Description
Hot Honey Pepperoni Pizza takes the familiar comfort of a classic pepperoni pie and elevates it with a fiery-sweet finish. A drizzle of spicy honey over crispy-edged pepperoni, gooey mozzarella, and tangy tomato sauce adds the perfect contrast balancing salty, savory, and sweet. It’s easy to make, bold in flavor, and ideal for casual dinners, parties, or pizza night with a twist.
Ingredients
Dough & Sauce
1 ball of pizza dough (homemade or store-bought, about 12 oz)
½ cup tomato sauce (seasoned with olive oil, garlic, and salt)
Cheese & Toppings
1½ to 2 cups shredded low-moisture whole-milk mozzarella cheese
20–25 slices of thin-cut pepperoni
Hot Honey
¼ cup honey
½ tsp red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
Optional Additions
Fresh basil leaves
Grated Parmesan cheese
Crushed red pepper flakes
Garlic powder or minced garlic
Chili-infused olive oil (for brushing the crust)
Roasted vegetables or mushrooms
Instructions
-
Prepare the Dough
Let the dough sit at room temperature for 30 minutes. On a floured surface, gently stretch it into a 12-inch round. Avoid using a rolling pin to preserve air pockets. -
Add the Sauce and Cheese
Spread a thin layer of tomato sauce evenly over the dough. Sprinkle mozzarella cheese edge-to-edge for a golden, bubbly crust. -
Layer the Pepperoni
Place pepperoni slices across the surface, slightly overlapping but not stacking them. This helps them crisp without steaming. -
Bake the Pizza
Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C) with a pizza stone, cast iron, or baking sheet inside. Bake the pizza for 10–12 minutes, until the crust is golden and cheese is bubbling. -
Drizzle the Hot Honey
Warm the honey with red pepper flakes for 30 seconds. After removing the pizza from the oven, drizzle the hot honey evenly over the top. -
Garnish & Serve
Add optional toppings like basil or Parmesan. Let rest 2–3 minutes before slicing and serving.
Notes
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Hot Honey Shortcut: Mike’s Hot Honey is a convenient store-bought option.
-
Make It Vegetarian: Replace pepperoni with roasted veggies or mushrooms.
-
Crispier Crust Tip: Always bake on a hot surface like a preheated pizza stone or cast iron pan.
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Storage: Leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated in a skillet or air fryer to maintain crispness.
-
Homemade Hot Honey: Simmer ¼ cup honey with ½ tsp chili flakes or a dash of chili oil for a minute.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 slices
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 890mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 17g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
Keywords: Hot honey pepperoni pizza