The perfect sweet-spicy pizza that serves 4 people with minimal effort!
Key Takeaways:
- Ready in just 35 minutes from start to finish
- Perfect balance of sweet honey, spicy chili, and salty prosciutto
- No fancy equipment needed – just a regular oven and baking sheet
- Makes 8 slices – perfect for sharing
Why This Hot Honey Pizza With Prosciutto And Ricotta Will Change Your Dinner Game
Ever stared into your fridge wondering how to turn basic ingredients into something spectacular? That’s where this Hot Honey Pizza With Prosciutto And Ricotta recipe comes in. It combines the sweet heat of chili-infused honey with paper-thin prosciutto and dollops of creamy ricotta for a pizza that tastes like it came from your favorite Italian restaurant.
I discovered this combination last summer and haven’t stopped making it since. The contrast between the spicy honey, salty prosciutto, and cool, creamy ricotta creates magic in every bite. Best of all? It takes just 35 minutes from start to finish.
If you’re looking to expand your pizza-making skills, you might also enjoy my roasted garlic pesto pizza for a completely different flavor profile!
Nutrition Information for Hot Honey Pizza With Prosciutto And Ricotta
| Nutrient | Amount per Slice | % Daily Value |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 320 | 16% |
| Total Fat | 14g | 18% |
| Saturated Fat | 6g | 30% |
| Cholesterol | 35mg | 12% |
| Sodium | 950mg | 41% |
| Total Carbohydrate | 36g | 13% |
| Dietary Fiber | 2g | 7% |
| Total Sugars | 8g | – |
| Protein | 15g | 30% |
Based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Serving size: 1 slice (1/8 of pizza)
Ingredients for Your Hot Honey Pizza With Prosciutto And Ricotta
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Pizza dough | 1 pound (16 oz) | Room temperature |
| Marinara sauce | 1 cup | Store-bought or homemade |
| Mozzarella cheese | 2 cups | Shredded |
| Prosciutto | 8 ounces | Thinly sliced |
| Ricotta cheese | 1 cup | Whole milk recommended |
| Honey | 1/4 cup | Pure honey works best |
| Red pepper flakes | 1 teaspoon | Adjust to taste |
| Olive oil | 2 tablespoons | Extra virgin |
| Salt | To taste | For honey mixture |
| Fresh basil | 8-10 leaves | For garnish |
Equipment List for Perfect Hot Honey Pizza
| Tool | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Pizza pan or baking sheet | For baking the pizza |
| Rolling pin (optional) | For stretching dough |
| Large cutting board | Prep surface |
| Pizza cutter | For slicing |
| Small microwave-safe bowl | For hot honey |
| Measuring spoons & cups | For precise amounts |
| Pastry brush | For applying olive oil |
| Oven mitts | Safety first! |
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 4 people (8 slices)
Step-by-Step Instructions for Hot Honey Pizza With Prosciutto And Ricotta
Preparation Phase (15-20 minutes)
- Plan ahead for dough:
- Remove pizza dough from refrigerator 30 minutes before starting
- Place in a lightly oiled bowl
- Cover with a clean kitchen towel
- Why this matters: Cold dough is stiff and difficult to stretch
- How to check: Dough should feel room temperature and soft to touch
- Preheat your oven properly:
- Set oven to 450°F (232°C)
- Position rack in middle of oven
- Allow at least 15-20 minutes for full preheating
- Beginner tip: Use an oven thermometer to verify temperature
- Common mistake: Many ovens don’t reach correct temperature when they beep
- Organize your workspace systematically:
- Clear and wipe down a large counter space
- Lay out all ingredients in order of use
- Measure everything before you begin
- Line your baking sheet with parchment paper
- Visual guide: Ingredients on left, tools on right
- Beginner tip: Take a photo of organized ingredients to reference next time
Making the Hot Honey (5 minutes)
- Combine ingredients precisely:
- Use measuring tools, not estimation
- Pour exactly 1/4 cup honey into microwave-safe bowl
- Add exactly 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (1/2 teaspoon for milder heat)
- Add a small pinch of salt (about 1/8 teaspoon)
- Why this matters: Proper ratio ensures balanced flavor
- Heat and steep correctly:
- Microwave for 30 seconds on medium power (not high)
- Remove and stir thoroughly with a clean spoon
- Let sit undisturbed while preparing pizza
- How to check: Honey should be runny but not bubbling
- Beginner tip: If too thick to drizzle, add 5 more seconds in microwave
Assembling Your Hot Honey Pizza With Prosciutto And Ricotta (10 minutes)
- Prepare the dough surface:
- Sprinkle 2 tablespoons of flour evenly on a clean work surface
- Sprinkle a little flour on your hands to prevent sticking
- Place dough in center of floured surface
