I recently stumbled upon a delightful combination of flavors that had me hooked right from the first bite. The Hot Honey Pepperoni Ricotta Pizza Recipe is a masterpiece that blends spicy, sweet, and cheesy goodness all in one. I remember the first time I tried hot honey on pizza. It was an unexpected twist that transformed an ordinary meal into something extraordinary.
Ingredients for Hot Honey Pepperoni Ricotta Pizza
Servings: 4 servings
Pizza Dough Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1 packet (2 ¼ tsp) active dry yeast
- ¾ cup warm water (about 110°F)
- 1 Tbsp olive oil
Pizza Toppings:
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup sliced pepperoni
- 2 Tbsp hot honey (or more to taste)
- Fresh basil for garnish
- Salt and pepper to taste
How to Make Hot Honey Pepperoni Ricotta Pizza
The dough is the foundation of any great pizza. Making it from scratch is simple and so rewarding.
- Activate the Yeast: In a small bowl, mix warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy.
- Mix the Dough: In a large bowl, combine flour and salt. Pour in the yeast mixture and olive oil. Stir until a dough forms.
- Knead: Flour your surface and knead the dough for about 5 minutes until smooth.
Letting the Dough Rise
After kneading, it’s time to let the dough rise. This step is crucial for achieving a light and airy crust.
- Rise: Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover it with a kitchen towel, and let it rise for about an hour. It should double in size.
- Punch Down: Once it has risen, punch it down gently to release air. This is a fun step and makes you feel like a pro!
Preparing the Pizza Sauce and Toppings
While the dough is rising, I like to prepare my toppings. It saves time and ensures everything is ready to go when the dough is ready.
- Ricotta Preparation: In a bowl, season the ricotta with a little salt and pepper. This adds flavor and elevates the cheese.
- Hot Honey: If you want to make your hot honey even spicier, you can mix it with a bit of chili oil or crushed red pepper flakes.
Shaping the Dough
After the dough has risen, it’s time to shape it into a pizza.
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 475°F (or as high as it will go). A hot oven is key for that crispy crust.
- Shape: On a floured surface, stretch or roll out the dough into a round shape. Aim for about 12 inches in diameter. If it shrinks back, let it rest for a few minutes before trying again.
Assembling the Pizza
Now comes the fun part—assembling the pizza!
- Spread Ricotta: Start by dolloping spoonfuls of ricotta cheese evenly over the dough.
- Add Mozzarella: Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese generously over the ricotta.
- Layer Pepperoni: Place the pepperoni slices on top. Feel free to add as many as you like.
Baking the Pizza
Baking is where the magic happens. The aroma of baking pizza fills the kitchen and is simply irresistible.
- Transfer to Oven: Place the assembled pizza on a baking sheet or pizza stone.
- Bake: Bake for about 12-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly. Keep an eye on it; every oven is different.
Finishing Touches
Once the pizza is baked to perfection, it’s time for the finishing touches.
- Drizzle Hot Honey: Remove the pizza from the oven and drizzle hot honey over the top. This adds a beautiful gloss and an amazing flavor.
- Garnish: Top with fresh basil leaves for a burst of color and freshness.
Serving Hot Honey Pepperoni Ricotta Pizza
Now that your Hot Honey Pepperoni Ricotta Pizza is ready, it’s time to serve and enjoy!
- Slice: Use a pizza cutter to slice it into wedges.
- Pairing: I love to pair this pizza with a simple side salad or some garlic knots for a complete meal.
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers (which is rare in my house), storing them properly is essential.
- Refrigerate: Place any leftover slices in an airtight container and refrigerate. They’ll last for about 2-3 days.
- Reheat: To reheat, simply pop them back in the oven for a few minutes until heated through. This keeps the crust crispy!
Tips for Hot Honey Pepperoni Ricotta Pizza
After making this pizza several times, I learned a few tips that can make a big difference:
- Use High-Quality Ingredients: The better the ingredients, the better the pizza. Fresh mozzarella and high-quality pepperoni can elevate the flavor.
- Experiment with Toppings: Feel free to switch up toppings. Adding veggies like bell peppers or mushrooms can add more depth.
- Don’t Skip the Hot Honey: It’s what makes this pizza unique. Adjust the amount to your taste.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
Calories: Approximately 350 kcal
Total Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Carbohydrates: 34g
Protein: 15g
Fiber: 1g
Sugars: 5g
This Hot Honey Pepperoni Ricotta Pizza Recipe has become a staple in my kitchen. The combination of flavors is exciting and satisfying. Each bite offers a delightful contrast between the creamy ricotta, spicy pepperoni, and sweet hot honey. I hope you enjoy making and sharing this delicious recipe as much as I do!