Introduction

Get ready to savor the perfect blend of sweet, spicy, and savory with hot honey pepperoni pizza. This recipe combines crispy pepperoni, gooey cheese, and a drizzle of hot honey for an unforgettable homemade pizza experience. It’s a delicious twist that’s easy to make and sure to impress.

A round pizza cut into six slices sits on a wooden board. The base layer is golden-brown crust topped with a bright red tomato sauce, covered by a melted, slightly browned layer of cheese. On top, there are many round, dark red pepperoni slices evenly spread out on each slice. Scattered dollops of white and blue-veined cheese are spread over the pepperoni, along with a light powdering of grated cheese. Two small green rosemary sprigs lay across one slice near the center. The scene has a white marbled surface in the background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

For the Dough:

3 ½ cups (420g) bread flour, plus more for dusting
1 teaspoon (3g) instant dry yeast
1 ½ teaspoons (9g) salt
1 ½ cups (360ml) warm water (105-115°F)
2 tablespoons (30ml) olive oil, plus more for greasing

For the Sauce:

1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon dried oregano
½ teaspoon dried basil
¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
1 tablespoon olive oil
Salt and black pepper to taste

For the Toppings:

8 ounces low-moisture mozzarella cheese, shredded
4 ounces provolone cheese, shredded (optional, but adds great flavor!)
4 ounces pepperoni slices
¼ cup hot honey (see below)
Fresh basil leaves, for garnish (optional)

For the Hot Honey:

½ cup honey
1-2 tablespoons red pepper flakes (adjust to your spice preference)
1 tablespoon chili oil (optional, for extra heat and flavor)
1 tablespoon vinegar (apple cider or white vinegar)

Instructions

Step 1: In a large bowl, whisk together the bread flour, instant dry yeast, and salt to combine the dry ingredients evenly.
Step 2: Gradually add warm water and olive oil to the dry mix. Stir with a wooden spoon or your hands until a shaggy dough forms.
Step 3: Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic, adding flour if too sticky.
Step 4: Lightly grease a large bowl with olive oil, place the dough inside, and turn to coat. Cover and let rise in a warm spot for 1-1.5 hours until doubled in size.
Step 5: Punch down the dough to release air, turn out onto a floured surface, and divide in half for two 12-inch pizzas. Freeze half if not using immediately.
Step 6 (Optional): Let divided dough rise again for 30-60 minutes for more flavor and texture.
Step 7: Meanwhile, prepare the sauce: heat olive oil in a pan, sauté garlic briefly, then add crushed tomatoes, oregano, basil, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 15-20 minutes.
Step 8: Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C). Roll out one dough ball on a floured surface into a 12-inch circle and transfer to a pizza stone or baking sheet.
Step 9: Spread a thin layer of sauce over the dough, sprinkle mozzarella and provolone cheese, and arrange pepperoni slices on top.
Step 10: Bake the pizza for 12-15 minutes, until the crust is golden and cheese is bubbly.
Step 11: While baking, make the hot honey: gently warm honey with red pepper flakes, chili oil, and vinegar in a small saucepan over low heat. Stir until combined and fragrant.
Step 12: Remove pizza from oven, drizzle hot honey evenly across the top, and garnish with fresh basil if desired. Slice and serve immediately.

Tips & Variations

Use bread flour for a chewier crust, or substitute with all-purpose flour for a softer base.
Adjust the red pepper flakes in the hot honey to control the spice level to your preference.
For a quicker sauce, use high-quality store-bought pizza sauce instead of homemade.
Try adding sliced jalapeños or crushed red pepper for an extra spicy kick.
If you don’t have chili oil, substitute with a teaspoon of hot sauce or omit it altogether.

Storage

Store leftover pizza wrapped in airtight containers or foil in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a hot oven or skillet to maintain crispiness; avoid microwaving as it can make the crust soggy. The dough can be frozen for up to 3 months before baking—thaw overnight in the refrigerator before use.

How to Serve

A close-up view of a round pizza resting on a wooden board, showing one slice being pulled away. The pizza has three main layers: a golden brown crust with a slightly crisp texture at the edges, a layer of melted yellow-orange cheese spread evenly above the crust, and on top, several slices of glossy dark red pepperoni, white dollops of ricotta cheese scattered across, and sprinkled chopped green herbs. The herbs and pepperoni provide a mix of dark green and red colors that contrast with the creamy white cheese. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use pre-made pizza dough instead of making my own?

Yes, pre-made dough works well and can save time. Choose a high-quality dough and be sure to let it come to room temperature before shaping.

Is hot honey very spicy?

The heat level depends on the amount of red pepper flakes and chili oil you add. You can adjust the spice to your liking by using less or more flakes or omitting the chili oil.