Hot Honey Ricotta Pizza (Printer-friendly)

Crispy pizza with creamy ricotta, melted mozzarella, and a sweet-spicy honey drizzle finished with fresh basil.

# Required Ingredients:

→ Dough & Base

01 - 1 pizza dough (store-bought or homemade, 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 Steps:

01 - Preheat oven to 475°F. Place a pizza stone in the oven 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 well until evenly incorporated.
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 using for additional heat.
06 - Drizzle olive oil evenly over the cheese layer.
07 - Transfer the pizza to the preheated pizza stone or baking sheet. Bake 12-15 minutes, until the crust is golden 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, approximately 2-3 minutes.
09 - Remove pizza from oven and let cool for 2-3 minutes. Generously drizzle hot honey over the pizza. Scatter fresh basil leaves on top.
10 - Slice and serve immediately while warm.

# Expert Suggestions:

01 -
  • The sweet-heat contrast wakes up every bite without overpowering the creamy ricotta base.
  • It comes together fast enough for a weeknight but feels special enough to serve guests.
  • You can dial the spice up or down depending on who's at the table.
  • Leftovers reheat beautifully and taste even bolder the next day.
02 -
  • Don't overload the ricotta layer or it will slide off in the oven, a thin, even spread is key.
  • Make the hot honey while the pizza bakes so it's warm when you drizzle, cold honey won't spread as beautifully.
  • Let the pizza rest a few minutes before slicing or the cheese will run everywhere and burn your mouth.
03 -
  • Preheat your baking surface as hot as possible, a scorching oven is the secret to a crispy, chewy crust.
  • Use a pizza peel dusted with cornmeal to slide the pizza onto the stone without sticking or tearing.
  • Taste your hot honey before drizzling and adjust the vinegar or heat to match your preference.
  • Don't skimp on the basil, its freshness is what ties the whole dish together at the end.
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