The Art of Ultimate Hot Honey Pepperoni Ricotta Pizza Perfection

Perfect Dough Preparation

Master the technique of properly stretching and preparing pizza dough for optimal texture.

Hot Honey Creation Excellence

Learn the skill of balancing heat and sweetness in signature hot honey mixture.

Ricotta Enhancement Mastery

Perfect the method of seasoning and placing ricotta for optimal flavor and texture.

Topping Distribution Control

Master the art of layering ingredients for even cooking and flavor balance.

Finishing Technique Excellence

Learn optimal timing and application of hot honey and fresh herb garnishes.

Gourmet Pizza Mastery Secrets for Perfect Hot Honey Balance

Dough Temperature: Let pizza dough come to room temperature for easier stretching.

Stone Preheating: Preheat pizza stone thoroughly for crispy bottom crust.

Ricotta Placement: Don't overspread ricotta - dollops create better texture contrast.

Hot Honey Timing: Drizzle hot honey while pizza is warm for best absorption.

Cheese Balance: Use combination of cheeses for complex flavor and optimal melting.

Serving Speed: Serve immediately while cheese is melted and crust is crispy.

Ultimate Hot Honey Pepperoni Ricotta Pizza with Spicy Sweet and Creamy Elements

Name: Ultimate Hot Honey Pepperoni Ricotta Pizza with Spicy Sweet and Creamy Elements
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 1 large pizza (8 slices)
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: For the Pizza Dough:; 1 pound pizza dough (store-bought or homemade); 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 tablespoon cornmeal for dusting; For the Sauce Base:; 1/2 cup pizza sauce; 2 tablespoons tomato paste; 1 clove garlic, minced; 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano; For the Cheese Components:; 1 1/2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded; 1 cup whole milk ricotta cheese; 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated; 2 ounces fresh mozzarella, torn into pieces; For the Pepperoni Element:; 4 ounces sliced pepperoni; 2 ounces mini pepperoni (optional); For the Hot Honey:; 1/3 cup honey; 1 tablespoon red pepper flakes; 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper; 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar; For the Fresh Herbs:; 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped; 1 tablespoon fresh oregano; 1 teaspoon fresh thyme; For the Flavor Enhancers:; 2 cloves garlic, thinly sliced; 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced; 1 tablespoon olive oil for drizzling

The ultimate hot honey pepperoni ricotta pizza featuring crispy pizza dough, creamy ricotta cheese, spicy pepperoni, and drizzled hot honey with fresh herbs for the perfect balance of heat, sweetness, and richness. This gourmet pizza masterpiece combines the classic appeal of pepperoni pizza with luxurious ricotta dollops and the trendy hot honey finish, creating an unforgettable dining experience that elevates homemade pizza to extraordinary heights perfect for pizza nights, entertaining guests, or any time you crave the perfect balance of spicy, sweet, and creamy flavors in every delicious slice.

Prep Time

20 Minutes

Cook Time

15 Minutes

Total Time

35 Minutes

Chef

JUE

Ingredients

Custard Cream

For the Pizza Dough:

1 pound pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 tablespoon cornmeal for dusting

For the Sauce Base:

1/2 cup pizza sauce

2 tablespoons tomato paste

1 clove garlic, minced

1/2 teaspoon dried oregano

For the Cheese Components:

1 1/2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded

1 cup whole milk ricotta cheese

1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated

2 ounces fresh mozzarella, torn into pieces

For the Pepperoni Element:

4 ounces sliced pepperoni

2 ounces mini pepperoni (optional)

For the Hot Honey:

1/3 cup honey

1 tablespoon red pepper flakes

1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper

1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar

For the Fresh Herbs:

2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped

1 tablespoon fresh oregano

1 teaspoon fresh thyme

For the Flavor Enhancers:

2 cloves garlic, thinly sliced

1/4 red onion, thinly sliced

1 tablespoon olive oil for drizzling

For the Finishing Touches:

Sea salt flakes

Freshly cracked black pepper

Extra red pepper flakes

For the Ricotta Enhancement:

1 egg yolk

1 tablespoon lemon zest

1/4 teaspoon salt

2 tablespoons fresh herbs, mixed

For the Optional Additions:

Arugula for serving

Cherry tomatoes, halved

Balsamic glaze

For the Equipment Needs:

Pizza stone or baking sheet

Pizza peel or large spatula

For Special Equipment:

Pizza stone

Pizza cutter

Pastry brush

Small saucepan

Instructions

Preheat oven to 475°F with pizza stone inside for 30 minutes.

Prepare hot honey by combining honey, red pepper flakes, and cayenne in saucepan.

Heat hot honey mixture gently for 2-3 minutes, then add vinegar.

Let hot honey cool slightly while preparing pizza components.

In bowl, mix ricotta with egg yolk, lemon zest, salt, and fresh herbs.

Season ricotta mixture with pepper and set aside.

Roll pizza dough on floured surface to 12-14 inch circle.

Transfer dough to parchment paper or floured pizza peel.

Brush dough edges with olive oil for golden crust.

Spread pizza sauce evenly, leaving 1-inch border for crust.

Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over sauce layer.

Add dollops of seasoned ricotta mixture evenly across pizza.

Distribute pepperoni slices over cheese and ricotta.

Add torn fresh mozzarella pieces for extra creaminess.

Scatter thinly sliced garlic and red onion over toppings.

Sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese for extra flavor.

Slide pizza onto preheated pizza stone or place baking sheet in oven.

Bake for 12-15 minutes until crust is golden and cheese is bubbly.

Remove pizza from oven and let cool for 2-3 minutes.

Drizzle generously with prepared hot honey while still warm.

Sprinkle with fresh basil, oregano, and thyme.

Add sea salt flakes and freshly cracked black pepper.

Drizzle lightly with olive oil for finishing touch.

Add extra red pepper flakes for those who want more heat.

Cut into slices and serve immediately while cheese is melted.

Garnish individual slices with fresh arugula if desired.

Ultimate Hot Honey Pepperoni Ricotta Pizza with Spicy Sweet and Creamy Elements

JUE

Essential Ingredients Selection

Creating Your Masterpiece

The Art of Ultimate Hot Honey Pepperoni Ricotta Pizza Perfection

Ultimate Hot Honey Pepperoni Ricotta Pizza with Spicy Sweet and Creamy Elements

Ingredients

Instructions