When I first tried hot honey on a homemade Spicy Honey pizza, it was like discovering a new world of flavors. The mix of spicy and sweet from the hot honey blends perfectly with savory toppings like sopressata and prosciutto, creating a bold and comforting taste. This combination reminds me of the Garlic Honey Crispy Chicken I love, where the sweet and spicy flavor combinations are simply unbeatable.

Hot Honey's Moment

Hot honey has become a staple in my kitchen. Its moment on the shelf led me to always keep a bottle in my pantry. I especially enjoy using it on a charcuterie board where it complements cured meats and cheeses so well. This made me think, why not use it on pizza? The result was amazing, with hot honey bringing a unique heat to our pizza night.

Why l Love This Recipe

If you're a fan of hot honey, this pizza is a must-try! It's packed with deliciousness and complementary flavors, making it a hit for kids and adults alike. This recipe is incredibly easy to customize to your own tastes by omitting or adding ingredients. It's perfect for serving on a Friday night or a busy weeknight.

The spicy honey adds a unique kick, making it an ideal game day snack. If someone in your household isn't into spicy food, you can let people add the spicy honey to their individual pieces instead of drizzling it on top.

Ingredients:

For the Dough:

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ¾ teaspoon active dry yeast
• ½ cup warm water (110°F)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

For the Sauce:

• ½ cup tomato sauce
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Toppings:

• 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 jalapeño, thinly sliced
• ¼ cup thinly sliced red onion
• ¼ cup pepperoni slices (optional)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

For the Hot Honey:

• ¼ cup honey
• 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes

Method:

Prepare the Dough:

• In a small bowl, combine warm water and yeast. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes frothy.
• In a large bowl, mix flour and salt. Make a well in the center and pour in the yeast mixture and olive oil.
• Mix until a dough forms. Knead on a floured surface for about 5-7 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic.
• Place the dough in an oiled bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for 1-2 hours or until doubled in size.

Prepare the Sauce:

• In a small bowl, combine tomato sauce, minced garlic, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Mix well and set aside.

Prepare the Hot Honey:

• In a small saucepan, combine honey and crushed red pepper flakes. Heat over low heat for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat and set aside to cool.

Assemble the Pizza:

• Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C) and place a pizza stone or an inverted baking sheet inside to heat.
• Punch down the risen dough and transfer it to a floured surface. Roll it out into an 8-inch circle.
• Transfer the dough to a piece of parchment paper for easy handling.
• Spread the prepared sauce evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges.
• Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the sauce.
• Distribute the sliced jalapeños, red onions, and pepperoni (if using) evenly over the cheese.
• Drizzle the olive oil over the toppings.

Bake the Pizza:

• Carefully transfer the pizza (along with the parchment paper) to the preheated pizza stone or baking sheet.
• Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly and slightly browned.

Finish

• Remove the pizza from the oven and drizzle the hot honey over the top.

Additional Info About Spicy Honey Pizza

Here is some additional information that you may have to know about Spicy Honey Pizza.

Health Benefits

1. Rich in Antioxidants: The tomato sauce and garlic are rich in antioxidants, which help protect the body from damage by free radicals and reduce the risk of chronic diseases.
2. Source of Protein: Mozzarella cheese provides a good source of protein, which is essential for muscle repair and growth.
3. Boosts Metabolism: The capsaicin in jalapeños can boost metabolism and help in burning calories more efficiently.
4. Anti-Inflammatory Properties: The honey and red pepper flakes combination provides anti-inflammatory benefits, which can help reduce inflammation and promote overall health.
5. Heart Health: Olive oil contains healthy fats that can improve heart health by lowering bad cholesterol levels and increasing good cholesterol.

Notes:

• Spice Level: Adjust the amount of jalapeño and red pepper flakes to control the spice level.
• Customization: Add or substitute toppings as desired, such as mushrooms, bell peppers, or sausage.

