Honey Pepperoni Pizza with Ricotta – Sweet, Spicy & Cheesy Homemade Pizza

Let’s Make Some Homemade Honey Pepperoni Pizza!

Hey there! If you’re looking for an amazing pizza recipe that combines sweetness, spiciness, and loads of cheesy goodness, you’ve come to the right place. I absolutely love making this Honey Pepperoni Pizza with Ricotta because it’s not just delicious; it’s also pretty easy to whip up! Plus, let’s be honest—who doesn’t enjoy that feeling of taking a big slice of homemade pizza? It’s such a joy!

The Best Part About This Pizza

One of my favorite things about making this pizza at home is that you can control all the ingredients. You get to choose between store-bought or homemade dough and sauce, and you can customize toppings to match your tastes. If you’re all about spicy, you can really ramp up the red pepper flakes!

Health Benefits of This Pizza

Let’s chat about some of the nutritional benefits of our ingredients. Ricotta cheese is pretty great since it’s lower in fat compared to many other cheeses and is a good source of protein and calcium. Fresh basil not only adds a lovely flavor but also has antioxidants and antibacterial properties. And, when you drizzle honey, you’re not just bringing in sweetness but also a touch of natural energy—perfect for a fun cooking night with friends!

Fun Variations to Try

• Dough Alternatives: If you’re gluten-free, you can swap the regular pizza dough for gluten-free options available at supermarkets.
• Veggie Delight: For a healthier twist, throw on some sliced bell peppers or spinach along with your pepperoni.
• Spicy Twist: If you’re feeling adventurous, add jalapeños for a more intense kick!
• Sweet Swap: Instead of regular honey, try using flavored honey, like chili-infused or truffle honey, for a unique flavor.

Honey Pepperoni Pizza with Ricotta Recipe

Ingredients

• Pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
• Olive oil
• Pizza sauce (store-bought or homemade)
• Mozzarella cheese, shredded
• Pepperoni slices
• Ricotta cheese
• Honey
• Red pepper flakes (optional, for extra spice)
• Fresh basil leaves, chopped (for garnish)
• Salt, to taste
• Black pepper, to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C). While it’s heating up, pop in a pizza stone or a baking sheet to get hot as well.
2. On a floured surface, roll out your pizza dough into your desired shape—round or rectangular, about ¼ inch thick.
3. Carefully take that hot pizza stone or baking sheet out of the oven and drizzle some olive oil on it to prevent any sticking.
4. Transfer your rolled-out dough onto the hot surface, and brush a thin layer of olive oil on top of the dough.
5. Spread a generous layer of pizza sauce over the dough, leaving a small border along the edges.
6. Sprinkle a good amount of shredded mozzarella cheese on the sauce, making sure everything is covered.
7. Now, let’s add those pepperoni slices! Lay them out generously over the cheese.
8. Grab some ricotta cheese and dollop spoonfuls evenly across the top of the pizza.
9. It’s time for the sweet part—drizzle honey evenly over everything. Trust me; this balance of flavors is fantastic!
10. If you’re feeling a bit spicy, sprinkle some red pepper flakes for that extra kick!
11. Season the pizza with salt and black pepper to your liking.
12. Carefully place the pizza back in the oven. Bake for about 12-15 minutes, or until the crust turns a lovely golden brown and the cheese is bubbly.
13. Once done, take the pizza out and let it cool for a couple of minutes.
14. Before slicing, sprinkle fresh basil over the pizza for that added punch of flavor!
15. Slice into wedges, serve, and relish that sweet, spicy, and cheesy goodness!

Practical Tips

• Don’t have a pizza stone? No problem! A baking sheet works just fine—just make sure it’s preheated.
• If you’re using homemade pizza dough, prepare it ahead to give it time to rise—it really makes a difference in texture!
• Storage tip: If you have leftovers (which is rare!), store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days—just reheat in the oven for the best results!

Equipment Needed

Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this delicious pizza:

• A pizza stone or a baking sheet
• A rolling pin (for rolling out the dough)
• A mixing bowl (if you’re making homemade pizza dough)
• A spatula or pizza peel (to transfer the pizza, if using a stone)
• A pizza cutter or knife (for slicing up your masterpiece)

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make the dough the night before? Yes! Just let it rise, cover it with a damp cloth, and pop it in the fridge. It’ll be ready to use the next day!
2. What toppings do you recommend besides pepperoni? You can try mushrooms, olives, green peppers, or even cooked sausage for extra flavor!
3. How do I get a crispy crust? Preheating the pizza stone or baking sheet is key! Also, don’t overload the toppings; it can make the crust soggy.
4. Can I freeze any leftovers? Definitely! Just wrap them tightly and store them in the freezer for up to 2 months. Reheat them in the oven when you’re ready to eat!
5. What’s your secret for the best-tasting honey? I love using local honey! It adds a unique flavor that really pops when you drizzle it on.

Did you give this Honey Pepperoni Pizza a try? I can’t wait to hear how it turned out for you! Snap a pic and share it on Pinterest, or drop a comment below to let me know your favorite toppings or variations! Happy cooking!