How to Make Hot Honey Pizza in 3 Easy Steps

Tired of the same old pizza? Want something that balances the perfect mix of sweet and savory flavors? Hot honey pizza is your answer! This pizza is drizzled with a spicy, sweet honey sauce that perfectly complements your favorite toppings. The result? A crispy, chewy, flavor-packed slice that will leave you craving more.

As someone who’s worked in the bakery industry for years, I can tell you—this recipe is a game-changer for your bakery’s menu or your homemade pizza nights. In just three simple steps, you’ll master the art of making hot honey pizza from scratch. We’ll go through the ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and even some tips for making it even better!

Why This Hot Honey Pizza Works

• The perfect balance of sweet and savory: The hot honey sauce adds the perfect amount of heat and sweetness that pairs wonderfully with cheese and toppings.
• Simple and quick to make: With only a few steps, this pizza recipe is easy to prepare for both beginners and experienced bakers alike.
• Versatile toppings: Whether you prefer classic cheese, spicy pepperoni, or something more gourmet, hot honey pizza works with nearly any topping you desire.

Choosing the Right Ingredients for Hot Honey Pizza

For the best results, your ingredients should be fresh and high quality. Here’s how to choose the right ones:

Best Pizza Dough:

• Use fresh, store-bought dough, or make your own. A chewy, slightly crispy dough works best for this recipe.
• Consider using a sourdough pizza dough for extra flavor.

Hot Honey Sauce:

• You’ll need honey and chili flakes to create that signature hot honey sauce. For an even bolder flavor, you can add some hot sauce to the mix.

Cheese:

• The most commonly used cheese for hot honey pizza is mozzarella. Its mild flavor lets the hot honey shine, but feel free to experiment with provolone or even a blend of Italian cheeses for extra richness.

Ingredients & Prep

Pizza Dough Prep:

• If you’re using store-bought dough, let it rest at room temperature for at least 30 minutes before baking. This allows the dough to stretch more easily.
• If you’re making your dough, be sure to knead it until it’s smooth and let it rise for about an hour.

Hot Honey Sauce:

• Combine 1/2 cup honey with 1-2 teaspoons chili flakes (adjust to your spice preference). Stir until the honey is fully infused with the heat from the chili. Let it sit for a few minutes to develop the flavors.

Pantry Staples:

• Olive oil for greasing the dough, sea salt for seasoning, and any other pizza toppings you love (e.g., pepperoni, veggies, etc.).

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

1. Pre-Cooking Prep:

• Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C). Roll out your dough to your desired thickness and transfer it to a baking sheet or pizza stone.
• Brush the dough lightly with olive oil and sprinkle a pinch of sea salt.
• Bring the dough to room temperature before baking for the best texture.

2. Cooking Method:

• Bake the pizza dough for 10-12 minutes, or until the crust is golden and crispy. Add your cheese and toppings in the last few minutes of baking.
• For an extra crispy crust, you can broil the pizza for an additional 1-2 minutes after baking.

3. Doneness Check:

• Keep an eye on the cheese to ensure it’s melted and bubbly, and the crust is golden. The crust should be firm and slightly crispy.

4. Resting:

• Let the pizza rest for 2-3 minutes before slicing. This helps the cheese and hot honey sauce set, making it easier to slice.

Pro Tips for Perfect Hot Honey Pizza

• Avoid Overloading the Toppings: Less is more when it comes to hot honey pizza. Too many toppings can overpower the flavor balance.
• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh mozzarella and high-quality honey will make a significant difference in flavor.
• Storage & Reheating: Leftover pizza can be stored in the fridge for 1-2 days. Reheat it in the oven to preserve the crispiness.

Flavor Variations

• Spicy Twist: Add a dash of cayenne pepper or chipotle flakes to the hot honey for an extra kick.
• Keto-Friendly: Skip the traditional dough and use a cauliflower crust for a keto-friendly version of hot honey pizza.
• Global Flavors: Give your hot honey pizza an international flair with toppings like spicy Italian sausage or Korean barbecue chicken.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair your hot honey pizza with a fresh salad, such as arugula with lemon and parmesan, to balance the richness of the pizza.
• For a beverage, try pairing it with a crisp IPA or a fruity rosé to complement the sweet-spicy flavors.

Enjoy making this hot honey pizza and watch it become a crowd favorite! Whether you’re looking to add a new item to your bakery’s menu or trying a fresh dinner recipe, this pizza is sure to please.