Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Sausage Ricotta Honey Hot Pizza is the perfect combination of bold, spicy, creamy, and sweet flavors. The spicy Italian sausage adds a kick, while the creamy ricotta cheese balances the heat. The drizzle of hot honey takes this pizza to the next level, bringing a delightful sweetness that contrasts beautifully with the other savory ingredients. With a crispy, golden crust, this gourmet pizza is sure to be a crowd-pleaser, making it an ideal choice for pizza night at home.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 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)
Directions
- 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 the dough to a parchment-lined pizza peel or baking sheet.
- Spread the pizza sauce evenly over the base, then sprinkle with mozzarella cheese. Scatter the crumbled sausage on top and spoon dollops of ricotta across the pizza. Sprinkle with red pepper flakes if using.
- Drizzle with olive oil, then transfer the pizza (with parchment) onto the hot pizza stone or baking sheet. Bake for 10–12 minutes, until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbling.
- Remove from the oven, drizzle with hot honey, and top with fresh basil if desired. Slice and serve.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 1 large pizza (about 8 slices)
- Prep time: 15 minutes
- Cook time: 12 minutes
- Total time: 27 minutes
Variations
- Add vegetables: Feel free to add sautéed onions, bell peppers, or spinach for more flavor and texture.
- Cheese swap: You can replace ricotta with goat cheese or cream cheese for a different creamy flavor.
- Extra heat: Add more red pepper flakes or even a drizzle of chili oil if you like your pizza extra spicy.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store any leftover pizza in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes until the crust is crispy and the cheese is warmed through.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of sausage?
Yes! You can substitute the spicy Italian sausage with any type of cooked sausage you prefer, like mild sausage or even vegetarian sausage for a plant-based option.
Is this pizza spicy?
The level of spice depends on how much hot honey and red pepper flakes you use. If you prefer less heat, you can skip the red pepper flakes or use a milder honey.
Can I make the pizza dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough a day ahead and store it in the fridge. Let it come to room temperature before rolling it out and baking.
Can I use store-bought ricotta?
Yes, store-bought ricotta works perfectly for this recipe, but using a high-quality ricotta will give the pizza an even creamier and richer flavor.
Can I freeze the pizza?
While it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze the assembled, unbaked pizza. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. Bake directly from frozen at 475°F for 12-15 minutes.
Can I use a different type of cheese besides mozzarella?
Yes, you can try other cheeses like provolone, fontina, or a mix of your favorites. Just keep in mind that mozzarella gives the pizza its signature melt.
What’s the best way to drizzle hot honey?
For an even drizzle, use a spoon to drizzle hot honey over the pizza after it comes out of the oven. You can also warm the honey slightly to make it easier to drizzle.
Can I make this pizza gluten-free?
Yes, simply use a gluten-free pizza dough in place of the regular dough for a gluten-free version of this pizza.
Can I make this pizza vegetarian?
Yes, simply omit the sausage and add more veggies, like mushrooms or olives, for a delicious vegetarian pizza.
How can I make the crust extra crispy?
For a crispier crust, brush the edges of the dough with olive oil before baking. You can also bake the pizza directly on the pizza stone or baking sheet for a crunchier base.
Conclusion
Sausage Ricotta Honey Hot Pizza offers a bold, irresistible mix of savory, creamy, and sweet flavors all on a crispy, golden crust. Whether you’re making it for a family dinner or a special pizza night, this recipe delivers a unique and delicious experience. The spicy sausage, creamy ricotta, and hot honey will elevate your pizza game to new heights, making every bite a perfect balance of heat and sweetness. Try it tonight and treat yourself to the ultimate sweet-heat pizza slice!
Sausage Ricotta Honey Hot Pizza in 5 Easy Steps for the Ultimate Sweet-Heat Slice
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 1 large pizza (about 8 slices)
- Category: Dinner, Pizza
- Method: Oven
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
Sausage Ricotta Honey Hot Pizza is the perfect combination of bold, spicy, creamy, and sweet flavors. The spicy Italian sausage adds a kick, while the creamy ricotta cheese balances the heat. The drizzle of hot honey takes this pizza to the next level, bringing a delightful sweetness that contrasts beautifully with the other savory ingredients. With a crispy, golden crust, this gourmet pizza is sure to be a crowd-pleaser, making it an ideal choice for pizza night at home.
Ingredients
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)
Instructions
- 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 the dough to a parchment-lined pizza peel or baking sheet.
- Spread the pizza sauce evenly over the base, then sprinkle with mozzarella cheese. Scatter the crumbled sausage on top and spoon dollops of ricotta across the pizza. Sprinkle with red pepper flakes if using.
- Drizzle with olive oil, then transfer the pizza (with parchment) onto the hot pizza stone or baking sheet. Bake for 10–12 minutes, until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbling.
- Remove from the oven, drizzle with hot honey, and top with fresh basil if desired. Slice and serve.
Notes
For extra flavor and texture, add sautéed onions, bell peppers, or spinach to the pizza.
Swap ricotta for goat cheese or cream cheese for a different creamy flavor.
If you like it extra spicy, add more red pepper flakes or drizzle chili oil over the pizza before baking.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
