Pin this Last Friday night, my kitchen smelled like yeast and anticipation while I stretched pizza dough on the counter. The ricotta was sitting out, coming to room temperature, and I kept dipping a finger in to taste that creamy mildness against the sharp bite of Parmesan. Something about combining cool, soft cheese with fiery honey just felt like the right kind of chaos for a Friday evening.
I made this for my sister last month when she was recovering from a bad cold and could barely taste anything. She took one bite and looked at me with actual tears in her eyes because the spicy honey cut through everything and made food taste exciting again. Now she requests it every time she comes over, claiming it is the only pizza that actually makes her feel something.
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Ingredients
- 1 pizza dough: Store bought works perfectly fine, but let it come to room temperature for 30 minutes before stretching
- Cornmeal: A dusting on your baking sheet prevents sticking and adds this subtle crunch to the bottom crust
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Use this to finish the pizza before baking, it helps the cheese bubble beautifully
- 1 cup ricotta cheese: Full fat creates the creamiest base, and bringing it to room temperature makes it spreadable
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese: Shred it yourself if you can, pre shredded cheese has anti caking agents that prevent melting
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese: The salty sharpness balances the mild ricotta and sweet honey perfectly
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Distributes evenly throughout the ricotta better than fresh garlic would
- Salt and pepper: Ricotta needs salt to come alive, do not skip this step
- 1/4 cup honey: Wildflower honey adds floral notes, but whatever you have in your pantry works
- 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar: Cuts the sweetness of the honey and adds this bright tangy complexity
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes: Adjust based on your heat tolerance, the honey mellows it considerably
- Fresh basil leaves: Add these after baking so they stay vibrant and aromatic
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Instructions
- Get your oven screaming hot:
- Preheat to 475°F and put your pizza stone or baking sheet in there now so it gets properly hot while you prep everything else.
- Stretch that dough:
- On a floured surface, push the dough outward from the center using your fingertips, letting gravity help you stretch it into a rough 12 inch circle.
- Make the ricotta base:
- Mix the ricotta with garlic powder, salt, and pepper until it is smooth and seasoned throughout.
- Layer it all on:
- Spread the ricotta over the dough leaving a half inch border, then scatter mozzarella and Parmesan on top with those red pepper flakes.
- Give it an oil bath:
- Drizzle the olive oil all over the cheese so everything gets glossy and golden in the heat.
- Bake until bubbly:
- Slide your pizza onto the hot stone or sheet and bake for 12 to 15 minutes until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbling like crazy.
- Heat up the honey:
- While the pizza bakes, warm the honey with vinegar in a small pan over low heat, stirring until it blends into this spicy elixir.
- Finish with flair:
- Let the pizza cool for just a couple of minutes, then drizzle that hot honey all over and scatter fresh basil on top before slicing.
Pin this This pizza has become my go to for birthdays and celebrations because people always remember that first bite when sweet heat hits cool cream. Last week my friend took a photo of her slice before eating it, which is basically the highest compliment anyone can pay food in 2024.
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Making It Your Own
Sometimes I add thin prosciutto slices after baking so they stay salty and crisp against the soft cheese. Other times I scatter arugula on top for this peppery fresh contrast that cuts through all the richness.
Dough Wisdom
If you are using frozen dough, thaw it in the fridge overnight then let it sit on the counter for at least an hour before shaping. Cold dough fights back and springs into weird shapes, but room temperature dough is cooperative and forgiving.
Honey Variations Worth Trying
Buckwheat honey adds this malty darkness that stands up beautifully to the heat, while clover honey keeps things light and floral. I have even infused the honey with rosemary sprigs while warming it, which creates this piney aromatic version that feels like something from a wood fired pizza place.
- Sage leaves fried in the honey first create this crispy herb garnish
- A splash of balsamic instead of vinegar makes it even more complex
- Double the red pepper flakes if you really love that burn
Pin this There is something deeply satisfying about making pizza at home that feels special without being fussy. Hope this brings some warmth and excitement to your kitchen table.
Frequently Asked Recipe Questions
- → How can I customize the spice level of the hot honey?
You can easily adjust the heat by increasing or decreasing the amount of red pepper flakes added to your honey and red wine vinegar mixture. For a milder touch, omit them entirely.
- → What are some ways to enhance the flavors or add toppings?
Consider adding thin slices of prosciutto or crispy bacon before baking for a smoky, savory element. After baking, a scattering of fresh arugula or roasted vegetables can provide extra freshness and color. Different honey varieties can also offer unique flavor profiles.
- → Is it possible to use homemade pizza dough instead of store-bought?
Absolutely! Using homemade pizza dough will elevate the base of your dish. Just ensure it's rolled or stretched to about a 12-inch circle and prepared as usual.
- → What if I don't have a pizza stone for baking?
No problem at all! A regular baking sheet will work perfectly. Just make sure to preheat it in the oven along with the oven itself to help achieve a crispier crust.
- → How do I ensure the crust gets golden and crispy?
Preheating your oven to a high temperature (475°F / 245°C) and ensuring your baking surface, whether a pizza stone or baking sheet, is adequately hot before transferring the dough will help achieve a beautifully golden and crispy crust.
