Sausage Ricotta Honey Hot Pizza is a delightful twist on your classic pie. It’s packed with rich flavors and a hint of sweetness from the hot honey. This recipe is simple, making it great for family dinners or gatherings with friends. The combination of creamy ricotta and savory sausage is sure to please everyone at the table.
Why You Will Love This Sausage Ricotta Honey Hot Pizza
This pizza is a winner for so many reasons. It’s quick to prepare, using everyday ingredients that you might already have on hand. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a fun weekend meal, this recipe fits right in. Kids love the cheesy goodness, while the adults appreciate the sweet-heat balance. Everyone’s happy!
How to Make Sausage Ricotta Honey Hot Pizza
Making this pizza is a straightforward process, perfect for beginner cooks. You’ll roll out the dough, layer on the sauce, and add your toppings. Baking in a hot oven makes everything come together beautifully. Once it’s out of the oven, a drizzle of hot honey takes it to the next level. Simple and satisfying!
What You Need
- 1 ball of pizza dough (homemade or store-bought)
- 1/2 cup pizza sauce or crushed San Marzano tomatoes
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup cooked spicy Italian sausage (crumbled)
- 1/2 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Hot honey, for drizzling
- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish (optional)
Step-by-Step
- Preheat oven to 475°F (245°C) with a pizza stone or baking sheet inside.
- On a floured surface, roll out the pizza dough to your desired thickness.
- Transfer dough to a parchment-lined pizza peel or baking sheet.
- Spread the pizza sauce evenly over the base.
- Sprinkle mozzarella cheese, then scatter crumbled sausage on top.
- Spoon dollops of ricotta across the pizza and sprinkle with red pepper flakes, if using.
- Drizzle with olive oil and transfer the pizza (with parchment) onto the hot stone or sheet.
- Bake for 10–12 minutes until crust is golden and cheese is bubbling.
- Remove from oven, drizzle with hot honey, and top with fresh basil if desired. Slice and serve.
How to Serve Sausage Ricotta Honey Hot Pizza
Enjoy your pizza hot and fresh from the oven! Pair it with a garden salad for some crunch or serve it alongside garlic bread for a filling meal. You can also enjoy it with a simple glass of soda or iced tea. Perfect for casual family dinners or even movie nights!
How to Store Sausage Ricotta Honey Hot Pizza
To keep leftovers fresh, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you want to freeze it, slice the pizza first and wrap each piece in plastic wrap, then store in a freezer-safe bag. When you’re ready to eat, reheat in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for 10–15 minutes until warmed through.
Recipe Tips
- Use a pizza stone if you have one for a crispy crust.
- Let the dough rest at room temperature before rolling for easier handling.
- Experiment with different cheeses like provolone for extra flavor.
- Don’t skip the hot honey; it makes a big difference!
- If you’re making it for kids, reduce the amount of sausage or leave out the red pepper flakes.
Variations & Swaps
- Swap spicy sausage for sweet Italian sausage for a milder pizza.
- Use a whole wheat pizza dough for a healthier crust.
- Add veggies like bell peppers or spinach for extra nutrients.
FAQs
Can I make this pizza ahead of time?
You can prepare the pizza up to the baking step. Cover it and store it in the refrigerator for a few hours. Just pop it in the oven when you’re ready to bake! This makes it quick and easy for dinner.
Can I freeze the leftovers?
Yes! Slice the pizza and wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap. Place them in a freezer bag for up to 2 months. This way, you can enjoy pizza any time you want!
How should I reheat the pizza?
For the best results, reheat in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 10–15 minutes. This keeps the crust crispy and the cheese melty. Avoid using the microwave as it can make the crust soggy.
What if I don’t have ricotta cheese?
You can substitute ricotta with cottage cheese or cream cheese for a similar creamy texture. It will change the flavor a bit, but it will still be delicious!
What are some good sides to serve with this pizza?
A simple mixed green salad pairs well, or you can serve some garlic bread on the side. A light soup, like minestrone, can also be a tasty pairing for a cozy meal.
Sausage Ricotta Honey Hot Pizza
Ingredients
Dough and Sauce
- 1 ball pizza dough (homemade or store-bought)
- 1/2 cup pizza sauce or crushed San Marzano tomatoes
Cheeses and Sausage
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup cooked spicy Italian sausage (crumbled)
- 1/2 cup ricotta cheese
Toppings and Seasoning
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional) Adjust for desired spiciness
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Hot honey, for drizzling
- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat oven to 475°F (245°C) with a pizza stone or baking sheet inside.
- On a floured surface, roll out the pizza dough to your desired thickness.
- Transfer dough to a parchment-lined pizza peel or baking sheet.
- Spread the pizza sauce evenly over the base.
Topping and Baking
- Sprinkle mozzarella cheese, then scatter crumbled sausage on top.
- Spoon dollops of ricotta across the pizza and sprinkle with red pepper flakes, if using.
- Drizzle with olive oil and transfer the pizza (with parchment) onto the hot stone or sheet.
- Bake for 10–12 minutes until crust is golden and cheese is bubbling.
- Remove from oven, drizzle with hot honey, and top with fresh basil if desired. Slice and serve.
