Spicy Hot Honey Pizza

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Few things excite the taste buds quite like a slice of Spicy Hot Honey Pizza. It’s a bold twist on the classic pepperoni pie—crispy edges, gooey mozzarella, rich tomato sauce, and those irresistible pepperoni cups—but with a fiery-sweet drizzle of homemade hot honey that takes it to the next level. Each bite balances spicy, savory, and sweet flavors with surprising harmony, making it impossible to stop at just one slice.

Perfect for weeknight dinners, game days, or any time you crave a pizza that’s just a little different, this Spicy Hot Honey Pizza delivers restaurant-quality flavor with easy at-home steps. The secret lies in layering heat and sweetness carefully—crispy pepperoni, fresh mozzarella, and a finishing touch of chili-infused honey poured right after baking. A few fresh basil ribbons tossed on top? Chef’s kiss.

Why You’ll Love This Spicy Hot Honey Pizza

• It combines three intense flavors: spicy, sweet, and savory
• Simple ingredients, huge flavor payoff
• Customizable with other toppings like sausage or mushrooms
• The hot honey is addictive—you’ll want to drizzle it on everything
• Great for pizza nights, dinner parties, or special occasions

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Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

To get the best results with your Spicy Hot Honey Pizza, the right tools make a big difference:

• Pizza Stone or Steel: Ensures a crispy, well-cooked bottom crust by evenly distributing heat.
• Cast Iron Skillet (optional): Great alternative to a stone for deep crust texture and crispy edges.
• Rolling Pin or Your Hands: To shape your dough evenly without tearing it.
• Oven Thermometer: Confirms your oven is hitting the necessary high temperatures for a golden crust.
• Sharp Knife or Pizza Cutter: Essential for cleanly slicing through gooey cheese and crispy toppings.
• Small Saucepan: Used to make the spicy hot honey infusion.

Each of these tools helps recreate that artisan-style pizza texture and taste—crispy, chewy, melty, and full of flavor.

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Preparation Tips

Let your dough come to room temperature before working with it—cold dough is harder to stretch and more prone to tearing. Use a light dusting of flour or semolina on your surface to prevent sticking. Preheat your oven with the pizza stone or skillet inside for at least 30 minutes to ensure maximum heat. For the hot honey, don’t boil the honey; warm it gently with red pepper flakes to infuse flavor without burning. And once the pizza is out of the oven, drizzle the hot honey generously while it’s still warm so it soaks into the crispy edges and bubbling cheese.

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Ingredients for this Spicy Hot Honey Pizza

For the Pizza Dough:

• 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
• 1 1/2 cups warm water (110°F)
• 3 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt

For the Pizza Toppings:

• 3/4 cup pizza sauce (homemade or store-bought)
• 2 cups low-moisture mozzarella cheese, shredded or sliced
• 20-25 slices of spicy or regular pepperoni
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (for brushing crust)
• Fresh basil leaves, thinly sliced (for garnish)

For the Hot Honey:

• 1/3 cup honey
• 1 to 1.5 teaspoons red pepper flakes (adjust to heat preference)
• 1/2 teaspoon apple cider vinegar (optional for balance)

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Step 1: Make the Dough (or Use Store-Bought)

In a large mixing bowl, combine warm water and sugar, then stir in the yeast. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy. Add flour, olive oil, and salt, then mix until a dough forms. Knead for about 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Cover and let it rise in a warm spot for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until doubled in size. (Alternatively, use a high-quality store-bought dough.)

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Step 2: Prepare the Hot Honey

In a small saucepan over low heat, add the honey and red pepper flakes. Warm gently for about 5 minutes—don’t boil. Stir occasionally. Optional: Add a splash of apple cider vinegar for a tangy kick. Remove from heat and let it sit while you prepare the pizza.

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Step 3: Preheat the Oven

Place your pizza stone or cast iron skillet in the oven and preheat to 500°F (or as high as your oven allows) for at least 30 minutes. This step is essential for a crispy crust.

