Hot Honey Ricotta Pizza (Printable)

Golden crust meets creamy ricotta and mozzarella with warm spicy honey drizzle and fresh basil.

# Ingredient List:

→ Dough & Base

01 - 1 pizza dough (store-bought or homemade, about 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

# How to Make:

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. Dust a baking sheet or pizza peel with cornmeal for easier transfer if using.
02 - In a medium bowl, combine ricotta cheese, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until well blended.
03 - Spread the ricotta mixture evenly over the dough, leaving a 1/2-inch border around the edges.
04 - Top with shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan. Sprinkle with red pepper flakes if desired. Drizzle olive oil evenly over the cheese layer.
05 - Transfer the pizza to the preheated pizza stone or baking sheet. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and cheese is bubbling.
06 - While pizza bakes, combine honey and red wine vinegar in a small saucepan over low heat. Stir occasionally until warmed and blended, approximately 2 to 3 minutes.
07 - Remove pizza from oven and let cool for 2 to 3 minutes. Generously drizzle hot honey over the pizza. Scatter fresh basil leaves on top. Slice and serve immediately.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • The contrast between cool ricotta and warm spiced honey feels like a flavor trick you want to share with everyone.
  • It comes together fast enough for a weeknight but feels special enough to serve to guests without stress.
  • You can dial the heat up or down depending on whos at the table, making it endlessly adaptable.
02 -
  • Dont skip the cooling step after baking, cutting into molten cheese makes a mess and you lose all that structural integrity.
  • Warm the honey gently, boiling it changes the flavor and makes it bitter instead of round and floral.
  • If your dough is cold from the fridge, let it sit at room temperature for 20 minutes so it stretches without tearing.
03 -
  • Brush the crust edge with olive oil before baking for a golden, bakery-style finish that looks as good as it tastes.
  • If you dont have a pizza stone, preheat your baking sheet upside down in the oven for 10 minutes before sliding the pizza onto it.
  • Double the hot honey recipe and keep it on hand, it transforms roasted vegetables, fried chicken, and even vanilla ice cream.
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