Hot Honey Pepperoni Pizza

Hot honey pepperoni pizza always makes me think of a cozy night when I was craving something fun and unexpected so I decided to drizzle a little honey mixed with chili flakes over a classic pepperoni pizza and the result was a total game changer that had me dancing around the kitchen with excitement. The sweet heat from the honey balanced perfectly with the salty spicy pepperoni and gooey cheese so every bite felt like a flavor explosion that I just had to share with everyone I knew.

Ever since that night this hot honey pepperoni pizza has become my go-to for Friday movie nights or whenever I want to impress guests without too much effort so now my friends always ask for “that spicy sweet pizza” when they visit and I can’t wait for you to try it too and make your pizza nights extra special.

Ingredients

• Here’s what I use for this recipe. You can always make substitutions if you prefer!
• Pizza dough – The crisp, chewy base for all the toppings.
• Tomato sauce – Classic, tangy base that ties everything together.
• Mozzarella cheese – Melts beautifully for that stretchy, bubbly finish.
• Pepperoni slices – Brings bold, spicy, and savory flavor.
• Ricotta cheese – Adds creamy pockets that balance the spice.
• Fresh basil – Bright, fragrant touch to finish.
• Honey – The sweet star of the drizzle.
• Crushed red pepper flakes – Mixed with honey for a gentle spicy kick.
• Olive oil – Helps crisp up the crust and adds richness.

Tools You’ll Need

• Baking sheet or pizza stone – To cook the pizza evenly and get a nice crisp crust.
• Rolling pin – To shape the dough easily.
• Mixing bowl – For mixing the hot honey drizzle.
• Pastry brush or spoon – To spread the sauce and honey drizzle evenly.
• Pizza cutter or sharp knife – For slicing clean pieces.

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the dough

I start by letting the pizza dough come to room temperature so it’s easier to stretch. I lightly flour my surface and roll or stretch the dough into a round shape.

Step 2: Preheat and prep

I preheat the oven to 475°F with a pizza stone inside if using. While that heats, I drizzle a little olive oil on the dough and spread it around the edges to get that golden crust.

Step 3: Add the sauce and cheese

I spread tomato sauce evenly over the dough, leaving a small border. I sprinkle mozzarella cheese generously over the sauce so it melts into those perfect bubbly pockets.

Step 4: Top with pepperoni and ricotta

I layer pepperoni slices all over the cheese and then add small dollops of ricotta in between for creamy surprises in each bite.

Step 5: Bake

I carefully transfer the pizza to the hot stone or baking sheet and bake for about 12–15 minutes until the crust is golden and the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Step 6: Make the hot honey

While the pizza bakes, I mix honey with crushed red pepper flakes in a small bowl. I warm it slightly so it’s easy to drizzle.

Step 7: Finish and garnish

Once out of the oven, I drizzle the hot honey generously over the pizza. I scatter fresh basil leaves on top for a burst of freshness before slicing.

Tips

If you want to make it extra special, I recommend adding a few chili oil drops for even more heat. I also sometimes use burrata instead of ricotta for an extra indulgent creamy finish. You can adjust the level of red pepper flakes in the honey to suit your spice preference.

Ways to Serve

I love serving hot honey pepperoni pizza with a simple arugula salad on the side or a cold beer to balance the sweet and spicy flavors. It’s also great for sharing at parties or as a fun twist on pizza night with friends.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make hot honey pepperoni pizza ahead of time?

You can prep the dough and sauce ahead, but it’s best to bake and drizzle the honey just before serving to keep everything crispy.

Can I use store bought dough?

Yes! Store bought dough works perfectly if you want to save time.

Can I make it less spicy?

Of course! Just use less crushed red pepper flakes in the honey or skip them altogether if you want a purely sweet drizzle.

See You in the Kitchen

I hope you give this hot honey pepperoni pizza a try! It’s such a fun and bold twist on a classic that always gets people talking and asking for more. Let me know how yours turns out and share your creative variations below! Don’t forget to save this recipe for your next pizza night adventure.

Happy Cooking!