Hot Honey Pepperoni Pizza – The Ultimate Sweet & Spicy Pizza Recipe

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Hot Honey Pepperoni Pizza

By Kevin Cossairt

If you love bold flavors and crave the perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and savory, this Hot Honey Pepperoni Pizza is a must-try. With a crispy, golden crust, melty mozzarella, spicy pepperoni, and a drizzle of homemade hot honey, every bite delivers the perfect contrast of textures and flavors.

I’ll be honest—I usually rely on my mixer for pizza dough, but I decided to mix this one by hand, and I was shocked at how easy it was. Not only did it come together quickly, but the texture was just as good, if not better. If you’re short on time or don’t feel like hauling out the stand mixer, this method is a game-changer!

This isn’t just another homemade pizza recipe—it’s a game-changer. Whether you’re planning a Valentine’s pizza night, a weekend family dinner, or simply want to elevate your pizza skills, this recipe offers an easy way to create restaurant-quality results at home.

Why You’ll Love This Hot Honey Pepperoni Pizza

  • Perfect balance of flavors – The sweet heat of hot honey pairs beautifully with crispy, spicy pepperoni.
  • Crispy and chewy crust – Made with homemade or store-bought wheat pizza dough for the perfect texture.
  • Homemade hot honey – Simple to make with just a few ingredients, adding depth to every bite.
  • Quick and easy – With a well-prepped dough, this pizza comes together in under 30 minutes.
  • Great for entertaining – Whether it’s a date night or a game-day meal, this pizza is a crowd-pleaser.

What Is Hot Honey Pizza?

Hot honey pizza has become a major trend in the world of homemade and artisanal pizzas. The contrast between spicy, salty, and sweet flavors makes this pizza stand out from traditional options.

Hot honey itself is a simple combination of honey infused with red pepper flakes and a touch of acidity, such as apple cider vinegar or Tabasco. When drizzled over a freshly baked pizza, it creates an irresistible balance of heat and sweetness.

Originally popularized by New York pizzerias, this topping has become a staple for those looking to add a bold twist to their homemade pizzas.

Key Ingredients for Hot Honey Pepperoni Pizza

1. Pizza Dough

Homemade or store-bought wheat pizza dough forms the base of this pizza. Letting it rest overnight enhances the texture, making it both crispy and chewy.

2. Spicy Pepperoni

High-quality pepperoni is essential for achieving that crispy, slightly curled texture with a deep, rich flavor.

3. Mozzarella Cheese

Low-moisture mozzarella ensures the perfect melt, creating a creamy, stretchy bite in every slice.

4. Parmesan Cheese

Adds a salty, umami-packed finish to enhance the overall flavor.

5. Homemade Hot Honey

A simple mix of honey, red pepper flakes, and either apple cider vinegar or Tabasco for an extra layer of depth and heat.

6. Pizza Sauce

A rich, flavorful tomato sauce made with San Marzano tomatoes, garlic, and oregano. Store-bought works as well for convenience.

7. Fresh Basil

Garnishing the pizza with fresh basil adds a bright, aromatic touch that balances the richness of the cheese and pepperoni.

Ooni Karu 2 Pro Multi-Fuel Pizza Oven As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases made through links on this site.

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Hot Honey Pepperoni Pizza

1. Prepare the Dough

For the best results, let the dough rest overnight in the fridge. This allows it to develop more flavor and structure. If using quick-rise yeast, a one-hour proof at room temperature will work in a pinch.

2. Make the Hot Honey

In a small saucepan over low heat, warm the honey without letting it boil. Stir in red pepper flakes and either apple cider vinegar or Tabasco, then let it infuse for about five minutes. Strain if desired and set aside.

3. Preheat the Oven

Set the oven to 500°F (or as high as it will go). If using a pizza stone, place it in the oven during preheating for the best crust texture.

4. Assemble the Pizza

  • Roll out the dough into two 10-12 inch circles on a lightly floured surface.
  • Brush the crust with olive oil and sprinkle with garlic powder for extra flavor.
  • Spread a thin layer of pizza sauce over the base.
  • Evenly distribute the mozzarella cheese, pepperoni slices, Parmesan, and a pinch of red pepper flakes for extra heat.

5. Bake Until Golden and Crispy

Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbling. If using a pizza stone, bake directly on the stone for an even crispier crust.

6. Finish with Hot Honey and Basil

As soon as the pizza comes out of the oven, drizzle with hot honey and top with fresh basil leaves. Let it rest for a couple of minutes before slicing.

Creative Variations and Pizza Topping Ideas

Looking to switch things up? Here are a few variations to try:

  • Hot Honey Ricotta Pizza – Add dollops of creamy ricotta for a luxurious texture.
  • Spicy Sausage & Hot Honey – Swap the pepperoni for Italian sausage for a heartier bite.
  • Four Cheese Hot Honey Pizza – Try a mix of mozzarella, Parmesan, ricotta, and blue cheese for a bold flavor profile.
  • Vegetarian Hot Honey Pizza – Use mushrooms, caramelized onions, and roasted red peppers instead of meat.

