Hot Honey Pizza

The moment I first tasted a Hot Honey Pizza, I knew I had stumbled upon something truly special. Picture a cozy evening, a gentle hum of conversation in the air, friends gathered around the table. The aroma of bubbling cheese and spicy honey wafts through the room, teasing our senses. There’s something magical about the way the sweetness of the hot honey melds with the savory toppings, creating a perfect harmony. It’s not just a dish; it’s an experience that brings warmth and joy. I remember that first bite—crunchy crust, gooey mozzarella, and that delightful kick from the honey, which makes you want to reach for another slice. Whether it’s for a casual dinner or a festive gathering, this pizza never fails to impress.

Ingredients Overview for Hot Honey Pizza

The ingredients for the Hot Honey Pizza come together to create a balanced and flavorful dish. The combination of a homemade or store-bought dough, paired with rich mozzarella, spicy pepperoni, and the sweet touch of hot honey, makes this pizza a delightful indulgence. Let’s take a closer look at what each ingredient brings to the table.

• 1 ball Homemade Whole Wheat Pizza Dough or swap your favorite store-bought dough
  This is the foundation of your pizza. Whole wheat dough adds a nutty flavor and is a healthier option, while store-bought dough offers convenience.
• ½ cup pizza sauce
  A classic tomato sauce that adds moisture and tang, enhancing the overall flavor profile of the pizza.
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  Melty and gooey, mozzarella is the quintessential cheese for pizza, providing that perfect stretchy texture.
• 12 slices pepperoni
  This spicy meat adds a savory, robust flavor that complements the sweetness of the hot honey beautifully.
• 1 tablespoon hot honey
  This is the secret ingredient! Hot honey combines sweetness with a hint of heat, elevating the pizza from ordinary to extraordinary.
• Pinch red pepper flakes
  A dash of these flakes will intensify the heat, making the pizza even more appealing to spice lovers.
• Thinly sliced fresh basil (optional)
  This herb adds a fresh aroma and a pop of color, making the pizza visually appealing.
• ¼ cup crumbled goat cheese
  The tangy flavor of goat cheese contrasts perfectly with the other ingredients, adding depth to every bite.
• Thinly sliced red onion
  This ingredient offers a slight crunch and a touch of sweetness when cooked.
• 1 to 2 handfuls fresh arugula
  Fresh arugula adds a peppery bite and a vibrant green color, making the final dish stand out.

Putting Together Hot Honey Pizza

Making the Hot Honey Pizza is a delightful process that fills your kitchen with mouthwatering aromas. Start by preparing your dough, as it will form the base of this flavorful pizza. Each step allows you to customize your pizza just the way you like it. Let’s dive in!

1. Position an oven rack in the upper third of your oven, about 4 to 5 inches from the top, and preheat the oven to 500°F or as high as it will go. If you’re using a pizza stone, place it in the oven while it preheats to ensure it’s hot when you bake your pizza.
2. On a lightly floured work surface, roll the dough into a 12-inch circle. If the dough shrinks back when you roll it out, let it rest for several minutes before trying again. Dough can be stubborn, but patience pays off!
3. If you’re cooking on a pizza stone, set a sheet of broiler-safe parchment paper on the back of a flat baking sheet. Carefully transfer the rolled-out dough onto the parchment. If you’re not using a stone, lightly dust a regular baking sheet with flour or cornmeal, then place the shaped dough directly in the center.
4. Spread the pizza sauce evenly over the dough, leaving a ¾-inch border all around. This will help prevent the sauce from spilling over while baking.
5. Top the pizza with the mozzarella cheese, arranging the slices of pepperoni evenly across the surface. If you’re using goat cheese and red onion, sprinkle those on as well for an extra layer of flavor.
6. Carefully transfer the pizza to the preheated stone, sliding the parchment paper directly onto it. If using a baking sheet, simply place the pizza in the oven.
7. Bake the hot honey pizza for 8 to 10 minutes, until the crust is golden brown and slightly blistered. Remember to rotate the pizza halfway through for even cooking.
8. Once baked, transfer your pizza to a cutting board. Drizzle it generously with hot honey and sprinkle with red pepper flakes, basil, and arugula if desired. Allow it to cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving.
9. Slice the pizza into wedges, serve it hot, and enjoy the wonderful blend of flavors!

