Zesty Pepperoni Pizza with Hot Honey, Ricotta, Olives & Basil Recipe

Spicy and sweet collide in this irresistible pepperoni pizza with hot honey that promises a flavor explosion on every slice.

Crispy edges meet a golden crust draped with melted cheese and perfectly placed pepperoni rounds.

The combination of ricotta’s creamy texture and briny olives creates a delightful contrast against the meat’s bold profile.

hot honey drizzled across the surface adds a tantalizing kick that will make taste buds dance with excitement.

Fresh basil leaves scattered on top bring a bright, herbaceous note that cuts through the richness.

Each bite delivers a symphony of textures and flavors that elevate this pizza from ordinary to extraordinary.

You won’t be able to resist grabbing another slice of this mouthwatering masterpiece.

Directions for Baking Spicy Ricotta Pepperoni Pizza

• Dough Preparation

Combine flour and salt in a stand mixer. In a separate bowl, mix warm water, yeast, and honey. Let the mixture sit until foamy. Pour the yeast mixture into the flour and mix until a sticky dough forms.

• Dough Rising

Transfer dough to a floured surface and knead until smooth. Place in an oiled bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm spot for 1-1/2 hours until doubled in size.

• Dough Proofing

Divide dough into three balls. Store in sealed containers in the refrigerator for 24-72 hours. Before cooking, let dough sit at room temperature for an hour.

• Sauce Creation

Heat olive oil and sauté garlic. Add tomato paste and seasonings. Stir in crushed tomatoes and simmer for 20 minutes. Cool slightly and mix in fresh basil.

• Pizza Assembly

Preheat pizza oven or home oven to highest temperature. Roll out dough on a floured surface. Spread sauce, add mozzarella, pepperoni, ricotta, and olives on the dough.

• Cooking

Slide pizza into the oven. In a pizza oven, cook for 2-2.5 minutes, turning occasionally. In a home oven, bake for 10-12 minutes.

• Final Touches

Drizzle with hot honey, sprinkle red pepper flakes and parmesan. Top with fresh basil leaves. Serve immediately and enjoy the delicious creation.

Tips for Making Hot Honey Pizza Shine

• Experiment with fermentation times between 24-72 hours to develop deeper, more complex flavor profiles in your pizza crust.
• Replace fresh basil with oregano or thyme for an alternative herbaceous dimension that complements the pepperoni's spiciness.
• Substitute pepperoni with spicy salami, prosciutto, or chorizo to create unique flavor variations that match your taste preferences.
• Use a pizza stone or cast-iron skillet in a conventional oven to mimic high-temperature professional pizza cooking techniques and achieve crispy, restaurant-style crusts.
• Mix ricotta with garlic, herbs, or red pepper flakes before dolloping to intensify the flavor complexity and add an unexpected layer of interest to your pizza.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Calories: 466 kcal

Servings: 5

Ingredients for Pepperoni Pizza with Hot Honey & Ricotta

• 00 Flour: Silky-smooth Italian flour creating an authentic, tender crust with superior texture.
• Salt: Enhances dough flavor and controls yeast development.
• Warm Water: Activates yeast and helps develop gluten structure.
• Active Dry Yeast: Magical ingredient creating rise and airy texture in dough.
• Honey: Natural sweetener that feeds yeast and adds subtle depth.
• Olive Oil: Provides moisture and helps dough develop smooth consistency.

• Olive Oil: Builds flavor foundation and prevents sticking.
• Garlic: Aromatic base adding robust, pungent undertones.
• Tomato Paste: Concentrates rich, deep tomato flavor.
• Crushed Tomatoes: Creates fresh, vibrant sauce base.
• Dried Oregano: Classic herb bringing Mediterranean essence.
• Italian Seasoning: Blend of herbs adding complexity.
• Sugar: Balances tomato acidity and enhances natural sweetness.
• Garlic Powder: Intensifies garlic profile.
• Onion Powder: Provides background savory notes.
• Fresh Basil: Bright, herbaceous finish to sauce.

• Mozzarella, Ricotta: Creamy cheeses offering luxurious, melty texture.
• Pepperoni: Spicy, crispy meat adding bold flavor.
• Olives: Briny, tangy element providing Mediterranean character.
• Hot Honey: Sweet-spicy drizzle elevating overall taste.
• Crushed Red Pepper Flakes: Adds heat and vibrant kick.

