What exactly is hot honey, and how do I get it?

It’s honey spiced with chili peppers, creating sweet heat. You’ll find it in big grocery stores or make your own by warming honey with chili flakes.

Is store-bought dough okay to use?

Yes, it’s totally fine! Most grocery stores have it in the refrigerated section, or try asking your favorite pizza spot if they’ll sell you some dough.

Do I have to use a pizza stone?

Not required, but it makes a crunchier crust! If you don’t have one, a baking sheet works just fine for tasty results.

Can I switch out the ricotta for something else?

Sure! Goat cheese or even herb-flavored cream cheese could work, but ricotta is the creamiest option and pairs perfectly with the other toppings.

How do I keep the crust from being soggy?

Set your oven to its highest temperature, don’t use too much sauce, and always preheat a pizza stone or baking surface before baking.

Bold Sweet-Spicy Pepperoni Pizza

Category: Meals for Every Occasion

This pizza combines bold flavors! Creamy ricotta, pepperoni, gooey mozzarella, and a kick of hot honey make it impossible to resist.

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By Ana

Updated on Sun, 29 Jun 2025 13:13:41 GMT

Sweet-Spicy Pepperoni Pizza with Ricotta and Honey | homebitesbyana.com

Recipe FAQs

→ What exactly is hot honey, and how do I get it?: It’s honey spiced with chili peppers, creating sweet heat. You’ll find it in big grocery stores or make your own by warming honey with chili flakes.
→ Is store-bought dough okay to use?: Yes, it’s totally fine! Most grocery stores have it in the refrigerated section, or try asking your favorite pizza spot if they’ll sell you some dough.
→ Do I have to use a pizza stone?: Not required, but it makes a crunchier crust! If you don’t have one, a baking sheet works just fine for tasty results.
→ Can I switch out the ricotta for something else?: Sure! Goat cheese or even herb-flavored cream cheese could work, but ricotta is the creamiest option and pairs perfectly with the other toppings.
→ How do I keep the crust from being soggy?: Set your oven to its highest temperature, don’t use too much sauce, and always preheat a pizza stone or baking surface before baking.

Sweet-Spicy Pepperoni Pizza

Sprinkled with mozzarella, pepperoni slices, fresh basil ricotta, and hot honey for the ultimate mix of sweet and spicy flavors.

Prep Time

15 min

Cooking Time

10 min

Total Time

25 min

By: Ana

Category: Lunch & Dinner

Skill Level: Intermediate

Cuisine: Italian

Yields: 4 Servings (1 large pizza)

Dietary Preferences: ~

Ingredients

→ Pizza Base

01 ¾ cup of marinara sauce

02 1 ball of pizza dough

03 2 cups shredded mozzarella, or a mix with provolone

→ Toppings

04 ⅓ cup of creamy ricotta

05 15 slices of pepperoni

06 2 spoons of spicy honey

07 1 tablespoon chopped basil, plus extra to sprinkle on top

Steps

Step 01

Fire up your oven to its max setting, ideally 550°F. Dust some flour on your dough and work it into a 14-inch round, leaving a 1-inch border for the crust. Use parchment paper with a pizza steel/stone or just a floured baking tray.

Step 02

Smear marinara over the center of your dough, stopping about an inch from the edge. Toss on mozzarella cheese, then spread out the pepperoni evenly.

Step 03

Mix fresh basil into the ricotta in a separate bowl, then spoon little dollops all over your pizza.

Step 04

Pop the pizza in for about 10 minutes until the crust goes golden and cheese starts to brown. For a pizza steel/stone, slide away the parchment after 2 minutes. Rotate halfway through for even cooking.

Step 05

Scatter fresh basil leaves over the top and finish with a drizzle of hot honey. Slice and enjoy right away.