Pepperoni Pizza with Hot Honey Ricotta, Olives, and Basil
Warm, cheesy, and a little spicy, this pizza features a crispy crust, creamy ricotta, spicy pepperoni, and a drizzle of hot honey for a delightful twist.
Ingredients
For the Dough
- 2.5 cups 00 flour This fine Italian flour gives a light, chewy crust.
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt Enhances the overall flavor.
- 1 cup warm water Helps activate the yeast faster.
- 1 teaspoon active dry yeast Use fresh yeast for the best rise.
- 1 teaspoon honey Adds subtle sweetness and helps the dough brown beautifully.
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil Use good-quality oil for rich flavor.
For the Sauce
- 2 cloves garlic (minced) Fresh garlic makes the sauce more aromatic.
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste Adds deep tomato richness.
- 1 cup crushed tomatoes Go for a good brand for a naturally sweet taste.
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano For that classic pizza flavor.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning Blends perfectly with oregano.
- 0.5 teaspoon sugar Balances the acidity.
- 0.5 teaspoon salt Adjust to taste.
- 0.5 teaspoon garlic powder Layers more flavor.
- 0.5 teaspoon onion powder Rounds out the sauce.
- Fresh basil leaves Add at the end for freshness.
For the Toppings
- 1.5 cups fresh mozzarella (sliced) Melts perfectly and tastes creamy.
- 12-14 slices pepperoni Choose a spicy version for extra kick.
- 0.5 cup ricotta cheese Smooth and creamy pairs beautifully with hot honey.
- 6 Castelvetrano olives (halved) Buttery and not too salty.
- 2 tablespoons hot honey Drizzle just before serving.
- Crushed red pepper flakes Sprinkle for extra spice.
- 2 tablespoons Parmesan cheese Grate fresh for the best taste.
- Fresh basil leaves For garnish.
Instructions
Preparation
- Mix the flour, salt, yeast, honey, and warm water until a dough forms. Knead until it’s smooth, then let it rise at room temperature for at least an hour.
- For the best flavor, refrigerate the dough for 24–48 hours before using.
Making the Sauce
- In a saucepan, heat olive oil and sauté garlic until fragrant.
- Stir in tomato paste, crushed tomatoes, oregano, Italian seasoning, sugar, salt, garlic powder, and onion powder. Simmer until thick and flavorful.
- Stir in fresh basil at the end.
Assembly and Baking
- Bring the dough to room temperature, then roll it into a 10–12 inch circle. Lightly flour your surface to prevent sticking.
- Spread the sauce evenly over the dough.
- Layer on mozzarella, pepperoni, ricotta dollops, olives, and Parmesan.
- Preheat your oven to 500°F (or pizza oven to 750–800°F) with a pizza stone inside.
- Bake until the crust is golden and cheese is bubbling—about 10–12 minutes in a regular oven.
- Once baked, drizzle with hot honey, sprinkle red pepper flakes, and garnish with fresh basil leaves.
- Slice and enjoy hot.
Notes
Use 00 flour for the best texture. Let your dough rise longer for a lighter crust. Always preheat your oven and pizza stone for a perfect bake. Experiment with different toppings, like veggies or other cheeses. Don’t skip the hot honey; it makes a big difference!
Nutrition
Serving: 1gCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 40gProtein: 14gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 5gSodium: 800mgFiber: 2gSugar: 4g
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