throw your pizza dough on a lightly floured surface and roll it out into a 12-inch round.

3. Brush the dough with 1 to 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, making sure every bit’s covered.

4. Spread the 1/2 cup of tomato sauce evenly over the dough, leaving a little border around the edge.

5. Sprinkle 1 1/2 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese all over the sauce, so every bite turns out cheesy.

6. Lay out the 20 to 25 pepperoni slices across the pizza as evenly as you can.

7. Dollop the 1/2 cup ricotta cheese here and there then sprinkle chopped fresh basil on top, about 2 to 3 tablespoons worth.

8. Drizzle 2 to 3 tablespoons of hot honey over the pizza and season with a pinch of salt and some freshly ground black pepper.

9. Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes or until the crust is golden and the cheese has melted perfectly.

10. Once it’s out, give it an extra drizzle of hot honey for that addictive sweet heat, slice it up and enjoy!

Equipment Needed

1. Oven that can reach 475°F
2. Baking sheet or pizza stone
3. Rolling pin
4. Clean counter or cutting board, lightly dusted with flour
5. Measuring cups and spoons
6. Pastry brush for extra virgin olive oil
7. Spoon or spatula for spreading the sauce and dolloping the ricotta
8. Pizza cutter or sharp knife for slicing up the finished pizza

FAQ

Hot Honey Pepperoni Ricotta Pizza Recipe Substitutions and Variations

• If you’re low on pizza dough, you can opt for a pre-made crust or even a flatbread as a quick fix.
• If extra virgin olive oil isn’t in your pantry, try using avocado oil instead its flavor goes pretty similar.
• No marinara? No worries, crushed tomatoes mixed with a bit of basil and salt can do the trick just fine.
• Don’t have pepperoni at hand? Sliced spicy sausage or turkey pepperoni can be a cool substitute.
• If ricotta cheese is missing, cottage cheese can work as a swap well even though it might change the taste a bit.

Pro Tips

1. Try letting your dough rest out for 10 minutes after rolling it, it makes it easier to get that perfect crisp crust.
2. Brush the dough really well with olive oil before adding the sauce to avoid a soggy bottom – trust me, it totally helps.
3. When adding the ricotta, use a spoon to dollop it in random spots instead of spreading it evenly; it gives every bite a cool mix of flavors.
4. Drizzle the hot honey both before and after baking, so you get that balanced hot and sweet taste throughout the pizza.