Hot Honey Ricotta Pizza (Printable Version)

Crispy dough with ricotta, mozzarella, and warm spicy honey drizzle finished with fresh basil

# What You'll Need:

→ Dough & Base

01 - 1 pizza dough (store-bought or homemade, approximately 12 oz)
02 - Cornmeal for dusting (optional)
03 - 2 tablespoons olive oil

→ Cheese Layer

04 - 1 cup ricotta cheese
05 - 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
06 - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
07 - 1 teaspoon garlic powder
08 - Salt and pepper to taste

→ Hot Honey

09 - 1/4 cup honey
10 - 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
11 - 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, adjust to heat preference)

→ Garnish

12 - Fresh basil leaves for garnish

# Directions:

01 - Preheat oven to 475°F. Place a pizza stone in the oven if available. On a lightly floured surface, stretch or roll out pizza dough to a 12-inch circle. If using, dust a baking sheet or pizza peel with cornmeal for easier transfer.
02 - In a medium bowl, combine ricotta cheese, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well until fully incorporated.
03 - Spread the ricotta mixture evenly over the dough, leaving a 1/2-inch border. Top with shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan. Sprinkle with red pepper flakes if using. Drizzle olive oil evenly over the cheese.
04 - Transfer the pizza to the preheated pizza stone or baking sheet. Bake 12-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden and cheese is bubbling.
05 - While pizza bakes, prepare hot honey: In a small saucepan over low heat, combine honey and red wine vinegar. Stir occasionally until warmed and blended, approximately 2-3 minutes.
06 - Remove pizza from oven and let cool for 2-3 minutes. Generously drizzle hot honey over the pizza. Scatter fresh basil leaves on top. Slice and serve immediately.

# Expert Suggestions:

01 -
  • The contrast between creamy ricotta and spicy honey creates a flavor you'll crave for days.
  • It comes together in under 40 minutes, perfect for weeknights when you want something special without the fuss.
  • You can customize the heat level and toppings to match your mood or what's in your fridge.
  • The golden, crispy crust with bubbly cheese feels like restaurant quality but costs a fraction of takeout.
02 -
  • Don't skip preheating your oven fully, a blazing hot oven is the secret to a crispy crust that doesn't turn soggy under all that cheese.
  • Warm the honey mixture just until combined, boiling it can make the honey bitter and lose its floral notes.
  • Let the pizza rest a few minutes after baking or the hot honey will slide right off and pool on your cutting board.
  • Use a light hand with the ricotta spread, too much makes the center heavy and prevents the crust from crisping properly.
03 -
  • Let your dough come to room temperature before stretching, it'll be easier to work with and won't snap back as much.
  • Taste your ricotta mixture before spreading it, adjusting the seasoning now prevents a bland base later.
  • Use a pizza stone if you have one, it mimics a pizzeria oven and gives you that perfectly crisp bottom crust.
  • Drizzle the hot honey while the pizza is still warm so it melts slightly into the cheese and creates pockets of sweetness.
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