Hot Honey Ricotta Pizza

This Hot Honey Ricotta Pizza is perfect for those nights when you crave something cheesy but with a bit of a modern twist. The recipe balances creamy ricotta and stretchy mozzarella with a sweet kick of hot honey, all layered over golden crust. My family always looks forward to pizza night but this particular version vanishes faster than any other—it became a Friday staple after just one try.

I first made this when I found a jar of hot honey hidden in my pantry and wanted to experiment with something new. Everyone agreed it tasted like a restaurant treat but even better because we could tweak every layer.

Ingredients

• Pre—made pizza dough: gives you a sturdy, chewy base—look for fresh dough from your grocery bakery if possible or use your favorite homemade version
• Fresh ricotta cheese: lends a creamy coolness—choose whole milk ricotta for the smoothest texture
• Shredded mozzarella cheese: melts beautifully and creates that classic stretchy bite—block mozzarella shredded fresh tastes best
• Olive oil: boosts richness and ensures the edges crisp up beautifully
• Hot honey: provides the star flavor—start with a little and build up to your preferred heat level
• Dried oregano: adds a classic Italian herbal note—rub it between your fingers to awaken the oils before sprinkling
• Garlic powder: infuses the pie with warmth and depth—a fresh jar is more aromatic
• Salt and pepper: balance all the flavors evenly—taste your ricotta before seasoning so you do not oversalt
• Fresh basil leaves: offer a bright finish if garnishing—select vibrant leaves for best flavor
• Crushed red pepper flakes: let you adjust the fire—skip or sprinkle to thrill your taste buds

Instructions

Preheat the Oven:

Get your oven blazing hot at 475 degrees Fahrenheit. Let it heat for a good fifteen minutes so the crust cooks evenly and gets that coveted crispiness. A hot oven is key to pizza texture.

Prepare the Dough:

Scatter a light dusting of flour on your counter and gently stretch or roll out your dough into an even round or oval. Do not worry if it is not a perfect circle. Getting the right thickness—about one third inch thick—gives you a sturdy surface but still tender bite.

Add Olive Oil:

Place that rolled dough onto a pizza stone or a heavy baking sheet lined with parchment. Use a pastry brush or the back of a spoon to coat the dough lightly with olive oil. This stops sticking and encourages a golden brown color.

Spread Ricotta:

Drop spoonfuls of ricotta onto the dough then use the back of your spoon to spread it smoothly almost to the edges. Leaving just three quarters of an inch a border creates a perfect crust for grabbing slices. The ricotta should be in an even layer but not pressed down hard.

Sprinkle Mozzarella:

Take your shredded mozzarella and scatter it all over the ricotta so you get generous coverage. Try to distribute it right up to where the ricotta ends to secure an even melt.

Season:

Shake dried oregano, garlic powder, then a little salt and pepper evenly over the top. The seasoning brings the simple cheeses to life and delivers that authentic pizzeria aroma in your kitchen.

Bake:

Slide your pizza into the hot oven. Bake anywhere from fifteen to twenty minutes. Check after fifteen. The crust should be puffed and golden and the cheese should bubble with toasty spots. Rotate the pan halfway through for even baking if your oven heats unevenly.

Finish with Hot Honey:

Remove the pizza promptly and while it is still piping hot, generously drizzle hot honey across the top. The steam helps the honey tumble into all the nooks so each bite hums with sweet heat.

Garnish:

Tear or slice a few fresh basil leaves and scatter them over for a clean herb note. If you want more fire, a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes right before serving brings satisfying heat.

My favorite part is swirling on the hot honey at the end. My kids always argue over whose piece gets the most drizzle so I am extra generous. This pizza reminds me of summer family game nights when everyone wanted just one more slice.

Storage tips

This pizza keeps surprisingly well covered in the fridge for up to three days. I love reheating slices directly on a skillet for a few minutes so the crust revives and the cheese turns gooey again. If freezing wrap cool slices in layers of parchment and foil then reheat straight from frozen at 400 degrees until crisp.

Ingredient substitutions

No ricotta on hand? Try whipped cottage cheese as a substitute. For a dairy free twist use your favorite plant—based mozzarella and almond ricotta. If hot honey is not in your pantry combine regular honey with a pinch of cayenne and a splash of white vinegar for tang.

Serving suggestions

Pair this pizza with a peppery arugula salad or a bowl of roasted tomato soup. For a party cut it into small squares for a pass—around appetizer. I have also topped hot honey pizza with thin prosciutto or crumbled walnuts for an upgraded gathering.

Cultural and historical context

Hot honey is inspired by Italian chili—infused honeys and has been popularized by pizzerias in Brooklyn who wanted a new taste. It bridges the gap between the old world comfort of creamy cheese pies and the bold flavors seen in modern American pizza shops. It always surprises first timers who become instant fans.

Seasonal Adaptations

Add sliced cherry tomatoes in summer for juicy bursts. Swap fresh basil for arugula when herbs are scarce in winter. Try smoked mozzarella for a cozy November flavor.

Success Stories

From busy weeknights to movie nights with friends this pizza never disappoints. My neighbor even made a gluten free version for her book club and everyone asked for the recipe. Pizza night truly gets better with this little bottle of hot honey in your fridge.

Freezer Meal Conversion

To prep ahead assemble your pizza right up to the baking step then freeze it unbaked on a tray until firm. Transfer to a freezer bag and bake directly from frozen adding a few extra minutes so the middle cooks through. Always hold off on the honey until after baking for best texture.

Hot honey ricotta pizza is simple but always special. The sweet heat and creamy cheese make every slice memorable.

Recipe FAQs

→ How spicy is the hot honey drizzle?

The heat depends on how much hot honey and red pepper flakes you use. Adjust to your preference for mild or extra spicy.

→ Can I use homemade pizza dough?

Absolutely! Homemade or store-bought dough both work well. Choose whichever you like or have on hand.

→ What cheese substitutes work instead of ricotta?

Mascarpone or cottage cheese can stand in for ricotta, though texture and flavor will vary slightly.

→ How do I make the crust extra crispy?

Bake at high heat on a pizza stone or preheated baking sheet to promote a golden, crunchy base.

→ Is fresh basil necessary for serving?

While optional, fresh basil adds a bright, herbaceous finish that complements the sweet and spicy flavors.