Equipment:

• Bowl
• Floured surface
• Damp cloth
• Small saucepan
• Rolling pin
• Parchment paper
• Pizza stone or inverted baking sheet

Nutrition Information (Per Slice)

• Calories: 280
• Total Fat: 9g
  • Saturated Fat: 3.5g
• Cholesterol: 20mg
• Sodium: 580mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 35g
  • Dietary Fiber: 2g
  • Sugars: 7g
• Protein: 12g

Serving Suggestions

When making Spicy Honey Pizza, start by preparing the perfect dough. Dissolve 1 package of yeast in 1 ½ cups of warm water in a large bowl. Add 2 Tbsp of extra-virgin olive oil, 1 Tbsp of salt, and 3 ½ cups of flour. Mix with a wooden spoon until a ball forms. Knead the mixture a few times on a floured surface, then place it back in the bowl. Cover with a kitchen towel and let it rest in a warm spot for a couple of hours.

Once the dough has risen, stir it a few times to omit any air bubbles. Roll out the dough, top it with cheese and bake. For an extra kick, drizzle hot honey on the finished pizza.

Hot honey drizzle not only enhances pizza but also complements many dishes. Use it on homemade hot honey pizza, ham, or sausage biscuits. It's perfect as a glaze for Christmas ham or pork tenderloin, and as a topping for chicken and waffles. For a Southern twist, drizzle it on black-eyed peas and turnip greens. To complete your meal, serve with honey glazed chicken tenders. I'm excited for you to try this recipe. Once you get the chance to make it, please let me know how it turns out.

Storage

To enjoy Spicy Honey Pizza at its best, it's ideal to eat it the same day it comes out of the oven to savor all the delicious toppings and flavors. Be careful not to burn your mouth! If you have leftover slices, you can wrap them in foil or plastic wrap and store them in the fridge for about 3-4 days.

To reheat day-old or cold pizza, use a dry skillet over medium heat, or place it on a foil-lined baking sheet in the oven at 350F for 10-15 minutes until the cheese is nicely melted. Keep an eye on it, as the honey in the pizza has sugar and can easily burn if overheated.

Ultimate Stuffed Crust Pizza with Hot Honey

For this homemade stuffed crust pizza, I topped it with pepperoni, hot peppers, shredded mozzarella, and tangy goat cheese crumbles, finishing with a homemade drizzle of hot honey. The spicy soppressata and drizzled hot honey created a delightful balance of sweet, salty, and spicy that excited our taste buds.

With a homemade crust and sauce made from scratch, plus shredded Cabot Vermont Sharp Cheddar and 3 Year Cheddar, shallots, fresh basil, and more shredded Cabot Cheddar, this family meal became an instant favorite.

Additional Notes

When making Spicy Honey Pizza, using store-bought pizza dough is not ideal because it contains a lot of yeast, which makes it difficult to achieve a thin and crispy crust. If you must use store-bought dough, divide it into half or thirds when you get home, pre-shape it into balls, and let it rise in the fridge or at room temperature if you plan to use it immediately or within an hour.

Recipe Tips

Spread the sauce quickly and add your toppings to get the pizza in the oven as soon as possible. If the pizza sits on the peel for too long, the moisture and weight from the toppings will make it more likely to stick. For best results, if you’re using a pizza peel without parchment paper, give the assembled pizza a few good shimmies to ensure the dough isn’t stuck. If it is stuck, gently pick up the edge and dust some semolina flour under it. This will help prevent sticking and make it easier to slide the pizza into the oven.

Is hot honey good on pizza?

Is hot honey good on pizza? Absolutely! A spicy soppressata pizza drizzled with hot honey creates a unique blend of sweet, spicy, and salty flavors. The honey enhances the overall taste, making each bite exciting. This combination will excite your taste buds. Try it, and you might crave the sweet and spicy mix on your next pizza night.

What does honey do for pizza?

Adding honey to pizza enhances flavors, balancing savory and spicy notes, creating a harmonious blend and adding a sophisticated layer over spicy toppings.

What is spicy honey used for?

Spicy honey pizza is a delicious fusion that adds heat and sweetness to pizza. A drizzle of this honey on bubbling, baked pizza creates a mouthwatering experience. Hot honey also enhances a charcuterie board, cheese, brie, ice cream, brownies, cheesecakes, and even salad dressing.