Ways to Adapt This Recipe

This Hot Honey Pizza is incredibly adaptable, allowing you to cater it to your taste preferences or dietary needs. Here are some creative ways to make it your own:

• Swap the Dough: If you’re short on time, use store-bought dough or a pre-made crust for a quicker option.
• Go for Veggies: Add your favorite vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or olives for a delicious veggie pizza.
• Cheese Options: Feel free to mix different cheeses like gouda or provolone for unique flavors.
• Make it Spicy: If you love heat, consider adding jalapeños alongside the pepperoni or even using spicy cheese.
• Use Different Sauces: Experiment with pesto or garlic oil as a base for a different taste.
• Herb Variations: Try other fresh herbs like oregano or thyme to enhance the flavor further.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free pizza dough to cater to gluten-sensitive guests.

Pairing Suggestions for Hot Honey Pizza

When it comes to serving Hot Honey Pizza, the right pairings can elevate your meal even more. Here are some fantastic suggestions:

• Classic Caesar Salad: This salad’s crisp romaine and tangy dressing complement the pizza beautifully.
• Garlic Bread: Serve with warm, buttery garlic bread for an indulgent side.
• Wine Pairings: If you enjoy wine, consider a light red or a sparkling wine to match the flavors.
• Fresh Fruit: A side of seasonal fruit can provide a refreshing contrast to the pizza’s richness.
• Seasonal Vegetables: Roasted seasonal veggies can be a great side dish that ties in with the pizza’s flavors.
• Dip Options: Offer a tangy dipping sauce, like ranch or blue cheese, on the side for extra flavor.
• Soft Drinks or Iced Tea: Pair with refreshing beverages to cleanse the palate.

FAQ

Conclusion

The Hot Honey Pizza is a delightful mix of flavors that everyone will love. With the perfect balance of sweetness and spice, this pizza is sure to be a hit at your next gathering. Don’t hesitate to try making it at home; it’s a fun and rewarding experience that will surely impress your family and friends!

Hot Honey Pizza

The ultimate comfort food, Hot Honey Pizza is a delightful blend of spicy, sweet, and savory. Perfect for a cozy night in or a fun gathering, this easy weeknight dinner will have everyone coming back for seconds!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 10 minutes mins

Total Time 20 minutes mins

Servings: 2 servings

Course: Dinner

Cuisine: Italian

Calories: 350

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1 ball Homemade Whole Wheat Pizza Dough or swap your favorite store-bought dough
• ½ cup pizza sauce
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 12 slices pepperoni
• 1 tablespoon hot honey
• 1 pinch red pepper flakes
• ¼ cup crumbled goat cheese
• 1 to 2 handfuls fresh arugula
• 1 thinly sliced fresh basil (optional)
• 1 thinly sliced red onion

Equipment

• Chef's Knife
• Oven
• Baking Sheet
• Peeler

Method

 

1. Position an oven rack in the upper third of your oven (4 to 5 inches from the top). Preheat the oven to 500°F (or as high as it will go). If using a pizza stone, place it in the oven while it preheats.
2. On a lightly floured work surface, roll the dough into a 12-inch circle. If it shrinks back on you, let it rest for several minutes, then try again. Dough is stubborn like that sometimes.
3. If cooking on a pizza stone: set a sheet of broiler-safe parchment paper on the back of a flat baking sheet (this is what I do). Transfer the dough to it (alternatively, you can transfer it to a cornmeal-dusted pizza peel). If you are not using a pizza stone, lightly dust a regular baking sheet with flour or cornmeal, then place the shaped dough directly in the center.
4. Spread the dough with the pizza sauce, leaving a 3/4-inch border all the way around. Top evenly with the mozzarella, pepperoni slices, and goat cheese and red onion (if using).
5. Carefully transfer the pizza to the stone, either by sliding the sheet of parchment with the pizza on it directly onto the stone, or quickly and carefully scooting it off of the pizza peel. (If cooking directly on a baking sheet, simply place the pizza in the oven.)
6. Bake the hot honey pizza for 8 to 10 minutes, until the crust is golden and slightly blistered, rotating 180° halfway through.
7. Transfer to a cutting board and drizzle with hot honey. Sprinkle with red pepper flakes, basil (if using), and arugula (if using). Let cool a few minutes, then slice and enjoy.

Notes

• To Store: Refrigerate pizza in an airtight storage container for up to 3 days.
• To Reheat: Rewarm leftovers on a baking sheet in the oven at 450 degrees F.
• To Freeze: Freeze pizza in an airtight freezer-safe storage container for up to 3 months. Reheat from frozen as directed.

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Meet Adele Mercer

Every meal deserves a spectacular finish, whether it is a savory main or a sweet treat. I enjoy the entire creative cycle, from kneading dough to editing the final photos. I developed this recipe to be approachable for home cooks while ensuring it delivers the high-quality results you expect.