- Press down very gently with all fingertips to form an 8-inch disk
- Visual cue: Dough should flatten without tearing
- Beginner tip: If dough feels too sticky, dust with more flour
- Shape the dough patiently:
- Using fingertips, press dough outward from center in small increments
- Move in a circular pattern around the disk
- Leave a 1/2-inch border slightly thicker for the crust
- Lift dough occasionally and drape over backs of hands
- Gently rotate and stretch, letting gravity help
- Aim for a 14-16 inch circle about 1/4 inch thick
- Common problem: If dough tears, pinch it back together
- Beginner tip: If dough springs back persistently, cover with towel and let rest 5 minutes
- Transfer to baking sheet carefully:
- Lightly oil your baking sheet with 1/2 tablespoon olive oil
- Spread oil evenly with pastry brush or paper towel
- Fold dough in half gently, then in quarters for easy transfer
- Place folded edge in center of pan
- Carefully unfold to cover the pan
- Adjust shape with fingertips if needed
- Visual check: Dough should reach edges of pan without hanging over
- Beginner tip: If dough shrinks back, let it rest 2 minutes and try again
- Add base layers methodically:
- Brush entire surface with remaining 1.5 tablespoons olive oil
- Use long, even strokes with pastry brush
- Spoon marinara sauce onto center (exactly 1 cup)
- Use back of spoon to spread in spiral motion
- Leave precise 1/2-inch border completely sauce-free
- Measure and sprinkle 2 cups mozzarella evenly over sauce
- Visual check: Sauce should be completely covered with cheese
- Important reminder: Don’t add prosciutto or ricotta yet – they go on after baking!
Looking for more creative pizza ideas? Check out my purple eggplant pizza for a colorful twist on a classic dish!
Baking Your Hot Honey Pizza (12-15 minutes)
- Transfer to oven safely:
- Put on oven mitts
- Open oven door completely
- Hold pan with both hands
- Place pizza on middle rack
- Close oven quickly but gently
- Safety reminder: Be careful of hot oven surfaces
- Beginner tip: If using parchment, make sure no paper hangs over pan edges
- Monitor baking process:
- Set timer for exactly 12 minutes
- Turn on oven light if available
- Observe through window rather than opening door
- Write down exact baking time for future reference
- Visual progression:
- 5 minutes: Dough begins to rise
- 8 minutes: Cheese starts melting
- 10 minutes: Edges begin browning
- 12 minutes: Check for doneness
- Beginner warning: Oven temperatures vary, so watch carefully first time
- Check for proper doneness:
- At 12 minutes, open oven briefly
- Look for these exact signs:
- Crust edge is golden brown, not pale or dark brown
- Cheese is completely melted with some golden spots
- Bottom is crisp when lifted with spatula
- Add exactly 2-3 more minutes if needed
- Temperature test: Use food thermometer to check center reaches 165°F
- Beginner tip: Take a photo of your perfectly done pizza as reference for next time
Finishing Your Hot Honey Pizza With Prosciutto And Ricotta (5 minutes)
- Remove and position pizza correctly:
- Put on oven mitts
- Pull rack out slightly
- Lift pizza pan with both hands
- Place on heat-safe surface
- Keep mitts on while adding toppings
- Safety reminder: Pan and pizza are extremely hot
- Beginner tip: Clear space beforehand for hot pan
- Add final toppings with precision:
- Wait exactly 1 minute for surface to set
- Tear prosciutto into 2-inch pieces (all 8 ounces)
- Arrange pieces evenly across surface, slightly overlapping
- Use measuring spoon to drop 8-10 tablespoon-sized dollops of ricotta
- Space ricotta evenly around pizza
- Visual check: Every slice should get both prosciutto and ricotta
- Beginner tip: If ricotta is too firm, stir it briefly before dolloping
- Apply the hot honey correctly:
- Stir honey mixture one last time
- Use a clean spoon to drizzle in a zigzag pattern
- Start with half the mixture, taste, then add more if desired
- Ensure some honey touches each slice
- Control technique: Hold spoon 6 inches above pizza
- Beginner warning: Hot honey intensifies over time, so start conservatively
- Garnish and serve properly:
- Tear fresh basil leaves into small pieces
- Sprinkle evenly over the finished pizza
- Let pizza rest exactly 2 minutes before cutting
- Use sharp pizza cutter or large chef’s knife
- Cut into 8 equal slices with firm, decisive strokes
- Serve immediately on warmed plates
- Presentation tip: Drizzle extra hot honey on serving plates as decoration
- Temperature note: Hot Honey Pizza With Prosciutto And Ricotta is best enjoyed when still warm, not piping hot
If you love making homemade pizza, be sure to explore my collection of creative pizza recipes for more inspiration!
