I have to admit, this recipe is one of my proudest creations. After experimenting with countless pizza recipes, this pepperoni pizza with hot honey, ricotta, olives, and basil absolutely stole my heart. The sweet heat from the honey, velvety smoothness of ricotta, briny olives, spicy pepperoni, and fresh pop of basil make every bite an explosion of flavors.

It’s not just a pizza; it’s an experience. Trust me, once you make this at home, you’ll feel like a master pizza chef. Whether you have a fancy pizza oven or just a regular kitchen oven, this recipe guarantees delicious results every time.

Now, pull out your apron and rolling pin—we’re about to make pizza magic happen! 🍕✨

Pepperoni Pizza with Hot Honey Ricotta Olives and Basil

Why You’ll Love This Recipe?

This pizza is all about bold flavors, easy prep, and a gourmet feel without the hassle. Whether you’re a pizza pro or a first-time maker, you’ll love every bite!

A Perfect Balance of Flavors

This pizza brings together spicy, sweet, salty, and fresh flavors in a single bite. The combo of hot honey, creamy ricotta, pepperoni, and Castelvetrano olives is nothing short of perfection. Each ingredient plays its role, creating layers of flavor that make every bite exciting. It’s the kind of pizza that feels restaurant-quality but is doable at home.

Easy to Customize

Don’t love olives? Prefer turkey pepperoni? Want a gluten-free crust? You can easily tweak this recipe to fit your preferences while still enjoying an incredible meal. Swap out ingredients based on dietary needs or what you have in your kitchen. You can even make it vegetarian by skipping the meat and adding roasted veggies.

Simple to Make

Homemade pizza might sound tricky, but this recipe is straightforward. With a bit of planning and the right ingredients, you’ll create an impressive pizza with minimal stress. The dough comes together effortlessly, and the toppings require little prep. It’s a great way to introduce homemade pizza-making into your routine.

Elevates Any Dinner Night’

Sure, frozen pizza is fine in a pinch, but this recipe takes pizza night to a whole new level. It’s fancy enough for a date night and comforting enough for a casual family dinner. It’s a conversation starter, perfect for impressing guests without extra effort. Plus, you get the satisfaction of making a pizza that’s leagues better than takeout.

Works with Any Oven

Whether you use a pizza stone in a regular oven or an outdoor pizza oven, this recipe adapts seamlessly to whatever setup you have. A cast-iron skillet, baking sheet, or even a grill can work just as well. No fancy tools required—just great ingredients and a little kitchen creativity!

Cooking Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes (not including dough rising time)

Ingredients

Every ingredient in this recipe plays a key role in balancing flavors and textures, ensuring a perfect bite every time.

For the Dough

00 flour
Kosher salt
Warm water
Active dry yeast
Honey

For the Sauce

Extra virgin olive oil
Garlic
Tomato paste
Crushed tomatoes
Dried oregano
Italian seasoning
Sugar
Salt
Garlic powder
Onion powder
Fresh basil

For the Toppings

Fresh mozzarella
Pepperoni
Ricotta
Castelvetrano olives
Hot honey
Crushed red pepper flakes
Parmesan cheese
Fresh basil

Variations

Customize the recipe to suit your needs or preferences! Here are some ideas for switching things up:

Dairy-Free: Swap ricotta with a vegan cashew cheese and opt for dairy-free mozzarella.
Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free pizza dough mix to enjoy this pizza worry-free.
Spicier Kick: Add extra crushed red pepper flakes or drizzle chili oil for even more heat.
Vegetarian: Skip the pepperoni and add topping options like roasted red peppers or mushrooms.

Equipment Needed

Mixing Bowl: For preparing the dough.
Stand Mixer with Dough Hook: Makes kneading the dough easier.
Rolling Pin: For rolling out the pizza dough.
Pizza Stone or Pizza Peel: Crucial for an evenly baked crust.
Saucepan: Perfect for preparing the flavorful pizza sauce.

How to Make Pepperoni Pizza with Hot Honey Ricotta, Olives, and Basil?

This recipe is simple, but a bit of prep work goes a long way. With the dough proofed and sauce ready, you’ll be on your way to pizza perfection. 🍕

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

The secret is starting early. Mix your dough ingredients and knead until smooth. 🧑‍🍳 Allow the dough to proof at room temperature for over an hour, then refrigerate it for 24-48 hours. Time is the magic ingredient for a flavorful crust!

Step 2: Make the Sauce

Heat olive oil in a saucepan and sauté minced garlic until it smells heavenly. Stir in tomato paste, crushed tomatoes, and all the herbs and spices. Simmer the sauce until thick and rich. 🍅 Make extra because leftovers freeze beautifully!

Step 3: Roll the Dough

Once your dough has rested and come to room temperature, roll it out into a thin circle about 10-12 inches in diameter. Flour your surface to avoid sticking.

Step 4: Assemble the Pizza

Spread a generous spoonful of pizza sauce onto your dough. Add sliced mozzarella, pepperoni, dollops of ricotta, halved olives, and a sprinkle of parmesan.

Step 5: Bake It to Perfection

If using a pizza oven, preheat to 750-800°F. For a traditional oven, crank it up to 500°F and heat a pizza stone. Bake until the crust is golden and the cheese bubbles, about 10-12 minutes in a standard oven. 🙌

Step 6: Add the Final Touches

Once out of the oven, drizzle hot honey over the pizza, sprinkle crushed red pepper, and garnish with fresh basil leaves. Serve hot and enjoy! 🌿

Tips for Making the Recipe

Use Room-Temperature Dough: Cold dough can be hard to work with, so always allow it to warm up before rolling.
Choose Good Cheese: Fresh mozzarella makes a world of difference compared to pre-shredded varieties.
Don’t Skip the Preheat: If using a pizza stone, make sure it’s hot before baking for a crispy crust.
Go Light on Toppings: Overloading the pizza can make it soggy. Keep it simple for the best results.

How to Serve Pepperoni Pizza with Hot Honey Ricotta, Olives, and Basil?

Presentation matters! Slice your pizza into even wedges and serve on a wooden pizza board for a rustic touch. Garnish with additional fresh basil leaves and grated Parmesan for a pop of color. Pair it with a fresh arugula salad or serve with a glass of chilled sparkling water or wine to balance the richness.

Nutritional Information

A single serving of this pizza offers a delicious balance of nutrients. Here’s what you’ll get per slice (approximate values):

Calories: 260
Protein: 12g
Carbohydrates: 28g
Fat: 11g

Make Ahead and Storage

The dough and sauce can be prepped ahead of time to make life easier. Simply refrigerate the dough for up to 72 hours, or freeze it for longer storage. The sauce also stores well in the freezer for up to 3 months, ensuring you’re ready for impromptu pizza nights.

Store any leftover baked pizza in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop the slices in a toaster oven or back in your standard oven to restore that crispy crust and gooey cheese.

With this mouthwatering recipe in hand, you’re ready to create a pepperoni pizza that’s a delightful mix of sweet, savory, and spicy flavors. Happy cooking, and enjoy every bite! 🍕