Save to Pinterest The first time I made hot honey ricotta pizza was completely accidental. I had a jar of honey that I'd infused with chilis weeks ago for a different recipe, and some leftover ricotta that needed using up. Standing in my kitchen with a ball of pizza dough, it just clicked. The sound of that first bite - the slight crackle of the crust giving way to creamy cheese, followed by the sweet-hot finish - was pure magic. My weekly pizza nights haven't been the same since.
Last summer, I made this pizza for an impromptu backyard gathering, stretching the dough while friends lounged in lawn chairs with drinks. The evening air was still warm as I pulled the golden pie from the oven and drizzled it with the glistening honey. Everyone went silent for a moment after the first bite, then erupted in a chorus of appreciative murmurs. Even my neighbor who claims to hate spicy food asked for seconds.
Ingredients
- Pizza Dough: Whether store-bought or homemade, room temperature dough stretches much more easily, so I always pull mine out at least 30 minutes before starting.
- Ricotta: Full-fat ricotta makes all the difference here, creating that luxurious creamy layer that balances the heat of the honey.
- Mozzarella and Parmesan: The combination gives you both melt and flavor, creating those gorgeous cheese pulls and savory depth.
- Honey: Use your favorite honey, as its flavor will shine through, but I find wildflower or orange blossom works particularly beautifully with the heat.
- Red Pepper Flakes: Adjust to your heat preference, but dont skip them entirely, as they create that beautiful warming finish that makes this pizza special.
Instructions
- Get the oven blazing hot:
- Crank your oven to 475°F and if you have a pizza stone, get that in there right away. A screaming hot oven is the secret to that perfect crust that shatters slightly when you bite into it.
- Prep your dough:
- On a lightly floured surface, coax your dough into a 12-inch circle, using your fingers to gently stretch from the center outward. The dough should feel alive under your hands, resilient yet yielding.
- Create the ricotta layer:
- Mix ricotta with garlic powder, salt and pepper until smooth and creamy. This seasoned base will be your flavor foundation.
- Build your layers:
- Spread the ricotta mixture over the dough leaving a border for the crust, then scatter mozzarella and Parmesan over top. The cheeses will melt differently, creating pockets of creamy and stretchy textures.
- Drizzle and bake:
- A light shower of olive oil helps the crust brown beautifully. Slide your creation into that hot oven and watch as the magic happens over the next 12-15 minutes.
- Prepare the hot honey:
- While the pizza bakes, warm honey and red wine vinegar in a small pan. The vinegar cuts through the sweetness and adds complexity that plain hot honey misses.
- The final touch:
- Once your pizza emerges golden and bubbling, let it rest briefly before drizzling with the warm honey mixture and scattering fresh basil leaves. The heat will release the basils fragrance, adding an aromatic dimension.
Save to Pinterest One evening when I was particularly stressed about a work deadline, I mindlessly began making this pizza, kneading the dough perhaps more vigorously than necessary. The methodical stretching, spreading of the ricotta, and careful arrangement of toppings became almost meditative. By the time I drizzled the hot honey over the finished pizza, my anxiety had melted away along with the cheese. Sometimes the simplest kitchen rituals are the most restorative.
Cheese Combinations Worth Trying
While the classic ricotta-mozzarella-parmesan trio is my go-to, Ive experimented with adding crumbled goat cheese for tanginess, or swapping half the mozzarella for smoked provolone. Each variation brings something different to the party, but the key is maintaining that creamy ricotta base which plays so beautifully with the hot honey. The one time I tried using only mozzarella, the pizza lost that luxurious mouthfeel that makes it so special.
Making It a Meal
This pizza pairs surprisingly well with a simple arugula salad dressed with lemon and olive oil, the peppery greens and bright acidity cutting through the richness of the cheese. When serving for dinner, I sometimes add prosciutto to half the pizza after baking, letting the residual heat warm the meat just slightly. The salty-sweet combination is absolutely divine, especially with a glass of crisp white wine or a not-too-hoppy craft beer.
Customizing Your Hot Honey
The hot honey component is where you can really make this recipe your own, adjusting the heat level and adding complementary flavors. I once added a sprig of rosemary to the warming honey and it infused just enough herbaceous notes to complement the basil garnish beautifully. Another time, a splash of bourbon went into the mix, adding caramel notes that were particularly wonderful with a whole wheat crust.
- Try adding a pinch of smoked paprika to your hot honey for a subtle smoky dimension that adds complexity.
- A few drops of lemon juice brightens the honey and makes the flavor pop against the creamy cheese.
- For a more complex heat, use a combination of red pepper flakes and a tiny pinch of cayenne or a few drops of your favorite hot sauce.
Save to Pinterest This hot honey ricotta pizza reminds us that sometimes the simplest combinations create the most memorable meals. Whether youre making it for a quiet night in or gathering with friends, the contrast of creamy cheese, crisp crust, and sweet heat creates something that feels both comforting and special.
Common Recipe Questions
- → Can I make the honey ahead of time?
Absolutely. The hot honey mixture can be prepared up to two weeks in advance and stored in an airtight container at room temperature. Gently warm before drizzling for the best consistency.
- → What if I don't have a pizza stone?
A heavy baking sheet or cast iron skillet works beautifully. Preheat your pan in the oven for 10-15 minutes before adding the pizza to help achieve that crispy, golden bottom crust.
- → Can I adjust the spice level?
Certainly. Start with ½ teaspoon of red pepper flakes for mild heat, or increase to 1½ teaspoons for those who love extra spice. You can also add the flakes directly to the cheese layer rather than the honey.
- → What other cheeses work well?
Fontella, provolone, or gorgonzola all make excellent additions. Consider crumbling goat cheese over the top after baking for a tangy contrast to the sweet honey.
- → Can I add protein?
Thinly sliced prosciutto, crispy bacon bits, or shredded chicken all complement the sweet-spicy profile. Add meat before baking so it gets nicely crisped and heated through.
- → How do I store leftovers?
Keep slices in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes to restore crispiness. The honey glaze can be reheated separately for the best texture.