Troubleshooting Your Hot Honey Pizza With Prosciutto And Ricotta
- Problem: Dough too sticky to handle
- Solution: Add more flour to your work surface and hands, one tablespoon at a time.
- Prevention: Let refrigerated dough come fully to room temperature before handling.
- Problem: Crust not getting crispy
- Solution: Try these fixes:
- Brush more olive oil on the crust edges
- Preheat oven longer next time (30+ minutes)
- Use a lower oven rack position
- Prevention: Use a pizza stone if available, preheated for 45 minutes.
- Solution: Try these fixes:
- Problem: Toppings sliding off when cutting
- Solution: Let pizza cool 3-5 minutes before slicing.
- Prevention: Don’t overload with sauce; ensure cheese creates a “glue” layer.
- Problem: Hot honey crystallized
- Solution: Gently reheat in microwave for 10-second intervals, stirring between each.
- Prevention: Store honey at room temperature, not refrigerated.
- Problem: Cheese browning too quickly before crust is done
- Solution: Lower oven temperature to 425°F and extend baking time by 3-4 minutes.
- Prevention: Position rack slightly lower in oven next time.
Variations & Substitutions for Hot Honey Pizza
- Make it vegetarian:
- Skip the prosciutto
- Add sliced mushrooms or artichoke hearts
- Try roasted red peppers for color and flavor
- Consider caramelized onions for sweetness
- Change the cheese profile:
- Replace ricotta with:
- Goat cheese for tangier flavor
- Burrata for extra creaminess
- Dairy-free alternatives for those with restrictions
- Blend cheeses for more complex flavor
- Replace ricotta with:
- Dough alternatives for dietary needs:
- Whole wheat dough for extra fiber and nutty taste
- Cauliflower crust for gluten-free option (bake 5 minutes longer)
- Pre-baked flatbread for ultra-quick assembly (reduce baking time by half)
- Cornmeal crust for unique texture and flavor
- Spice level adjustments for all preferences:
- Mild: Reduce red pepper flakes to 1/4 teaspoon
- Medium: Use 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- Extra spicy: Add thin slices of fresh jalapeño under the cheese
- Sweet-focused: Mix honey with just a pinch of chili
Storage & Reheating Tips for Hot Honey Pizza With Prosciutto And Ricotta
- Proper refrigeration techniques:
- Allow pizza to cool completely before storing
- Place slices in airtight container with parchment between layers
- Refrigerate for up to 3 days
- Label container with date
- Don’t stack heavy items on top of pizza container
- Best reheating methods for optimal texture:
- Oven method (preferred): 350°F for 5-7 minutes on baking sheet
- Skillet method: Medium-low heat with lid for 3-4 minutes
- Toaster oven: 325°F for 3-4 minutes
- Avoid microwaving! It makes the crust soggy and toughens the prosciutto
- After reheating: Add fresh drizzle of room-temperature hot honey
- Make-ahead preparation tips:
- Prepare hot honey up to 2 weeks in advance
- Store in sealed container at room temperature
- Pre-measure cheese and store in refrigerator
- Pre-cook basic pizza crust 3/4 of the way, then freeze for quick meals later
Safety Notes & Tips for Hot Honey Pizza Success
- Temperature safety guidelines:
- Pizza is properly cooked when internal temperature reaches 165°F
- Let hot honey cool for 1 minute before tasting
- Allow pizza to cool for 2 minutes before serving to prevent mouth burns
- Handle hot pans with proper protection
- Kitchen safety precautions:
- Use proper oven mitts, not towels that can catch fire
- Keep pot handles turned inward on stovetop
- Keep children at safe distance from hot oven and surfaces
- Have a fire extinguisher accessible
- Supervise younger cooks closely when using oven
- Dietary considerations to be aware of:
- Contains gluten (in standard pizza dough)
- Contains dairy (mozzarella and ricotta)
- Contains pork (prosciutto)
- Not suitable for vegetarians unless modified
- High in sodium due to prosciutto and cheese
- Common allergens present: Wheat, dairy
The key to mastering this Hot Honey Pizza With Prosciutto And Ricotta is patience and attention to detail. The combination of flavors is worth the extra care, and once you’ve made it, you’ll understand why it’s become such a favorite in my household!
