Hot Honey Pepperoni Pizza: A Sweet & Spicy Twist You’ll Love

This hot honey pepperoni pizza is a delicious twist on a classic that will take your family pizza nights to the next level! With crispy edges, gooey mozzarella, and a bold drizzle of hot honey, it hits that perfect balance of sweet and spicy. My kids love the fun flavor combo, and it’s always a hit with guests. Once you try it, you’ll never go back to plain pepperoni again!

Why You’ll Love This Dish

This pizza is the perfect marriage of savory and sweet. The hot honey adds an unexpected but welcome kick that plays perfectly against the salty pepperoni and creamy cheese. It’s quick, easy, and guaranteed to get everyone at the table excited!

Simple Ingredients

Easy-to-Find, Family-Friendly Ingredients

• Pizza dough: The base for our pizza, easy to roll and bakes up crispy with a soft center.
• Pizza sauce: Adds tangy tomato flavor that complements the cheese and pepperoni.
• Mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully and gives that perfect cheesy pull.
• Pepperoni: Classic topping with a salty, spicy punch.
• Olive oil: Helps crisp up the crust and adds richness.
• Hot honey: Sweet with a kick this is the game-changer in the recipe.
• Fresh basil (optional): Adds a fresh, herby finish if desired.

Recipe Details

• Servings: 4
• Preparation Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 12-15 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes

What is Needed

• 1 ball of pizza dough
• 1/2 cup pizza sauce
• 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 20–25 slices pepperoni
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp hot honey (or more to taste)
• Fresh basil leaves (optional)

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C).
2. Roll out your dough to your desired thickness.
3. Spread the pizza sauce evenly over the dough, leaving a 1/2-inch border around the edges.
4. Sprinkle the mozzarella cheese evenly over the sauce.
5. Layer the pepperoni slices over the cheese.
6. Drizzle the olive oil lightly over the top.
7. Bake for 12-15 minutes until the crust is puffed and golden, and the cheese is bubbling.
8. Remove from the oven and immediately drizzle with hot honey.
9. Top with fresh basil leaves if using.
10. Slice and serve hot!

Top Tips

1. Use a preheated baking sheet or pizza stone for an extra crispy crust.
2. Don’t overload with sauce or cheese to keep the crust crisp.
3. For kids, try using mild pepperoni and go light on the hot honey.
4. Fresh basil adds a gourmet touch tear it just before serving.
5. Let the pizza cool for a minute before slicing to avoid cheese sliding off.

Recipe Variations

• Vegetarian: Skip the pepperoni and add roasted red peppers or mushrooms.
• Extra Heat: Add crushed red pepper flakes before baking.
• Cheese Lover: Mix mozzarella with provolone or fontina for extra flavor.
• Mini Pizzas: Divide the dough for individual-sized pizzas great for kids!

Recommended Equipment

• Rolling pin
• Baking sheet or pizza stone
• Parchment paper
• Oven mitts
• Knife or pizza cutter

Make Ahead Tips

• Dough can be prepared or purchased ahead of time and stored in the fridge.
• Sauce can be made in advance or used from a jar.

How to Store and Reheat

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Reheat in a toaster oven or regular oven at 375°F until hot and crispy.

What To Serve With This Recipe

• Side salad with vinaigrette
• Garlic knots or breadsticks
• Sparkling lemonade or a chilled soda

What You Need to Know About This Recipe

Hot honey is a rising star in the culinary world and pairs exceptionally well with pizza. It originated in Brooklyn and has taken off for its perfect blend of sweet and spicy. This simple recipe captures that trendy flavor in an easy family-friendly format. Kids will love the cheesy base, and adults will appreciate the gourmet twist.

One-Pot Cooking Rocks!