Sausage Ricotta Honey Hot Pizza

This sausage ricotta honey hot pizza brings bold flavors together in a perfect balance of sweet heat and creamy richness. It comes together in about an hour and offers a delightful twist on traditional pizza that will impress both family and friends.

I first made this pizza for a casual weekend dinner and it quickly became a hit. The marriage of ricotta creaminess and the heat from red pepper flakes with honey drizzle keeps everyone coming back for more.

Gather Your Ingredients

• One ball of pizza dough: either homemade or store-bought to save time but still achieve a crisp crust
• Half a cup of pizza sauce: or crushed San Marzano tomatoes for a bright and tangy base
• One cup shredded mozzarella cheese: because it melts beautifully and adds gooey texture
• Half a cup cooked spicy Italian sausage: crumbled for savory, spicy protein
• Half a cup ricotta cheese: adds creamy richness that contrasts perfectly with the sausage
• Quarter teaspoon red pepper flakes: optional to control the heat level according to your taste
• One tablespoon olive oil: to create a golden crust and enhance flavor

How to Make It

Preheat the Oven:

Set your oven to 475 degrees Fahrenheit or 245 degrees Celsius with a pizza stone or baking sheet inside. Preheating the stone ensures a crispy crust by mimicking a brick oven heat source.

Prepare the Dough:

On a floured work surface, roll out your pizza dough to your preferred thickness. Thinner dough will bake crispier while thicker offers a chewier bite.

Transfer the Dough:

Place the rolled dough onto a parchment-lined pizza peel or baking sheet. This makes it easier to slide the pizza in and out of the oven.

Build the Pizza:

Spread the pizza sauce evenly over the dough base with the back of a spoon for consistent flavor. Sprinkle mozzarella cheese over the sauce covering most of the surface. Scatter the crumbled spicy Italian sausage evenly on top of the cheese layer. Spoon dollops of ricotta cheese distributed across the pizza for pockets of creamy goodness. If you like heat, sprinkle red pepper flakes evenly but keep in mind they can be potent.

Bake the Pizza:

Drizzle olive oil lightly over the pizza and then slide it, parchment and all, onto your preheated stone or baking sheet in the oven. Bake for approximately 10 to 12 minutes until the crust edges turn golden brown and the cheese is deeply bubbly and slightly browned.

Finishing Touches and Serving:

Remove the pizza from the oven carefully. Drizzle hot honey over the entire surface while warm for a sweet contrast to the spice. Garnish with fresh basil leaves if you have them for an aromatic finish. Slice and serve immediately.

This recipe stands out because of the ricotta cheese which adds a soft creaminess while the drizzle of hot honey creates a lively sweet heat contrast. I remember serving this at a family gathering and watching everyone’s eyes light up with surprise and delight at the unexpected flavor pairing.

Flavor Boosters

Pair this pizza with a simple green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette to balance the richness. A light sparkling beverage complements the sweet heat without overwhelming the palate.

Serving Suggestions

Add seasonal vegetables like roasted red peppers or caramelized onions for added flavor and nutrition. In summer try fresh basil leaves after baking; in colder months add a sprinkle of smoked paprika or chili flakes for deeper warmth.

Creative Twists

You can swap spicy Italian sausage for ground turkey or chicken sausage for a leaner option. Ricotta can be replaced with fresh mozzarella balls for a different creamy texture but it will change the overall feel slightly. If you do not have hot honey, mix regular honey with a pinch of cayenne pepper or drizzle with chili-infused oil.

This sausage ricotta honey hot pizza is a delicious blend of sweet and spicy that delights with every bite. Perfect for family meals or impressing guests with minimal effort.

Common Questions About This Recipe

→ What type of sausage works best for this pizza?

Spicy Italian sausage adds the ideal kick and richness, but you can use mild sausage if preferred.

→ Can I use store-bought pizza dough for this dish?

Yes, store-bought dough works well and can save time without sacrificing flavor.

→ How is the honey added to the pizza?

Honey is drizzled over the pizza once it comes out of the oven, adding a subtle sweetness to balance the heat.

→ What cheese combination is recommended?

A mix of shredded mozzarella and dollops of ricotta creates a creamy texture and flavorful contrast.

→ Can I adjust the spice level of the pizza?

Yes, you may reduce or omit the red pepper flakes and choose milder sausage to suit your taste.