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Step 4: Shape the Dough

On a floured surface, divide the dough in half for two medium pizzas or keep it whole for one large pizza. Stretch or roll the dough into a round shape. Avoid using too much flour, and try not to overwork it. Transfer to a floured pizza peel, parchment paper, or lightly oiled cast iron skillet.

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Step 5: Assemble the Pizza

Spread an even layer of pizza sauce on the dough. Add slices or shreds of mozzarella, leaving a slight border for the crust. Layer with pepperoni slices so they slightly overlap—this helps them crisp into those signature cups. Brush the outer crust with olive oil.

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Step 6: Bake the Pizza

Carefully slide the pizza onto the preheated stone or place your skillet into the oven. Bake for 8–12 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbling and slightly browned.

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Step 7: Finish with Hot Honey & Basil

Once the pizza is out of the oven, immediately drizzle the hot honey over the top—especially around the crust and pepperoni cups. Top with freshly sliced basil. Let it cool for a minute or two, then slice and serve.

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Notes

The beauty of Spicy Hot Honey Pizza lies in the balance—don’t go overboard with the heat or the sweetness. Use quality pepperoni that crisps well, and avoid overly watery mozzarella to prevent a soggy center. If using fresh mozzarella, consider patting it dry with a paper towel. You can make the dough and hot honey ahead of time to streamline the process on pizza night. If you’re feeling creative, this pizza also plays well with extra toppings like pickled jalapeños, caramelized onions, or even crumbled goat cheese for a tangy punch.

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Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

• Skipping the preheat: A fully preheated oven and hot stone/skillet are crucial for proper crust texture.
• Overloading the toppings: Too many toppings can weigh down the crust and create sogginess.
• Using cold dough: It won’t stretch well and may bake unevenly.
• Boiling the honey: This changes its flavor and can ruin the hot honey’s smooth texture.
• Underbaking the pizza: The pepperoni should be sizzling and slightly crisp.

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Storage Instructions

Leftover Spicy Hot Honey Pizza can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, avoid the microwave—it makes the crust chewy. Instead, warm slices in a 375°F oven or toaster oven for 5–8 minutes until crisp. The hot honey can be stored in a jar at room temperature for up to 1 week, or refrigerated for longer shelf life. If it crystallizes, gently reheat.

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Estimated Nutrition (Per Slice – Based on 8 slices)

• Calories: 290
• Total Fat: 13g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Cholesterol: 25mg
• Sodium: 620mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 32g
• Dietary Fiber: 1g
• Sugars: 5g
• Protein: 11g

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Frequently Asked Questions

What makes hot honey different from regular honey?

Hot honey is infused with chili flakes, giving it a sweet-heat flavor that complements savory dishes like pizza.

Can I use store-bought pizza dough?

Absolutely. Store-bought dough is a great time-saver—just make sure to let it come to room temp before shaping.

What type of pepperoni works best?

Look for spicy, thick-cut pepperoni that curls up when baked, forming crispy little cups.

How spicy is the hot honey?

You can control the heat by adjusting the amount of red pepper flakes. Start with less if you’re spice-sensitive.

Can I use gluten-free dough?

Yes, gluten-free dough works with this recipe. Just be sure to follow the package instructions closely.

Should I put the hot honey on before or after baking?

Always after. Drizzling it post-bake preserves the honey’s texture and lets it soak into the toppings.

Can I make this pizza without a pizza stone?

Yes. A cast iron skillet or a heavy-duty baking sheet will still give you great results.

Is the hot honey reusable?

Yes, store leftover hot honey in a clean jar. It can be used for chicken, biscuits, roasted veggies, and more.

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Conclusion

Spicy Hot Honey Pizza is more than just a novelty—it’s a mouthwatering combination of bold flavors that delivers a truly memorable pizza night experience. The crisped pepperoni, gooey cheese, chewy crust, and sweet-heat drizzle come together in perfect harmony. Whether you’re making it from scratch or with shortcuts, this pizza deserves a regular spot in your rotation.

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