Pizza with Hot Honey

Pizza with Hot Honey is a delicious fusion of savory and sweet, creating a perfect balance of flavors. The warm, gooey mozzarella cheese and savory pepperoni slices are paired with a drizzle of spicy-sweet honey, elevating the pizza experience to a whole new level. This simple yet satisfying recipe brings together the classic elements of pizza with a unique twist that will surprise and delight your taste buds.

The combination of marinara sauce, mozzarella cheese, and pepperoni is a timeless classic, but adding hot honey infused with red pepper flakes brings a playful heat that enhances the overall flavor. Whether you’re a fan of spicy foods or simply looking to try something new, this hot honey pizza will become a favorite in no time. It’s quick to prepare, easy to customize, and perfect for any occasion, whether you’re hosting a casual dinner or enjoying a cozy night at home.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Pizza with Hot Honey is a game-changer for pizza lovers. The heat from the red pepper flakes adds an unexpected zing that perfectly complements the sweetness of the honey. The crispy crust, melty mozzarella cheese, and pepperoni create a classic pizza foundation, while the spicy-sweet drizzle ties everything together beautifully. This recipe is incredibly easy to make, using pre-made pizza crust for convenience, and can be prepared in under 30 minutes. It’s a perfect balance of familiar comfort and bold new flavors that everyone will enjoy.

Ingredients

• Pre-made pizza crust
• Marinara sauce
• Shredded mozzarella cheese
• Pepperoni slices
• Honey
• Red pepper flakes

Variations

• Vegetarian Version: Skip the pepperoni and top your pizza with vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, onions, or olives for a vegetarian alternative.
• Other Meats: If you prefer other types of meat, try adding sausage, bacon, or chicken in place of the pepperoni.
• Cheese Options: Swap mozzarella for other cheeses like provolone, cheddar, or a blend of Italian cheeses for a different flavor.
• Spicy Adjustments: Increase the amount of red pepper flakes if you prefer a spicier honey drizzle. Alternatively, you can use chili oil for a different heat profile.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free pizza crust to make this recipe suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) to ensure it’s hot enough to cook the pizza perfectly.

Step 2: Prepare the Pizza Crust

Place the pre-made pizza crust on a baking sheet or pizza stone. Spread a generous layer of marinara sauce evenly over the crust, covering the entire surface.

Step 3: Add Cheese and Toppings

Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the sauce, ensuring it covers the entire pizza. Add pepperoni slices on top of the cheese, distributing them evenly.

Step 4: Bake the Pizza

Place the pizza in the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese has melted and bubbled.

Step 5: Prepare the Hot Honey

While the pizza is baking, combine honey and red pepper flakes in a small saucepan. Heat over low heat, stirring occasionally, until the honey is warm and the red pepper flakes are fully incorporated into the honey. Remove from heat once it’s well combined.

Step 6: Drizzle Hot Honey

Once the pizza is finished baking, remove it from the oven. Drizzle the hot honey evenly over the pizza, ensuring that every slice gets a touch of the spicy-sweet flavor.

Step 7: Slice and Serve

Slice the pizza into wedges and serve while hot, enjoying the contrast of the spicy honey and savory toppings.

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Watch the Baking Time: Keep an eye on the pizza as it bakes to avoid burning the crust or overcooking the cheese. Every oven is different, so check for a golden, crispy crust and melted cheese.
• Customize the Toppings: Feel free to adjust the amount of pepperoni or try other meats and veggies based on your preferences.
• Infuse the Honey More: If you want a more intense flavor, allow the honey and red pepper flakes to sit for a few minutes before heating it up. This will help the honey absorb more of the spice.
• Extra Crunch: For a bit of extra texture, consider sprinkling some crushed red pepper or a few sprigs of fresh basil over the pizza after drizzling the hot honey.

How to Serve

This pizza pairs wonderfully with a simple side salad or roasted vegetables. You can also serve it with a cold drink like soda, sparkling water, or a light white wine. For an extra indulgence, try pairing it with some garlic bread or a side of dipping sauce, such as ranch or marinara.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover pizza in an airtight container or wrap it in foil and refrigerate for up to 2-3 days. The hot honey may lose some of its initial warmth but will still taste delicious.

Freezing

If you want to freeze the pizza, do so before drizzling the hot honey. Wrap the pizza tightly in plastic wrap or foil, and store it in the freezer for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, bake the frozen pizza at 425°F for 10-12 minutes, then drizzle with hot honey after it’s baked.

Reheating

To reheat, place the leftover pizza in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes, or until heated through. Reheat the honey separately in a microwave or saucepan and drizzle it over the pizza just before serving.

FAQs

1. Can I use a homemade pizza crust instead of a pre-made one?

Yes, you can absolutely use homemade pizza dough for a more personalized touch. Just be sure to roll it out to the appropriate size and follow the same instructions.

2. Can I use a different type of cheese?

Yes, feel free to experiment with other cheeses like cheddar, provolone, or goat cheese for a different flavor profile.

3. How spicy will the hot honey be?

The hot honey will have a mild to medium spice level, depending on the amount of red pepper flakes used. You can adjust the spice level by adding more or less to suit your preference.

4. Can I use a store-bought pizza sauce instead of marinara?

Yes, you can use any pizza sauce or even a garlic butter base if you prefer a different flavor.

5. How can I make the hot honey spicier?

To make the hot honey spicier, simply add more red pepper flakes or include some chili oil in the honey mixture.

6. Can I make the pizza ahead of time?

You can prep the pizza in advance and refrigerate it until ready to bake. Just wait to add the hot honey until after baking.

7. Can I add more toppings to this pizza?

Absolutely! Feel free to add vegetables, different meats, or even pineapple if you like. Customize it to your tastes.

8. What’s the best way to store leftover pizza?

Store leftover pizza in an airtight container in the refrigerator. For the best taste, eat within 2-3 days.

9. Can I make the hot honey ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the hot honey ahead of time and store it in a jar. Just heat it up before drizzling over the pizza.

10. Is this recipe spicy?

Yes, the recipe has a mild spice from the red pepper flakes. If you prefer less spice, you can reduce the amount of red pepper flakes or omit them.

Conclusion

Pizza with Hot Honey is a bold and exciting twist on the traditional pizza. The savory, cheesy base combined with spicy-sweet honey creates a perfect flavor balance that will have you coming back for more. With simple ingredients and easy steps, this recipe is a fun and quick way to enjoy a pizza night with a little extra kick. Whether you’re serving it for a family dinner or a casual get-together, Pizza with Hot Honey is sure to be a crowd-pleaser!

Print