Hot Honey Pepperoni Pizza with Ricotta
A delightful blend of crunchy crust, gooey mozzarella, savory pepperoni, and sweet-spicy hot honey, topped with creamy ricotta for an elevated pizza experience.
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 275kcal
Ingredients
For the Dough
- ¾ cup warm water (105°F) Perfect temperature to activate the yeast without killing it.
- 1½ cups bread flour For that chewy, crusty pizza base everyone craves.
- 1 packet (0.125 oz) active dry yeast The secret to rising dough.
- ¾ teaspoon sugar Helps to feed the yeast and enhance browning.
- ¾ teaspoon salt Essential for flavoring the dough and balancing other ingredients.
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil Adds richness to the dough.
For the Toppings
- ½ cup pizza sauce A base that provides tangy goodness.
- 4 oz shredded low-moisture mozzarella cheese Melty goodness that forms the backbone of this pizza.
- 1 oz sliced pepperoni Perfectly spicy and savory for that classic flavor.
- 1 teaspoon grated Parmesan cheese Adds an extra layer of umami.
- Pinch of sea salt Elevates the flavors.
- 3 oz whole milk ricotta cheese Creamy and indulgent.
- ½-1 teaspoon hot honey The star that adds sweet heat to the dish.
- 2-3 fresh basil leaves, finely chopped A fragrant touch to finish it off.
Instructions
Activate the Yeast
- In a small bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and the active dry yeast. Let this mixture sit for 5-10 minutes until it becomes foamy and fragrant.
Make the Dough
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the bread flour and salt. Create a well in the center, pour in the foamy yeast mixture along with the olive oil, and mix until a shaggy dough forms.
Knead the Dough
- Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface, kneading for about 8-10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
Let It Rise
- Place the dough into a bowl coated with olive oil, turning it to coat all sides. Cover with a damp towel and allow it to rise in a warm location for about an hour.
Preheat the Oven
- About 30 minutes before your dough is done rising, preheat your oven to 475°F.
Shape the Dough
- Once risen, punch down the dough and roll it out on a floured surface to about 12 inches in diameter.
Assemble the Pizza
- Transfer the rolled-out dough to a pizza pan or a parchment-lined baking sheet. Spread the pizza sauce evenly over the base, leaving a 1-inch border for the crust. Sprinkle mozzarella and lay down the pepperoni slices.
Add Ricotta
- Drop small dollops of ricotta across the surface of the pizza. Finish with a sprinkle of Parmesan and a pinch of sea salt.
Bake
- Slide the pizza into the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly.
Drizzle and Serve
- Once out of the oven, drizzle the hot honey all over the pizza, sprinkle with fresh chopped basil, and let it cool for 2-3 minutes before slicing.
Notes
Use bread flour for that chewy texture. Adjust hot honey amounts to suit your spice tolerance. Preheating the oven is crucial for a crispy crust.