Serving Suggestions for the Best Pizza Night

This hot honey pepperoni pizza pairs well with:

  • A crisp arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette
  • Garlic knots or cheesy breadsticks as a side
  • A glass of red wine, craft beer, or homemade lemonade
  • Dipping sauces like garlic butter, ranch, or extra hot honey

Pro Tips for Making the Best Hot Honey Pizza

  • Use a pizza stone for an extra crispy crust.
  • Drizzle the honey sparingly—a little goes a long way.
  • Opt for high-quality pepperoni to achieve that iconic crispy edge.
  • Let the dough rest overnight for improved texture and flavor.
  • Try pairing hot honey with ricotta for a balanced sweet-and-creamy contrast.
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Hot Honey Pepperoni Pizza – The Ultimate Sweet & Spicy Pizza Recipe

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Description

This Hot Honey Pepperoni Pizza strikes the perfect balance of savory, spicy, and sweet. The crispy, charred crust is topped with spicy pepperoni, gooey mozzarella, and a drizzle of homemade hot honey for a flavor-packed bite every time. This recipe makes two 10-12 inch pizzas, perfect for sharing or meal prepping!

Ingredients

Scale

For the Pizza Dough: (or use store-bought)

  • 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (or 1 packet) (Use quick-rise yeast if in a hurry)
  • 1 cup warm water (about 110°F)
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (or bread flour)
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

For the Hot Honey: (or use store-bought)

  • 1/2 cup honey
  • 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • 1/2 teaspoon apple cider vinegar (or 1/4 teaspoon Tabasco for extra heat and tang)

For the Pizza Sauce: (or use store-bought)

  • 3/4 cup crushed San Marzano tomatoes (or canned tomato sauce)
  • 1 teaspoon olive oil
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for extra heat)

For the Toppings:

 

  • 3 cups shredded low-moisture mozzarella cheese
  • 30–40 slices spicy pepperoni
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon olive oil (for brushing crust)
  • 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder (for crust)
  • Fresh basil leaves (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Pizza Dough (Skip if using store-bought)

  1. In a bowl, combine warm water, yeast, and sugar. Let sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy.
  2. Add flour, salt, and olive oil. Mix until a dough forms.
  3. Knead the dough a few times until it comes together, then let it rest for 10 minutes.
  4. Divide the dough into two equal balls, cover, and let rest overnight in the fridge (for best results).
    • Shortcut: If in a hurry, use quick-rise yeast and let the dough rest for 1 hour before using.

2. Make the Hot Honey

  1. In a small saucepan over low heat, warm the honey (do not boil).
  2. Stir in red pepper flakes and either apple cider vinegar or Tabasco for extra heat and tang.
  3. Let infuse for 5 minutes, then remove from heat.
  4. Strain if you prefer a smoother honey. Set aside.

3. Make the Pizza Sauce (Skip if using store-bought)

  1. Heat olive oil in a small saucepan over medium heat.
  2. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  3. Stir in crushed tomatoes, oregano, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes.
  4. Simmer for 5-7 minutes, then remove from heat.

4. Preheat the Oven (Or Use a Pizza Stone for Best Results)

  1. Preheat oven to 500°F (or as hot as it will go).
  2. If using a pizza stone, place it in the oven while preheating for an extra crispy crust.

5. Shape and Assemble the Pizzas

  1. Roll out each dough ball on a floured surface into a 10-12 inch circle.
  2. Transfer to a parchment-lined baking sheet or pizza peel.
  3. Brush the crust with olive oil and sprinkle with garlic powder.
  4. Spread a thin layer of pizza sauce over the dough.
  5. Evenly sprinkle mozzarella cheese over the sauce.
  6. Arrange pepperoni slices on top.
  7. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and a pinch of red pepper flakes.

6. Bake the Pizzas

  1. Transfer to the oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly.
  2. If using a pizza stone, bake directly on the stone for a crispier crust.

7. Finish with Hot Honey & Basil

  1. Remove the pizza from the oven and immediately drizzle with hot honey.
  2. Garnish with fresh basil leaves.
  3. Let cool for 2-3 minutes, then slice and serve.

Serving Suggestions

 

  • Serve with a side of ranch or garlic butter for dipping.
  • Pair with a simple arugula salad for freshness.
  • Enjoy with an ice-cold beer or homemade lemonade.

Equipment

As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases made through links on this site.

Notes

Pro Tips for the Best Hot Honey Pepperoni Pizza

 

✅ Let the dough rest overnight for the best texture and flavor.
✅ Use a pizza stone for a crisp, pizzeria-style crust.
✅ Use high-quality pepperoni – a spicier variety pairs best with hot honey.
✅ Drizzle the honey sparingly – a little goes a long way!
✅ Tabasco hot honey adds an extra layer of smoky heat!

Did you make this recipe?

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Try This Hot Honey Pizza Recipe Tonight!

If you’re looking for a pizza that combines sweet, spicy, and savory flavors in every bite, this hot honey pepperoni pizza is the perfect choice. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner, a special occasion, or just because you love great pizza, it’s guaranteed to impress.

Have you tried hot honey on pizza before? Let me know in the comments! I’d love to hear how you customize this recipe and what toppings you like to add.

If you make this recipe, be sure to tag me on social media @kevinsdailydish so I can see your creations!

More Homemade Pizza Recipes to Try

  • Classic Margherita Pizza
  • Spicy Sausage & Peppers Pizza
  • BBQ Chicken Pizza with Jalapeños
  • Buffalo Chicken & Blue Cheese Pizza

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