Hot Honey Pizza brings a delightful balance of flavors to your table. The spicy honey drizzle cuts through the richness of the cheese and meats, creating an addictive sweet-heat combo. It’s customizable, easy to prepare, and a surefire crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re hosting a party or looking for a dinner upgrade, this pizza has all the flavor and flair you need.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
Olive oil
Fresh mozzarella cheese
Shredded mozzarella cheese
Pepperoni or spicy salami
Red pepper flakes
Hot honey (or regular honey mixed with hot sauce or chili flakes)
Fresh basil leaves (optional)
Cornmeal or flour (for dusting the baking surface)
Directions
Preheat your oven to 500°F (or as high as it will go). If using a pizza stone, place it in the oven while preheating.
Roll out the pizza dough on a floured surface to your desired thickness.
Transfer the dough to a pizza peel or baking sheet dusted with cornmeal or flour.
Lightly brush the dough with olive oil.
Spread shredded mozzarella evenly over the base, then add slices of fresh mozzarella.
Top with pepperoni or spicy salami and a pinch of red pepper flakes.
Transfer the pizza to the oven and bake for 8–12 minutes, or until the crust is golden and cheese is bubbly and starting to brown.
Remove from the oven and drizzle hot honey generously over the top.
Add fresh basil leaves if desired, slice, and serve hot.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes 1 large pizza, serving approximately 2–4 people. Prep time: 15 minutes Cook time: 10–12 minutes Total time: 25–30 minutes
Variations
Vegetarian version: Omit the meat and add roasted vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms.
Extra spicy: Add sliced jalapeños or a spicy marinara base.
Cheese lovers: Mix in gouda, provolone, or gorgonzola for added richness.
Gluten-free: Use a gluten-free pizza crust or cauliflower base.
Honey swap: Try chili crisp or sriracha-infused maple syrup for a different twist.
Storage/Reheating
Store leftover pizza in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, bake in a 375°F oven for 8–10 minutes until heated through and crispy. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the crust soggy. For longer storage, wrap slices tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat from frozen in a 400°F oven for 12–15 minutes.
FAQs
What is hot honey?
Hot honey is honey infused with chili peppers or hot sauce, offering a sweet-spicy flavor. It’s typically drizzled over foods like pizza, fried chicken, or biscuits.
Can I make my own hot honey?
Yes. Simply warm honey slightly and stir in red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce. Let it infuse for a few minutes before using.
Do I need a pizza stone?
While a pizza stone helps achieve a crispier crust, you can also use a baking sheet or a cast iron skillet with great results.
Can I use pre-shredded cheese?
You can, but freshly shredded mozzarella melts better and has a creamier texture without added anti-caking agents.
What meats work well on Hot Honey Pizza?
Pepperoni, spicy salami, soppressata, or even crumbled sausage pair wonderfully with hot honey.
Is this recipe kid-friendly?
It can be! Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes and hot honey to tone down the heat for younger palates.
Can I use store-bought dough?
Absolutely. Store-bought dough is a great time-saver. Let it come to room temperature before rolling it out.
What side dishes pair well with this pizza?
Try a simple arugula salad, garlic knots, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
Can I grill this pizza?
Yes, grill the dough directly on a hot grill for a minute or two per side, then add toppings and cook until the cheese is melted.
What type of honey is best?
Use a mild, high-quality honey so it doesn’t overpower the pizza. Infuse with chili flakes or hot sauce to taste.
Conclusion
Hot Honey Pizza is a bold and flavorful upgrade to your typical pizza night. With its perfect mix of heat and sweet, crispy crust, and gooey cheese, this recipe is bound to become a favorite. Customize it with your favorite toppings or keep it simple—the result is always irresistible.
Hot Honey Pizza is a gourmet-style homemade pizza featuring gooey mozzarella, crispy crust, and a drizzle of sweet and spicy hot honey. Perfect for weeknight dinners or entertaining guests, it offers a unique sweet-heat flavor balance that’s both satisfying and customizable.
Author:Catherine
Prep Time:15 minutes
Cook Time:12 minutes
Total Time:27 minutes
Yield:1 large pizza (serves 2–4)
Category:Main Course
Method:Baking
Cuisine:American
Diet:Halal
Ingredients
1 ball pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
1 tbsp olive oil
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
4 oz fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced
15–20 slices pepperoni or spicy salami
1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
2 tbsp hot honey (or regular honey mixed with chili flakes or hot sauce)
Fresh basil leaves (optional)
Cornmeal or flour (for dusting)
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 500°F (or as high as it will go). If using a pizza stone, place it in the oven while it preheats.
Roll out the pizza dough on a floured surface to your desired thickness.
Transfer the dough to a pizza peel or baking sheet dusted with cornmeal or flour.
Lightly brush the dough with olive oil.
Spread shredded mozzarella evenly over the dough, then add slices of fresh mozzarella.
Top with pepperoni or spicy salami and sprinkle with red pepper flakes.
Transfer the pizza to the oven and bake for 8–12 minutes, or until the crust is golden and cheese is bubbly and starting to brown.
Remove the pizza from the oven and drizzle hot honey generously over the top.
Garnish with fresh basil leaves if desired. Slice and serve hot.
Notes
Vegetarian version: Omit meat and use roasted vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms.For extra heat, add sliced jalapeños or use spicy marinara sauce.Use a gluten-free crust or cauliflower base for a gluten-free version.To make your own hot honey, warm honey and stir in red pepper flakes or hot sauce.Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months.
