Hot Honey Ricotta Pizza (Printable version)

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

# What You'll 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)

→ Garnish

12 - Fresh basil leaves for garnish

# How To Make:

01 - Preheat oven to 475°F. Place a pizza stone inside 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 using.
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 desired.
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 brown 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. Generously drizzle hot honey over the pizza and scatter fresh basil leaves on top.
10 - Slice pizza with a pizza cutter and serve immediately.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It strikes that rare balance where sweet and spicy feel like they were always meant to meet on crispy dough.
  • The ricotta base is luxurious without feeling heavy, and every bite feels a little indulgent.
  • You can pull this together on a weeknight and still feel like youve made something special.
  • It impresses guests but requires zero fancy technique or hard to find ingredients.
02 -
  • Dont skip the resting time after baking—it lets the cheese set just enough so your first slice doesnt slide apart.
  • If your honey is too thick to drizzle, warm it gently; cold honey will clump and wont spread evenly.
  • Cornmeal on the baking surface is a game changer for preventing sticking and adding texture.
  • Taste your ricotta mixture before spreading it; under-seasoned ricotta makes the whole pizza taste flat.
03 -
  • Use a pizza stone and preheat it for at least 30 minutes for a crispier, more evenly cooked crust.
  • If you dont have a stone, flip a baking sheet upside down and use it as a makeshift peel for easier transfer.
  • Drizzle the hot honey in a zigzag pattern instead of pouring it in one spot so every bite gets a little sweetness.
  • Tear the basil instead of chopping it to avoid bruising and release maximum flavor.
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