Hot Honey Ricotta Pizza (Printable)

Golden crust with creamy ricotta, melted cheeses, and spicy honey drizzle topped with fresh basil.

# What You Need:

→ 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

# Directions:

01 - Preheat oven to 475°F. Place a pizza stone in the oven if available.
02 - 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 desired.
03 - In a medium bowl, combine ricotta cheese, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until well blended.
04 - Spread the ricotta mixture evenly over the dough, leaving a 1/2-inch border around the edges.
05 - Top with shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan. Sprinkle with red pepper flakes if using.
06 - Drizzle olive oil evenly over the cheese layer.
07 - Transfer the pizza to the preheated pizza stone or baking sheet. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes, until the crust is golden and cheese is bubbling.
08 - While pizza bakes, combine honey and red wine vinegar in a small saucepan over low heat. Stir occasionally until warmed and blended, about 2 to 3 minutes.
09 - Remove pizza from oven and let cool for 2 to 3 minutes.
10 - Generously drizzle hot honey over the pizza. Scatter fresh basil leaves on top.
11 - Slice and serve immediately.

# Expert Suggestions:

01 -
  • The sweet heat from the honey transforms every bite into something unexpectedly bold and balanced.
  • It comes together in under an hour, even if you've never stretched dough before.
  • The creamy ricotta base is lighter and brighter than heavy tomato sauce.
  • Leftovers reheat beautifully and somehow taste even better the next morning.
02 -
  • Don't skip the resting time after shaping the dough—it prevents the pizza from shrinking back as soon as you top it.
  • If your honey is too thick to drizzle, warm it gently first so it flows smoothly over the hot pizza.
  • Let the pizza cool for a few minutes before cutting or the cheese will slide off in one gooey mess.
03 -
  • Use a pizza peel dusted with cornmeal to transfer the pizza in one smooth motion without tearing the dough.
  • If you love extra heat, add a pinch of cayenne to the hot honey for a deeper, longer burn.
  • Reheat leftovers in a hot skillet instead of the microwave to bring back the crispy crust.
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