Spicy Hot Honey Pizza

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This Spicy Hot Honey Pizza brings together the comfort of crispy, golden crust with the bold flavors of spicy pepperoni and sweet, sticky hot honey. A drizzle of homemade hot honey caramelizes over bubbling mozzarella, while fresh basil adds that perfect burst of herbal brightness. It’s the kind of pizza that keeps your hands reaching for just one more slice.

If you’re looking for something excitingly different to spice up your next pizza night, this one absolutely delivers. The balance of heat and sweetness is addicting, and the slight crisp from the pepperoni edges mingling with gooey cheese creates a bite that’s full of textures. Whether you’re cooking for friends or just want to jazz up your Friday night, this recipe will make you look like a gourmet pizza genius.

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What Kind of Crust Should I Use?

For the best results, use a pre-made or homemade pizza dough that crisps well under high heat. A Neapolitan-style dough or even a cast iron skillet pan pizza crust works wonderfully. You want a crust that can handle the weight of melted cheese and sticky honey without becoming soggy. A golden, slightly chewy base with a good crunch is ideal.

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Ingredients for the Spicy Hot Honey Pizza

Pizza Dough: This is the foundation, so make sure it’s something you love. Homemade or store-bought works, just ensure it bakes up crispy and golden.

Mozzarella Cheese: Use fresh mozzarella for that gooey, stretchy melt and creamy flavor that balances the heat.

Pepperoni: The bold, smoky spice of pepperoni is a classic for a reason. Thin slices crisp up beautifully and add that savory punch.

Hot Honey: A simple blend of honey and red pepper flakes (or a store-bought version) adds the spicy-sweet signature of this pizza. Drizzle it both before and after baking for maximum flavor.

Fresh Basil: Sliced basil leaves scattered over the top after baking give the perfect fresh contrast to the rich, spicy-sweet toppings.

Olive Oil & Cornmeal (optional): Use these to coat your pan or baking sheet for extra crispy crust and easy release.

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How To Make the Spicy Hot Honey Pizza

Step 1: Prepare Your Dough Base

Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C). If you’re using a pizza stone, place it in the oven while it heats. Roll out your pizza dough on a lightly floured surface to your desired thickness. For extra crispiness, sprinkle a bit of cornmeal onto your baking sheet or pizza peel before laying down the dough.

Step 2: Add the Cheese

Slice fresh mozzarella and distribute it evenly across the dough, leaving a 1-inch border around the edges for the crust. Don’t overload it—you want enough to get a nice melt without overwhelming the base.

Step 3: Layer the Pepperoni

Add a generous amount of pepperoni slices over the cheese. You want the edges to curl and crisp as the pizza bakes, creating those flavorful little pepperoni cups.

Step 4: Drizzle with Hot Honey

Before baking, lightly drizzle your hot honey over the top. This will caramelize during the bake, infusing the toppings with sweet heat. Don’t overdo it now—you’ll add more later.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Transfer the pizza to the oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly with brown spots. If you’re using a pizza stone, the bake might be even faster.

Step 6: Finish with More Honey and Basil

Remove the pizza from the oven and immediately drizzle with more hot honey to taste. Sprinkle freshly sliced basil leaves over the top for a final burst of flavor and color.

Let it cool for a couple of minutes before slicing. Serve hot and enjoy every spicy, sweet, and savory bite.

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Best Ways to Serve and Store Your Spicy Hot Honey Pizza

Serve your Spicy Hot Honey Pizza fresh out of the oven while the cheese is melty, the crust is golden, and the honey glaze is still warm. It pairs beautifully with a simple arugula salad, chilled soda, or a cold beer to cut the spice.

If you’re planning for leftovers (a rare thing with this pizza!), allow the slices to cool completely before storing. Wrap them in foil or store in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. To reheat, use a skillet over medium heat or an oven at 375°F to get that crispiness back—microwaving will soften the crust too much.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is hot honey and where can I find it?

Hot honey is simply honey infused with chili flakes or peppers. You can make it at home by heating honey with red pepper flakes or buy brands like Mike’s Hot Honey in most grocery stores.

Can I make this pizza vegetarian?

Absolutely! Swap out the pepperoni for spicy roasted veggies like jalapeños, red onions, or even spiced chickpeas for a meatless option.

Do I have to use fresh mozzarella?

Fresh mozzarella gives the best melt and texture, but if you’re in a pinch, shredded mozzarella will work fine. Just try to avoid pre-shredded blends that have anti-caking agents—they don’t melt as well.

Can I prep this pizza in advance?

You can prep the dough and slice toppings in advance, but it’s best to assemble just before baking to keep the crust from getting soggy.

What’s the best way to drizzle honey evenly?

Use a spoon or a squeeze bottle for better control. If your honey is thick, warm it slightly to make drizzling easier.

Can I freeze leftover slices?

Yes! Wrap each slice individually in foil and freeze. Reheat in a 375°F oven straight from frozen until warmed through and crisped.

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Want More Pizza Ideas with a Flavor Twist?

If this Spicy Hot Honey Pizza hit the spot, here are more crave-worthy pizza-inspired creations from Life with Jam that you’ll love too:

• Cinnamon Sugar Pizza when you’re in the mood for dessert meets comfort food.
• Cheesy Baked Tortellini with Meat Sauce for a pasta-pizza hybrid that’s cozy and satisfying.
• Easy Cauliflower Pizza Crust if you’re looking for a gluten-free crust alternative with serious crunch.
• French Onion Chicken Bake for the same melty, savory appeal in casserole form.
• Cheesy Taco Cupcakes if you’re craving a spicy, handheld bite full of bold flavor.

These dishes carry the same love for gooey cheese, bold seasoning, and comforting textures—perfect if you want to keep the fun going.

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📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so it’s easy to find the next time a pizza craving hits: Life with Jam on Pinterest.

Tried this Spicy Hot Honey Pizza? Let me know how it turned out in the comments! Did you use store-bought hot honey or whip up your own? Add extra chili flakes for more heat? Your tips help others get it just right too.

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