Hot honey pepperoni pizza was never part of our Sunday tradition. We made the usual simmered sauce, fresh mozzarella, hand-stretched dough. But one afternoon, my youngest walked in with a homemade pie and said, “You need to try this.”
It looked familiar until I saw her drizzle honey spicy honey right over the pepperoni. I didn’t say a word. I just took a bite. Sweet, salty, hot, and perfectly balanced.
Now, this hot honey pepperoni pizza recipe shows up almost every weekend. It’s not from the old country, but the way it brings everyone to the table feels just like home.
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
WHY YOU’LL LOVE THIS RECIPE
Hot honey pepperoni pizza takes a classic comfort food and makes it unforgettable. You still get the crisp crust, gooey cheese, and savory pepperoni but now there’s a drizzle of warm, spicy honey that lights up every bite. It’s the kind of sweet-meets-heat combo that turns a good pizza night into a great one.
Whether you’re making it for family, a Friday night in, or just because you’re craving something bold, this recipe delivers on all fronts: easy to make, big on flavor, and totally customizable.
Key Ingredients You’ll Need
I don’t do shortcuts in my kitchen and this pizza doesn’t need any. Every ingredient earns its place and adds to the final bite. Here’s what you’ll need:
Olive Oil & Salt: Don’t skip them just a touch brings the dough and sauce to life.
Pizza Dough: Homemade or store-bought. Let it rest at room temp for 30 minutes so it stretches without tearing and bakes with that perfect chew.
Crushed Tomatoes: Keep it simple crushed tomatoes with a touch of grated garlic and olive oil. No sugar, no herbs. Just clean, bright flavor.
Mozzarella Cheese: Grate it yourself for a smoother melt and fresher flavor. Pre-shredded just doesn’t do it justice.
Thick-Cut Pepperoni: Use the kind that crisps at the edges and cups slightly those little flavor puddles make all the difference.
Honey: A gentle warming with crushed red pepper flakes creates that signature sweet-heat drizzle. Or use a quality bottled hot honey if you’re short on time.
And if you want more like this, our pizza recipe collection has plenty of favorites we make with the grandkids every week.
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Hot Honey Pepperoni Pizza That Will Blow Your Mind
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 1 12-inch pizza 1x
Description
This hot honey pepperoni pizza is everything: crispy edges, gooey cheese, and a sweet-heat drizzle that changes the game. Simple to make, bold in flavor—straight from Nonna’s oven.
Ingredients
1 ball pizza dough (homemade or store-bought)
1/2 cup crushed tomatoes
1 clove garlic, grated
1 tsp olive oil
1/2 tsp salt
1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
20 slices thick-cut pepperoni
2 tbsp honey
1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 475°F (or higher if your oven allows).
2. Stretch dough into a 10–12 inch round and place on pizza stone or sheet pan.
3. In a small bowl, mix crushed tomatoes, garlic, olive oil, and salt.
4. Spread sauce over dough, leaving a small border.
5. Sprinkle mozzarella evenly across the top.
6. Layer pepperoni slices without overlapping.
7. Bake for 10–12 minutes until crust is golden and cheese is bubbling.
8. While baking, gently warm honey with red pepper flakes.
9. Remove pizza from oven and drizzle hot honey over the top.
10. Let cool slightly, slice, and serve hot.
Notes
Let the dough rest at room temperature for 30 minutes before stretching.
For extra crisp, preheat a pizza stone.
Adjust chili flakes based on your heat preference.
Store leftover honey in a jar—it keeps for weeks!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Pizza
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (out of 8)
- Calories: 275
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 27g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 11g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: hot honey pepperoni pizza, spicy sweet pizza, homemade pizza, Nonna’s pizza
How to Make Hot Honey Pepperoni Pizza Step-by-Step
This isn’t just any pizza—it’s a layered bite of sweet, salty, spicy perfection. Here’s how to make hot honey pepperoni pizza from scratch, with Nonna-style love and just the right amount of kick:
Drizzle and Serve
As soon as the pizza comes out of the oven, drizzle that warm hot honey all over the top. Let it cool for a couple minutes, then slice and serve while it’s still melty and irresistible.
Preheat Your Oven
Crank it to 475°F (or as high as your oven goes). If you have a pizza stone, place it in the oven to preheat—it’ll give your crust that crispy, golden bottom.
Prepare the Dough
Let your dough sit at room temperature for at least 30 minutes. Then stretch it gently into a 10–12-inch circle. No rolling pins—just your hands.
