Perfect for 4 people, this pizza combines sweet heat with savory prosciutto and creamy ricotta for a restaurant-quality experience at home.
Key Takeaways:
- Ready in under 45 minutes
- No pizza stone needed – works great in a regular oven
- Made with easy-to-find ingredients
- Perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and salty flavors
Why You’ll Love This Pizza
Looking for a pizza that’s beyond the usual pepperoni? This Hot Honey Pizza with Prosciutto and Ricotta brings together crispy crust, melty mozzarella, paper-thin prosciutto, and dollops of creamy ricotta. The secret weapon? A drizzle of spicy honey that transforms each bite into pure magic.
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 4 people
Equipment Needed
- Pizza pan or baking sheet
- Rolling pin
- Large cutting board
- Pizza cutter
- Small bowls for ingredients
- Pastry brush for olive oil
- Measuring spoons
- Kitchen thermometer (optional)
Ingredients
For the Pizza Base:
- 1 pound store-bought pizza dough, room temperature
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 8 ounces prosciutto
- 1 cup whole milk ricotta
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish
For the Hot Honey:
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- Pinch of salt
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparation Phase (30 minutes before cooking)
- Remove dough from refrigerator:
- Take pizza dough out 30 minutes before starting
- Place on counter in a lightly oiled bowl
- Cover with a clean kitchen towel
- This makes the dough easier to stretch
- Set up your workspace:
- Clear and clean a large counter space
- Lay out all ingredients so they’re ready
- Line your pizza pan with parchment paper (optional but helpful)
- Get your tools within reach
- Preheat the oven:
- Position rack in middle of oven
- Set temperature to 450°F (232°C)
- Allow at least 20 minutes for proper preheating
- Tip: Use an oven thermometer for accuracy
Making the Hot Honey (5 minutes)
- Measure ingredients:
- Pour 1/4 cup honey into a microwave-safe bowl
- Add 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- Tip: Use measuring spoons, not regular spoons
- Heat and steep:
- Microwave for 30 seconds
- Stir gently with a spoon
- Let sit while preparing pizza
- The longer it steeps, the spicier it gets
- Add pinch of salt and stir again
Pizza Assembly (15 minutes)
- Prepare the dough:
- Sprinkle flour on your clean counter
- Take dough out of bowl
- Press dough into a rough circle with your fingers
- If it springs back, let rest 5 minutes and try again
- Shape the dough (beginner method):
- Start from center, press outward with fingertips
- Leave a slightly thicker border for crust
- Lift dough and gently stretch using back of your hands
- Aim for 16-inch circle
- Don’t worry if it’s not perfectly round!
- Tip: If dough tears, pinch it back together
- Transfer to pan:
- Lift dough using back of your hands
- Lay it carefully on prepared pan
- Adjust shape if needed
- Push dough to edges of pan
- Add base ingredients:
- Brush entire surface with olive oil using pastry brush
- Spread 1 cup marinara sauce in spiral motion
- Leave 1/2-inch border for crust
- Sprinkle 2 cups mozzarella evenly
- Tip: Don’t add prosciutto or ricotta yet!
Baking Instructions (15 minutes)
- Transfer to oven:
- Open oven carefully
- Slide pan onto middle rack
- Close oven quickly to maintain temperature
- Baking process:
- Set timer for 12 minutes
- Check at 12 minutes through oven window
- Look for:
- Golden brown crust
- Melted, bubbly cheese
- Light browning on top
- Add 2-3 minutes if needed
- Tip: If top browns too quickly, cover with foil
Finishing Touches (5 minutes)
- Remove from oven:
- Use oven mitts
- Place on heat-safe surface
- Keep oven mitts on while adding toppings
- Add final toppings:
- Tear prosciutto into pieces
- Arrange immediately on hot pizza
- Drop spoonfuls of ricotta (about 1 tablespoon each)
- Drizzle with hot honey (start with less, add more to taste)
- Tear fresh basil leaves and sprinkle over top
- Final steps:
- Let pizza rest 2 minutes
- Cut into 8 slices with pizza cutter
- Serve immediately while hot
First-Time Tips:
- Read entire recipe before starting
- Watch pizza closely during last 5 minutes of baking
- Don’t rush the dough-stretching process
- If dough feels too sticky, dust hands with flour
- Keep a spare kitchen towel handy for spills
- Take photos of your first attempt!
Troubleshooting Tips
- Dough too sticky? Add flour gradually while kneading
- Crust not browning? Brush with additional olive oil
- Cheese browning too fast? Lower oven temperature by 25°F
- Hot honey too spicy? Cut red pepper flakes in half
Variations & Substitutions
- Vegetarian version: Skip prosciutto, add roasted red peppers
- Gluten-free option: Use cauliflower crust
- Cheese alternatives: Try burrata instead of ricotta
- Spice alternatives: Use calabrian chilies in honey
Storage & Reheating
- Store leftovers in airtight container for up to 3 days
- Reheat in 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes
- Avoid microwave (makes crust soggy)
- Add fresh hot honey after reheating
Safety Notes & Tips
- Always check internal temperature reaches 165°F
- Let hot honey cool slightly before drizzling
- Handle hot pan with oven mitts
- Keep children away from hot oven
- Watch for hot oil splatter
Remember: The key to perfect pizza is preheating your oven thoroughly and working with room-temperature dough. Don’t rush the process – good pizza takes time!
