I make this Easy Sausage Ricotta Honey Hot Pizza when I’m craving bold flavors with the perfect balance of savory, creamy, sweet, and spicy. Crispy crust, flavorful sausage, dollops of ricotta, melted cheese, and a drizzle of hot honey come together for a pizza that feels gourmet yet simple to prepare at home.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I love how this pizza hits every flavor note in one bite. The savory sausage pairs beautifully with creamy ricotta, while the hot honey adds just the right touch of sweetness and heat. I also appreciate how quickly it comes together, especially when I use store-bought dough. It’s perfect for pizza night, casual gatherings, or whenever I want something indulgent but easy.
Ingredients
(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
pizza dough
Italian sausage, casing removed
ricotta cheese
mozzarella cheese, shredded
parmesan cheese, grated
olive oil
garlic, minced
red pepper flakes
hot honey
salt
black pepper
fresh basil (optional)
Directions
I start by preheating the oven to 475°F (245°C). If I have a pizza stone, I place it in the oven while it heats.
In a skillet over medium heat, I cook the Italian sausage, breaking it apart as it browns. Once fully cooked, I set it aside to cool slightly.
I roll out the pizza dough on a lightly floured surface into my desired shape and transfer it to a parchment-lined baking sheet or pizza peel.
I brush the dough lightly with olive oil and sprinkle a bit of minced garlic over the surface. I spread shredded mozzarella evenly, then add cooked sausage pieces across the top.
I place small dollops of ricotta around the pizza and sprinkle grated parmesan over everything. I season lightly with salt, black pepper, and a pinch of red pepper flakes.
I bake for about 10–14 minutes, until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly and slightly browned.
Once out of the oven, I drizzle hot honey generously over the top and add fresh basil if I’m using it. I slice and serve immediately.
Servings and timing
I usually get 4 servings from one large pizza.
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 15 minutes
Total time: 30 minutes
Variations
I sometimes add caramelized onions for extra sweetness. When I want more heat, I increase the red pepper flakes or use spicy sausage. I also enjoy adding arugula on top after baking for a fresh, peppery finish. For a lighter version, I use part-skim ricotta and mozzarella.
storage/reheating
I store leftover slices in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, I place slices in a 375°F (190°C) oven for about 8–10 minutes to keep the crust crisp. I avoid microwaving when possible, as it softens the crust.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought pizza dough?
Yes, I often use store-bought dough for convenience, and it works perfectly.
What is hot honey?
Hot honey is honey infused with chili peppers, giving it a sweet and spicy flavor that pairs beautifully with savory dishes.
Can I make this pizza less spicy?
I reduce or skip the red pepper flakes and use regular honey instead of hot honey.
Can I grill this pizza instead of baking it?
Yes, I sometimes cook it on a grill over medium heat, watching carefully to avoid burning.
What cheese works best besides mozzarella?
I enjoy adding provolone or fontina for extra melt and flavor.
Conclusion
I keep coming back to this Easy Sausage Ricotta Honey Hot Pizza because it delivers bold, balanced flavors with minimal effort. The combination of savory sausage, creamy ricotta, and spicy-sweet honey makes every slice irresistible at my table.
Print
Easy Sausage Ricotta Honey Hot Pizza
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Halal
Description
A bold and flavorful pizza topped with savory Italian sausage, creamy ricotta, melted mozzarella, and a drizzle of hot honey for the perfect balance of sweet and spicy.
Ingredients
- 1 pound pizza dough
- 8 ounces Italian sausage, casing removed
- 1/2 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 1/2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1/4 cup parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 2 tablespoons hot honey
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Fresh basil leaves (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 475°F (245°C). If using a pizza stone, place it in the oven while preheating.
- In a skillet over medium heat, cook the Italian sausage, breaking it apart until browned and fully cooked. Set aside.
- Roll out pizza dough on a lightly floured surface and transfer to a parchment-lined baking sheet or pizza peel.
- Brush the dough with olive oil and sprinkle minced garlic evenly over the surface.
- Spread mozzarella cheese evenly, then distribute cooked sausage over the top.
- Add small dollops of ricotta across the pizza and sprinkle with parmesan cheese.
- Season lightly with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes.
- Bake for 10–14 minutes until crust is golden and cheese is bubbly and lightly browned.
- Remove from oven and drizzle hot honey over the top. Garnish with fresh basil if desired. Slice and serve immediately.
Notes
- Use spicy sausage for extra heat or mild sausage for a balanced flavor.
- Substitute regular honey for a less spicy version.
- Add caramelized onions or arugula for extra depth and freshness.
- Reheat slices in the oven to maintain crispness.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 480 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 720 mg
- Fat: 24 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 22 g
- Cholesterol: 60 mg