Make the Sauce
In a small bowl, combine crushed tomatoes, a grated clove of garlic, a teaspoon of olive oil, and a pinch of salt. Stir and let it sit while you prep the rest.
Assemble the Pizza
Place your stretched dough on a pizza stone or baking sheet. Spoon the sauce over the dough, leaving about a ½-inch border. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella evenly, then lay the pepperoni slices flat so they don’t overlap (this helps them crisp up).
Bake It
Slide the pizza into the hot oven. Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbling and the crust is golden.
Make the Hot Honey
While the pizza bakes, warm the honey in a small saucepan over low heat. Stir in crushed red pepper flakes (adjust to your heat preference) and let it infuse for 5 minutes. Strain if you want it smooth, or keep the flakes in for more heat.
Drizzle and Serve
As soon as the pizza comes out of the oven, drizzle that warm hot honey all over the top. Let it cool for a couple minutes, then slice and serve while it’s still melty and irresistible.
Expert Tips for Success
Every great pizza has a few secrets behind it. Here are my tried-and-true tips to help you make hot honey pepperoni pizza that turns out perfect every time:
- Let the Dough Rest
Cold dough fights back. Let it come to room temperature for at least 30 minutes before stretching—it’ll be easier to handle and bake more evenly. - Use a Pizza Stone if You Can
A preheated pizza stone gives you that crisp, restaurant-style crust. No stone? Use an inverted baking sheet and heat it up with the oven. - Don’t Overdo the Sauce
A thin layer is plenty. Too much sauce can make the crust soggy and hide the flavor of the cheese and honey. - Space Out the Pepperoni
Give each slice room to breathe so the edges can curl and crisp. That’s where the flavor lives. - Warm the Honey Gently
Heat it just enough to thin it out and activate the chili flakes. If it bubbles, it can turn bitter—so keep it low and slow. - Drizzle While It’s Hot
The honey seeps into the cheese and crust when the pizza is fresh from the oven. That’s the moment you want.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Got leftovers? Here’s how to keep that sweet-heat magic going:
- Storing
Let the pizza cool completely, then store slices in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Place parchment paper between layers to avoid sticking. - Freezing
Wrap individual slices in foil or plastic wrap, then store in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat straight from frozen—no need to thaw. - Reheating
- Oven (Best): Preheat to 375°F. Place slices on a baking sheet and heat for 8–10 minutes until the crust is crisp and the cheese is bubbly again.
- Skillet: Heat a nonstick pan over medium. Add the slice, cover with a lid, and cook for 3–5 minutes. This keeps the bottom crispy and the top gooey.
- Microwave (Quickest): Use only if you’re in a hurry—it softens the crust. Place a damp paper towel over the slice and heat in 30-second intervals.
- Reapply Honey
Add a fresh drizzle of hot honey after reheating to bring the flavor back to life.
FAQs
What is the hot honey pepperoni pizza?
Hot honey pepperoni pizza is a classic pepperoni pie topped with a drizzle of warm, chili-infused honey. The honey brings a sweet kick that pairs beautifully with the salty, spicy pepperoni and gooey cheese. It’s simple to make at home and adds just enough heat to wake up the whole slice.
Is honey good with pepperoni pizza?
Besides pepperoni, we like to pair hot honey with spicy sausage, thin jalapeños, fresh basil, or a few dollops of ricotta. These toppings play off the sweet heat nicely. But even a simple cheese pizza gets a whole new life with a drizzle of hot honey right after baking.
Why is hot honey good on pizza?
Hot honey adds contrast. That bit of sweetness cuts through the richness of the cheese and pepperoni. The slight heat lifts the flavor without stealing the spotlight. It’s what makes hot honey pepperoni pizza stand out—it hits all the notes in one bite: salty, sweet, spicy, and comforting.
Conclusion
So, that’s our hot honey pepperoni pizza. A little sweet, a little heat, and a lot of hands reaching for the last slice. It’s not something I grew up making, but once we tried it, it became a part of our Sunday table like it had always belonged.
I’ve seen faces light up over this one. First bites followed by silence, a smile, and another slice. That’s how you know it’s good.
If you give it a try, make it your own. Don’t fuss too much. Use what you have. Bake it hot, serve it warm, and eat it with the people you love.
And if you share it, I’d love to see it. Tag us on Facebook or Pinterest—you’ll make this Nonna’s day.
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