Tools to Craft Pepperoni Pizza with Hot Honey

• Stand mixer with dough hook: Essential for mixing and kneading pizza dough smoothly and efficiently.
• Large mixing bowls: Perfect for combining yeast mixture and flour, allowing ingredients to blend well.
• Pizza peel: Crucial for sliding pizza into the oven and turning it during cooking.
• Pizza stone: Helps create crispy pizza crust by distributing heat evenly.
• Large saucepan or dutch oven: Great for preparing homemade pizza sauce.
• Long spatula: Helps turn pizza in the oven for even cooking.
• Rolling pin: Needed to roll out pizza dough to desired thickness.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Ensure accurate ingredient proportions.
• Sharp knife: Useful for slicing mozzarella, olives, and basil.

Serving Suggestions for Pepperoni Ricotta Pizza

• Serve with Fresh Companions: Pair this zesty pepperoni pizza with a crisp arugula salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette to balance the rich, spicy flavors.
• Create Pizza Party Vibes: Slice the pizza into smaller pieces for easy sharing during gatherings, perfect for game nights or casual dinner parties with friends.
• Wine and Dine Perfectly: Match the pizza with a medium-bodied red wine like Chianti or a light craft beer to complement the pepperoni's spicy and savory notes.
• Add Dipping Delights: Prepare a side of garlic aioli or marinara sauce for guests who love extra dipping options with their pizza slice.

Storing Your Homemade Pizza the Right Way

• Store Pizza Smartly: Transfer leftover pizza slices into an airtight container, placing parchment paper between each layer to prevent sticking. Refrigerate for up to 3-4 days.
• Reheat with Crispy Technique: Revive cold pizza by using a skillet with a lid, heating on medium-low for 3-4 minutes. This method restores the crispy crust while melting cheese perfectly.
• Freeze Pizza Portions: Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap, then place in freezer-safe bags. Freeze for up to one month, ensuring maximum flavor retention and easy future meals.
• Prep Dough in Advance: Make pizza dough balls up to 3 days ahead, storing in sealed containers in the refrigerator. Remove 1 hour before cooking to allow dough to reach room temperature for optimal stretching and texture.

Spicy Pepperoni Pizza

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4.6 from 8 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Homemade pepperoni pizza combines spicy and sweet flavors with crisp crust and melted cheese. Rich toppings and hot honey drizzle create a perfect balance that will satisfy pizza cravings in one delicious slice.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 pizza dough
• 8 oz (226 g) fresh mozzarella, thinly sliced
• 4 oz (113 g) pepperoni
• ½ cup (120 ml) whole milk ricotta
• ¼ cup (40 g) castelvetrano olives, pitted and halved
• 2 tbsps hot honey
• 2 tbsps freshly grated parmigiano reggiano
• 1 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
• ¼ cup fresh basil leaves

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Instructions

1. Dough Preparation: Combine 00 flour and salt in stand mixer bowl. Whisk warm water, yeast, and honey separately until foamy, then integrate into flour mixture. Mix on low speed, gradually increasing until dough forms a cohesive mass and pulls away from bowl edges.
2. Dough Resting: Transfer dough to lightly floured surface, knead until smooth. Place in olive oil-coated bowl, cover, and let rise in warm environment until doubled. Portion into dough balls and refrigerate for 24-72 hours to develop deep flavor complexity.
3. Sauce Creation: Heat olive oil in saucepan, sauté minced garlic. Incorporate tomato paste and salt, stirring constantly. Add crushed tomatoes, dried herbs, seasonings, and sugar. Simmer covered, then fold in fresh basil after cooling.
4. Oven Preheating: Heat pizza oven to 750-800°F or conventional oven to maximum temperature with pizza stone inside. Allow proofed dough to reach room temperature.
5. Pizza Assembly: Roll dough to 10-12 inch circular shape. Dust pizza peel with flour, transfer dough, and spread sauce to edges. Layer mozzarella, pepperoni, ricotta, and olives across surface.
6. Baking and Finishing: Launch pizza into scorching oven, rotating for even cooking. Bake 2-2.5 minutes in pizza oven or 10-12 minutes in conventional oven. Drizzle with hot honey, sprinkle red pepper flakes and parmesan, then garnish with fresh basil leaves.

Notes

• Prep Dough Strategically: Cold fermentation (24-72 hours) intensifies pizza flavor, developing deeper, more complex taste profile.
• Temperature Matters: Ensure precise oven heat around 750-800°F for authentic crispy, leopard-spotted crust with perfect char.
• Flour Power: Use high-protein 00 flour for authentic Italian-style stretchy, tender pizza dough texture.
• Strategic Layering: Apply sauce and toppings sparingly to prevent soggy center, maintaining crisp crust integrity.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian-American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 466
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 1033 mg
• Fat: 28 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 36 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 22 g
• Cholesterol: 59 mg