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Hot Honey Pepperoni Ricotta Pizza

This Hot Honey Pepperoni Ricotta Pizza is a delightful blend of spicy and sweet flavors, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. With a crispy crust and creamy cheese, it’s sure to impress your family and friends.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound pizza dough
  • 1/2 cup pizza sauce
  • 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 3/4 cup ricotta cheese
  • 20 slices pepperoni
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons hot honey
  • 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
  • Fresh basil leaves (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C) and place a pizza stone or baking sheet inside to heat for at least 30 minutes. The preheating ensures a crispy crust.
  2. On a floured surface, stretch or roll out the pizza dough to a 12-inch round. If the dough keeps shrinking back, let it rest for a few minutes before continuing, as this helps relax the gluten.
  3. Transfer the rolled-out dough to a piece of parchment paper. This makes it easier to transfer the pizza to the oven later without losing shape.
  4. Brush the dough lightly with olive oil, ensuring an even coating to promote a golden crust. Avoid using excess oil, as it can make the crust greasy.
  5. Spread the pizza sauce evenly over the dough, leaving a 1/2-inch border. This will prevent the sauce from spilling over during baking.
  6. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the sauce. This layer melts beautifully, creating a gooey texture that binds the toppings.
  7. Dollop the ricotta cheese evenly across the pizza. This adds creaminess and a beautiful presentation with its rustic look.
  8. Arrange the pepperoni slices on top, making sure they are evenly distributed to ensure every bite has flavor. The edges should crisp up nicely.
  9. Sprinkle with crushed red pepper flakes if you want an extra kick. Adjust the amount to your spice preference!
  10. Carefully transfer the pizza (and parchment) onto the preheated stone or baking sheet. Bake for 12-15 minutes, until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly. Keep an eye on it to prevent burning.
  11. Once baked, remove the pizza from the oven and immediately drizzle hot honey over the top. The heat of the pizza will help the honey soak into the cheese.
  12. Garnish with fresh basil leaves if desired, slice the pizza, and serve hot. Enjoy the contrast of flavors and textures!

Nutrition

Keywords: Make sure to let the dough rest before rolling it out to avoid a tough crust. For a crispy crust, invest in a pizza stone and preheat it long enough.