Pin The first time I made this pizza, my kitchen smelled like a pizzeria and a bakery had a baby. I was experimenting with ricotta instead of tomato sauce, skeptical but curious, and that first bite stopped me cold. The creamy cheese against the blistered crust, then that honey hitting my tongue—I literally said "wait, what" out loud to an empty room. Now it is the Friday night request that never gets old.
Last summer, my sister visited and we made six of these pizzas in one weekend, tweaking the heat level each time. By pizza number four, we were drizzling honey with reckless abandon and eating slices standing over the counter because we refused to wait. She still texts me about that weekend whenever she sees honey at the grocery store.
Ingredients
- Pizza dough: Store-bought works perfectly here, but homemade gives you that chewy, bubbly edge that makes pizza worth the effort
- Cornmeal: A dusting on your peel prevents sticking and adds a subtle crunch to the bottom crust
- Olive oil: Two tablespoons helps the cheese melt into golden perfection
- Ricotta cheese: One cup creates the creamy base that makes this pizza feel special
- Mozzarella cheese: Shredded mozzarella provides the classic cheese pull we all secretly want
- Parmesan cheese: Adds salty depth that balances the sweet honey
- Garlic powder: One teaspoon infuses the ricotta with flavor without burning like fresh garlic might
- Salt and pepper: Essential for waking up all the cheese flavors
- Honey: The star of the show, warm and floral
- Red wine vinegar: One tablespoon cuts through the honey sweetness with brightness
- Red pepper flakes: Adjust from one teaspoon to control your heat level
- Fresh basil: Torn leaves add color and a fresh finish
Instructions
- Get your oven screaming hot:
- Preheat to 475°F and slip your pizza stone inside if you have one
- Stretch the dough:
- On a floured surface, work the dough into a 12-inch circle, dusting your peel with cornmeal for easy sliding
- Make the ricotta base:
- Mix ricotta with garlic powder, salt, and pepper until smooth and seasoned
- Layer the cheese:
- Spread ricotta over the dough, leaving a half-inch border, then top with mozzarella and Parmesan
- Add the heat:
- Sprinkle red pepper flakes across the cheese and drizzle with olive oil
- Bake to golden:
- Slide onto your stone or baking sheet and bake 12 to 15 minutes until the crust is golden and cheese bubbles
- Warm the honey:
- While the pizza bakes, heat honey with red wine vinegar in a small saucepan until blended, about 2 minutes
- Finish with flourish:
- Let the pizza rest 2 to 3 minutes, then drizzle generously with hot honey and scatter fresh basil on top
Pin This pizza became my go-to for unexpected guests because it looks impressive but honestly comes together in minutes. Watching peoples faces when that first spicy-sweet bite hits is better than any dessert reaction I have ever seen.
Making It Your Own
Sometimes I add thin prosciutto slices after baking for a salty contrast to the honey. Other times, a handful of arugula tossed on top while the pizza is still hot wilts just enough to feel luxurious without being overwhelming.
Honey Variations
Wildflower honey gives you a floral sweetness, while buckwheat honey adds a darker, molasses like depth. Orange blossom honey has this citrus brightness that plays beautifully with the heat from the pepper flakes.
Serving Suggestions
A crisp green salad with lemon vinaigrette cuts through the richness perfectly. I have also served this alongside roasted vegetables or simple garlic knots for a more substantial meal.
- Let the hot honey cool slightly before storing it in a sealed jar
- The honey keeps for weeks and is amazing on fried chicken or biscuits
- Leftover pizza reheats beautifully in a skillet for crispy results
Pin There is something magical about hot honey bubbling on a cheese covered crust that makes even a regular Tuesday feel like a celebration.
Recipe Questions
- → How can I make my pizza crust extra crispy?
For a crispier crust, ensure your oven is fully preheated, ideally with a pizza stone or an inverted baking sheet inside. Baking at a high temperature, like 475°F (245°C), also helps achieve that desirable golden crispness.
- → Can I adjust the level of heat in the honey drizzle?
Absolutely! The red pepper flakes are entirely optional. You can omit them for a pure sweet honey flavor, or increase their quantity for a more fiery kick. Adjust to your personal preference.
- → What are some good additions or variations for this dish?
You can add thin slices of prosciutto or crispy bacon before baking for a savory, smoky touch. After baking, consider topping with fresh arugula or roasted vegetables for extra freshness and color. Trying different honey varieties can also introduce unique flavor profiles.
- → Is it possible to use a gluten-free dough?
Yes, this dish is adaptable. You can certainly use your favorite gluten-free pizza dough as a base if you have dietary restrictions. The preparation steps for the toppings remain the same.
- → What's the best way to ensure the cheese melts perfectly?
Preheating your oven to the specified high temperature (475°F/245°C) is key. Using a combination of mozzarella, which melts well and stretches, and Parmesan for flavor, ensures a beautiful, bubbling, golden cheese layer. Don't overload the toppings, allowing even heat distribution.
- → Can I prepare any components in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the ricotta mixture ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. The hot honey can also be made and stored at room temperature; just gently rewarm it before drizzling.