Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon

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

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

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?

Share a photo and tag us — we can't wait to see what you've made!

Find it online: https://kevinsdailydish.com/hot-honey-pepperoni-pizza-the-ultimate-sweet-spicy-pizza-recipe/