Hot Honey Pepperoni Ricotta Pizza

Name: Hot Honey Pepperoni Ricotta Pizza
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 1 pre-made pizza crust 1 pre-made pizza crust (store-bought or homemade); 1 tbsp 1 tbsp olive oil; 1 cup 1 cup creamy ricotta cheese; 1–1 1/2 cups 1–1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese; 12–16 slices 12–16 slices zesty pepperoni; Fresh basil leaves (optional) (for garnish); 2 tbsp Hot honey, to drizzle (start with 2 tbsp and adjust to taste); Salt, to taste; Freshly cracked black pepper, to taste

Posted on March 25, 2026

Dinner

This Hot Honey Pepperoni Ricotta Pizza is a sweet-and-spicy twist on a classic that comes together fast and tastes indulgent. Creamy ricotta, melty mozzarella, and zesty pepperoni get a sticky hot-honey finish for a crowd-pleasing weeknight pizza. If you love honey-forward dishes, try our take on best honey glazed crispy pork belly for a show-stopping appetizer idea.

Why You’ll Love This Hot Honey Pepperoni Ricotta Pizza

Sweet heat from hot honey pairs perfectly with savory pepperoni.
Quick to assemble for busy weeknights.
Ricotta adds creamy richness without heavy sauce.
Great for feeding a crowd or making leftovers for lunch.
Family-friendly with an option to adjust spice level.

Ingredients Needed

Base
- 1 pre-made pizza crust (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Cheeses
- 1 cup creamy ricotta cheese
- 1–1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Toppings
- 12–16 slices zesty pepperoni
- Fresh basil leaves (optional)
- Hot honey, to drizzle (start with 2 tbsp)
Pantry & Seasoning
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly cracked black pepper, to taste

Step-by-Step Instructions 5

1. Preheat the oven

Preheat your oven according to pizza crust instructions, and place a baking sheet or pizza stone inside to heat.

2. Prepare the crust

Roll out the pizza crust on a floured surface and place it on a baking sheet or preheated pizza stone, brushing lightly with olive oil.

3. Add the ricotta and mozzarella

Spread a layer of ricotta cheese evenly over the crust, then sprinkle the mozzarella cheese on top of the ricotta.

4. Top with pepperoni and honey

Add the zesty pepperoni slices evenly across the pizza, then drizzle hot honey over the entire pizza, adjusting the amount based on your spice preference.

5. Bake until bubbly

Bake in the preheated oven until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly, about 12–15 minutes depending on your oven.

6. Finish and serve

Remove from the oven, garnish with fresh basil (if using), and season with salt and pepper. Slice and enjoy your delicious Hot Honey Pepperoni Ricotta Pizza!

Serving Suggestions Hot Honey Pepperoni Ricotta Pizza

Serve with a crisp arugula salad tossed in lemon vinaigrette.
Offer extra hot honey and red pepper flakes at the table for spice lovers.
Pair with a cold, citrusy beer or an iced herbal tea.
Add a side of roasted vegetables or garlic bread for a heartier meal.
Try alongside a simple grilled chicken seasoned with a honey and soy chicken marinade: honey and soy chicken marinade for complementary flavors.

Tips for Success Hot Honey Pepperoni Ricotta Pizza

For a crispier crust, bake on a preheated pizza stone or inverted baking sheet.
Taste the ricotta first and season lightly with salt to avoid under-seasoning.
Start with less hot honey and add more after baking to control heat.
Let the pizza rest 2 minutes after baking to make slicing cleaner.
Store leftovers in an airtight container and reheat in a skillet for best texture.

Variations

Here are a few easy ways to change it up:

Swap pepperoni for spicy sausage or soppressata for a meatier pizza.
Make it smoky by drizzling chipotle-infused hot honey and topping with caramelized onions.
Go dairy-free with a cashew ricotta and a dairy-free shredded cheese alternative.
Serve with a bold protein side like chipotle honey chicken thighs paired with smoked gouda mashed potatoes: chipotle honey chicken thighs with smoked gouda mashed potatoes.