If you’re looking for a pizza that brings the perfect balance of sweet and spicy, then let me introduce you to my beloved Hot Honey turkey pepperoni Ricotta Pizza! This dish is one of my absolute favorites because it’s so easy to make yet packed with flavor. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when time is tight but you still want something delicious on the table. Plus, it’s a hit at family gatherings—everyone loves the unique combination of flavors!

The hot honey drizzled on top adds a delightful kick that pairs beautifully with the creamy ricotta and savory turkey pepperoni. Whether you’re hosting friends or just treating yourself, this pizza is sure to impress.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick to Prepare: With just 15 minutes of prep time, you can whip this up in no time!
Family-Friendly: The sweet and spicy combo appeals to both kids and adults alike.
Make-Ahead Option: You can prepare the ingredients in advance for an easy weeknight meal.
Customizable: Feel free to add your favorite toppings to make it your own!
Delicious Flavor: The mix of hot honey and rich ricotta creates a flavor explosion in every bite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather some simple, wholesome ingredients that come together to create this delightful pizza. You might already have some of these staples in your kitchen!

For the Pizza

1 ball pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
Flour or cornmeal, for dusting
½ cup tomato sauce or pizza sauce
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
¼ cup whole milk ricotta cheese, dolloped
20–25 slices turkey pepperoni
1–2 tablespoons hot honey (store-bought or homemade)
Fresh basil leaves, for garnish (optional)
Red pepper flakes, for extra heat (optional)

Variations

One of the best things about this recipe is its flexibility! You can easily adapt it to suit your tastes or what you have on hand.

Swap the protein: Try using chicken sausage or even veggies like bell peppers for a vegetarian option.
Change the cheese: Substitute mozzarella with provolone or add feta for a tangy twist.
Mix up the sauce: Experiment with pesto or BBQ sauce instead of traditional tomato sauce.
Add more heat: If you love spice, throw in jalapeños or use spicy cheese blends.

How to Make Hot Honey turkey pepperoni Ricotta Pizza : Sweet and Spicy

Step 1: Prep the Oven and Dough

Preheat your oven to 500°F (260°C) or as hot as it will go. This high temperature is crucial for achieving that crispy crust we all love! While your oven heats up, sprinkle some flour or cornmeal on your work surface and roll out your pizza dough into a 12-inch round.

Step 2: Assemble the Pizza

Now comes the fun part! Spread your chosen tomato sauce over the dough, making sure to leave about a ½-inch border. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella evenly across the top—it’s going to melt beautifully. Next, layer on those turkey pepperoni slices, and don’t forget to dollop spoonfuls of creamy ricotta around the pizza. These little bites will be so satisfying!

Step 3: Bake

Carefully transfer your assembled pizza onto the preheated stone or baking sheet. Bake it for about 8–12 minutes until the crust turns golden brown and the cheese is bubbling and slightly browned. Keep an eye on it; every oven is different!

Step 4: Add Hot Honey and Garnish

As soon as your pizza comes out of the oven, drizzle that luscious hot honey all over it—this step really ties everything together! For an extra touch, sprinkle fresh basil leaves and red pepper flakes if you’re feeling adventurous. Slice it up and serve immediately; I guarantee everyone will be asking for seconds!

Pro Tips for Making Hot Honey turkey pepperoni Ricotta Pizza : Sweet and Spicy

Creating the perfect pizza is all about the little details, so here are some pro tips to ensure your Hot Honey turkey pepperoni Ricotta Pizza turns out absolutely delicious!

Use a Pizza Stone: Preheating a pizza stone helps to create a crispy crust by evenly distributing heat. If you don’t have one, a baking sheet turned upside down will also work.
Don’t Overload on Sauce: Spread just enough tomato sauce to give flavor without making the crust soggy. A thin layer allows for that delightful crispiness everyone loves in a pizza crust.
Quality Cheese Matters: Opt for fresh mozzarella if possible. It melts beautifully and gives that classic pizzeria taste. The combination with ricotta adds creaminess, enhancing your pizza experience.
Hot Honey Timing: Drizzling hot honey immediately after baking ensures it doesn’t lose its flavor or texture. The heat from the pizza helps it spread delightfully over the toppings.
Experiment with Spice: Feel free to adjust the amount of red pepper flakes you use based on your heat preference. Adding more can make it even spicier!

How to Serve Hot Honey turkey pepperoni Ricotta Pizza : Sweet and Spicy

Serving this delicious pizza is all about making it look appealing and complementing its flavors with the right accompaniments! Here are some fun ideas to elevate your dining experience.

Garnishes

Fresh Basil Leaves: A few torn basil leaves add a burst of freshness and color that perfectly complement the rich flavors of the pizza.
Parmesan Cheese: A light sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese right before serving enhances the overall flavor profile.
Balsamic Glaze: Drizzling a little balsamic glaze can add an extra layer of sweetness and richness that pairs beautifully with the spicy honey.

Side Dishes

Mixed Green Salad: A simple salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette offers a refreshing contrast to the richness of the pizza.
Garlic Breadsticks: These buttery, garlicky delights are perfect for soaking up any leftover sauce on your plate while adding that extra comfort food element.
Roasted Vegetables: Seasoned and roasted veggies like bell peppers, zucchini, and asparagus provide a healthy side option that balances out your meal.
Fruit Salad: A sweet fruit salad with seasonal fruits adds a refreshing finish to your meal, cleansing your palate after enjoying the spicy pizza.

Enjoy crafting this delightful Hot Honey turkey pepperoni Ricotta Pizza alongside these tasty suggestions for an unforgettable dinner!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Hot Honey turkey pepperoni Ricotta Pizza is a fantastic option for meal prep, making it easy to enjoy delicious homemade pizza any night of the week!

Storing Leftovers

Allow the pizza to cool completely before storing.
Place leftover slices in an airtight container.
Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing

To freeze, let the pizza cool completely.
Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
Place wrapped slices in a freezer-safe bag or container and freeze for up to 2 months.

Reheating

For best results, reheat in an oven preheated to 375°F (190°C) for about 10-15 minutes until the cheese is bubbly.
Alternatively, microwave slices on a microwave-safe plate for 30-60 seconds, but keep in mind this may result in a softer crust.

FAQs

If you have any lingering questions about this recipe, you’ve come to the right place!

Can I use regular pepperoni instead of turkey pepperoni for the Hot Honey turkey pepperoni Ricotta Pizza?

Yes, you can substitute regular pepperoni for turkey pepperoni if you prefer. Just keep in mind that it may alter the nutritional profile slightly.

How spicy is the Hot Honey turkey pepperoni Ricotta Pizza?

The spice level of this pizza largely depends on how much hot honey you drizzle on top. Start with a tablespoon, taste it, and adjust according to your preference!

Can I make this Hot Honey turkey pepperoni Ricotta Pizza gluten-free?

Absolutely! Simply use a gluten-free pizza dough to make this delicious recipe suitable for gluten-sensitive diets.

Is there a way to add more veggies to my Hot Honey turkey pepperoni Ricotta Pizza?

Definitely! Feel free to add your favorite vegetables such as bell peppers, onions, or mushrooms under the cheese for a delicious veggie boost.

Final Thoughts

I hope you’re as excited as I am about making this Hot Honey turkey pepperoni Ricotta Pizza! It’s not just about satisfying your cravings; it’s about creating memorable moments with friends and family around the table. So roll up those sleeves and give it a try—I’m sure you’ll love every sweet and spicy bite!