Sausage Ricotta Honey Hot Pizza

Sausage Ricotta Honey Hot Pizza brings together spicy Italian sausage, creamy ricotta, and a drizzle of hot honey on a crisp, golden crust. This combination hits all the right notes with heat, sweetness, and richness making it a fantastic choice for a cozy night in or impressing friends at your next pizza party.

I first made this recipe on a weekend when I wanted something comforting but with a kick, and now it’s become my go-to when I crave something different from the usual pizza toppings.

Ingredients

• One ball of pizza dough: either homemade or store-bought for convenience and freshness
• Half a cup of pizza sauce or crushed San Marzano tomatoes: which provide the perfect tang and sweetness to complement the toppings
• One cup of shredded mozzarella cheese: for that classic melt and mild flavor
• Half a cup of cooked spicy Italian sausage: crumbled to add a hearty and spicy element
• Half a cup of ricotta cheese: which adds creamy richness and balances the heat
• A quarter teaspoon of red pepper flakes: to boost heat but optional depending on your spice tolerance
• One tablespoon of olive oil: to brush the crust and add a golden finish
• Hot honey for drizzling: that lends a unique sweet heat and pairs beautifully with sausage
• Fresh basil leaves for garnish: optional but adds a fresh herbal note and color pop

Step-by-Step Instructions

Searing the Oven:

Heat the oven to 475 degrees Fahrenheit or 245 Celsius and place a pizza stone or baking sheet inside. Preheating the stone ensures a crispy crust that cooks evenly.

Rolling Out the Dough:

Lightly flour your surface and roll out your pizza dough to your preferred thickness. Thinner for a crunchier base or thicker for chewiness.

Layering the Sauce and Cheese:

Transfer the dough to a parchment-lined pizza peel or baking sheet and spread the pizza sauce evenly over the base. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella so it melts nicely beneath the toppings.

Adding Sausage and Ricotta:

Scatter the crumbled cooked spicy sausage evenly over the cheese then spoon dollops of ricotta cheese across the pizza. Add red pepper flakes if you want more heat.

Final Touches and Baking:

Drizzle olive oil over the top and slide the pizza (with the parchment) onto the hot stone or sheet in the oven. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes until the crust turns golden and the cheeses are bubbling.

Finishing Flourish:

Remove the pizza from the oven and generously drizzle with hot honey. Add fresh basil leaves if you like and cut into slices for serving.

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This pizza has been a crowd-pleaser every time I serve it especially during family gatherings. The moment my kids taste the combination of ricotta and hot honey, their eyes light up, and it’s become part of our regular rotation.

Storage Tips

Store any leftovers tightly wrapped in foil or in an airtight container. Reheat in a hot oven or toaster oven to maintain crispness. Avoid microwaving as it may make the crust soggy.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can swap spicy Italian sausage for milder versions or even chorizo for a different kind of heat. If fresh ricotta is not available, a good quality whole-milk cottage cheese blended until smooth works in a pinch. Mozzarella can be replaced with provolone or a mild cheddar for different flavor profiles.

Serving Suggestions

Serve with a simple green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette to cut through the richness. A cold beer or sparkling water with a squeeze of lime helps balance the pizza's spice and sweetness. For extra indulgence, serve with garlic knots on the side.

Cultural Context

This pizza combines traditional Italian elements like ricotta and San Marzano tomatoes with a modern American twist by adding hot honey and spicy sausage. The sweet and spicy combo reflects a trend in contemporary pizza making that embraces bold and contrasting flavors to surprise and delight.

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Frequently Asked Questions

→ What kind of sausage works best?

Spicy Italian sausage, preferably crumbled and cooked beforehand, adds a bold flavor that complements the creamy ricotta and sweet hot honey.

→ Can I use store-bought dough?

Yes, both homemade and store-bought dough work well. Just roll it out to your preferred thickness and bake on a hot stone or baking sheet for best results.

→ How do I achieve a crispy crust?

Preheat your oven with a pizza stone or baking sheet inside and bake at 475°F (245°C) to develop a golden, crunchy crust.

→ Is the red pepper flakes optional?

Yes, red pepper flakes can be added to increase spice or omitted if you prefer milder flavors.

→ How much hot honey should I drizzle?

Start with a light drizzle after baking; adjust based on your tolerance for heat and sweetness to balance the overall flavors.