Name: Hot Honey Pepperoni Ricotta Pizza
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef; 1/2 cup onion, finely chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 4 slices American cheese or 1 cup shredded cheddar; 1/4 cup dill pickles, chopped; 1/4 cup ketchup; 2 tbsp yellow mustard; 1/2 cup mayonnaise; 2 tbsp sweet pickle relish; 1 tbsp white vinegar; 1 tsp sugar; Salt and pepper, to taste; 4–6 sesame seed hamburger buns; 1 cup shredded lettuce

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A sweet, spicy, and savory pizza topped with crispy pepperoni, creamy ricotta, melty mozzarella, and a generous drizzle of hot honey. This hot honey pepperoni ricotta pizza brings the ultimate flavor combo right to my kitchen with every bite—cheesy, bold, and just the right kick of heat.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it’s the perfect mashup of comfort and surprise. The creamy ricotta balances the crisp, salty pepperoni, while the hot honey adds a sweet heat that elevates everything. It’s one of those pizzas that feels gourmet but comes together so easily at home. Whether I’m making it for a casual weeknight dinner or impressing guests on pizza night, it always delivers big flavor.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

1 pizza dough (about 12-inch)
1/2 cup pizza sauce
1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1 cup pepperoni slices
1/2 cup ricotta cheese
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
1/4 cup hot honey
Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
Flour, for dusting

Directions

I preheat the oven to 475°F (245°C) and place a pizza stone or baking sheet inside to heat.
On a floured surface, I stretch or roll out the pizza dough into a 12-inch round.
I carefully transfer the dough onto a parchment sheet to make handling easier.
Then I brush the dough lightly with olive oil and spread an even layer of pizza sauce.
I sprinkle the shredded mozzarella over the sauce.
I arrange the pepperoni slices evenly on top and add dollops of ricotta cheese across the pizza.
Using the parchment, I transfer the pizza to the hot stone or baking sheet and bake for 10–12 minutes, until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly.
I remove the pizza from the oven and drizzle it generously with hot honey.
I finish it with a sprinkle of red pepper flakes (if I’m feeling extra spicy) and garnish with fresh basil.
Then I slice and serve it right away while it’s still hot and gooey.

Servings and timing

Yield: 1 pizza (serves 2–3)
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 27 minutes

Variations

I like switching things up sometimes. Here are a few ways I change this recipe:

Swap out the ricotta for burrata or goat cheese when I want a richer, tangier flavor.
For even crispier pepperoni, I add a few extra slices halfway through baking.
I make it vegetarian by replacing the pepperoni with sautéed mushrooms or roasted red peppers.
When I want a milder version, I skip the red pepper flakes and drizzle less hot honey.

Storage/Reheating

If I have leftovers (which is rare!), I store slices in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, I place the slices in a hot skillet over medium heat for 3–4 minutes until the bottom crisps up again and the cheese melts. The oven at 375°F also works well for reheating in about 8–10 minutes. I avoid microwaving it to keep the crust from going soggy.

FAQs

How spicy is this pizza?

The spice level really depends on how much hot honey and red pepper flakes I add. I keep it mild with just a drizzle, or crank up the heat with extra flakes.

Can I use store-bought dough?

Absolutely. I often grab fresh or refrigerated dough from the store when I’m short on time. It works just as well.

What kind of hot honey should I use?

I like using any hot honey that combines natural sweetness with a kick of chili heat. Store-bought brands work great, or I sometimes make my own by warming honey with red pepper flakes.

Can I make this pizza ahead of time?

I can prep the dough and toppings in advance, but I always bake it fresh for the best texture. If I need to prep ahead, I assemble it just before baking.

Is there a substitute for ricotta?

Yes, I swap in goat cheese for a tangier flavor, or burrata for something extra creamy. Even cream cheese works in a pinch.

Conclusion

This hot honey pepperoni ricotta pizza hits all the right notes—spicy, sweet, salty, and cheesy. I love how easy it is to put together and how gourmet it feels with just a few elevated touches. It’s become a go-to in my rotation for when I want something a little different but still comforting and indulgent.