Hot Honey Pizza: Pepperoni & Ricotta Flatbread Recipe

How to make hot honey pizza with pepperoni and ricotta – ready in 25 minutes with 20g+ protein per serving

esperanza valdez for recipes by clare
By Esperanza Valdez
Updated on Sun, 07 Sep 2025 11:50:01 GMT
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I discovered the secret to the perfect balance of sweet and spicy when I started experimenting with hot honey on everything. This hot honey pizza pepperoni ricotta flatbread combines three of my favorite flavors in one incredible bite – creamy ricotta, savory pepperoni, and that irresistible drizzle of hot honey. It’s become my teenagers’ latest obsession, and honestly, I can’t blame them.

The thing about this recipe is how it transforms simple ingredients into something that feels really special. I love how the hot honey creates this beautiful glaze over the melted cheese, and when you get that first bite with the crispy pepperoni and creamy ricotta together – it’s pure magic. What makes this even better is that you’ll have this gorgeous, restaurant-quality flatbread ready in just 25 minutes, and it delivers an impressive 20-25 grams of protein per serving. This one’s definitely a keeper!

Ingredients for Hot Honey Pizza Pepperoni Ricotta Flatbread

I always reach for whole milk ricotta because it creates the creamiest base – it makes such a difference in both texture and protein content. My go-to brand is Calabro when I can find it, but Polly-O works beautifully too.

  • 1 store-bought flatbread or pizza dough
  • 1 cup ricotta cheese (whole milk preferred) – I recommend letting it come to room temperature for easier spreading
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • ½ cup sliced pepperoni – My preference is for thin-sliced, high-quality pepperoni that crisps nicely
  • 2 tablespoons hot honey (store-bought or homemade)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil – In my experience, extra virgin gives the best flavor
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional) – I usually add these after baking for the brightest flavor
  • Salt and pepper to taste – Pro tip: go light on salt since pepperoni is already quite salty

Step-by-Step Instructions

I recommend preheating your oven to 425°F and placing a pizza stone inside if you have one – it creates the crispiest crust you’ve ever tasted.

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). If using a pizza stone, place it in the oven while it preheats for optimal results.

Step 2: Lightly brush one side of the flatbread with olive oil to achieve that perfect golden, crispy crust we’re after.

Step 3: On the non-oiled side, spread the ricotta cheese evenly, leaving about a ½-inch border for the crust. Don’t worry if it’s not perfectly smooth – rustic looks fantastic here.

Step 4: Sprinkle the mozzarella cheese over the ricotta layer, then arrange pepperoni slices evenly on top. Add oregano, a light sprinkle of salt, and black pepper.

Step 5: Transfer to your baking sheet or pizza stone and bake for 10-12 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and edges are golden brown.

Step 6: Immediately drizzle hot honey over the entire pizza while it’s still hot – this helps the flavors meld perfectly. Let cool for one minute before slicing to prevent toppings from sliding.

What to Serve with Hot Honey Pizza Pepperoni Ricotta Flatbread

The rich, sweet-savory flavors of this flatbread pair beautifully with fresh, crisp sides that provide perfect textural contrast.

Chickpea Beet and Feta Salad: This Mediterranean salad provides a refreshing counterpoint to the rich flatbread while adding extra protein and fiber to round out your meal.

Roasted Vegetables: Try roasted Brussels sprouts or asparagus – their slight bitterness balances the sweetness of the honey while adding nutrients and fiber.

Easy Cottage Cheese Flatbread: Serve alongside this simpler flatbread for a protein-packed appetizer spread that will impress any crowd.

Caesar Salad: The crisp romaine and tangy dressing provide the perfect cool contrast to the warm, melty flatbread.

Ground Beef Hot Honey Bowl: For those who love hot honey flavors, this bowl makes an excellent companion dish with similar flavor profiles.

Storage & Serving Tips

Store leftover flatbread in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. I recommend separating pieces with parchment paper to prevent the cheese from sticking together.

For reheating, I always use a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes rather than the microwave – it keeps the crust crispy and prevents the cheese from becoming rubbery. Pro tip: place it directly on the oven rack for the last 2 minutes for extra crispness.

This flatbread is incredibly versatile – cut it into smaller pieces for appetizers, serve it as a light dinner with salad, or pack leftovers for a protein-rich lunch the next day. The flavors actually develop overnight, making leftovers almost as good as fresh.

Conclusion

This hot honey pizza pepperoni ricotta flatbread proves that you don’t need complicated techniques to create something absolutely delicious. The combination of creamy ricotta, savory pepperoni, and sweet heat delivers restaurant-quality results right from your own kitchen. Give this recipe a try – your family will be asking for it again and again!

Hot honey pizza pepperoni ricotta flatbread sliced on wooden cutting board with fresh basil garnish

Hot Honey Pizza: Pepperoni & Ricotta Flatbread

A delicious flatbread featuring creamy ricotta, savory pepperoni, and sweet hot honey for the perfect balance of flavors
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4 portions
Course: Appetizer, Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Italian
Calories: 365

Ingredients
  

  • 1 store-bought flatbread or pizza dough
  • 1 cup ricotta cheese whole milk preferred
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 0.5 cup sliced pepperoni
  • 2 tbsp hot honey store-bought or homemade
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • fresh basil leaves for garnish, optional
  • salt and pepper to taste

Equipment

  • Baking sheet or pizza stone
  • Pastry brush
  • Sharp knife or pizza cutter

Method
 

  1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). If you’re using a pizza stone, place it in the oven while it preheats.
  2. Lightly brush one side of the flatbread with olive oil to help achieve a crispy crust.
  3. On the non-oiled side of the flatbread, spread the ricotta cheese evenly, leaving a small border for the crust.
  4. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the ricotta layer and arrange the pepperoni slices evenly on top.
  5. Sprinkle dried oregano, salt, and pepper over the top for added flavor.
  6. Transfer the flatbread onto a baking sheet or directly onto the pizza stone and bake for 10-12 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and edges are golden brown.
  7. Once baked, immediately drizzle the hot honey over the entire pizza. Let cool for one minute before slicing.
  8. If desired, top with fresh basil leaves and serve hot.

Notes

For best results, use a pizza stone for crispier crust. Don’t overload with toppings to ensure even cooking. Adjust hot honey amount based on spice preference.
High Protein Hot Honey Pizza Recipe - 25g Protein Per Serving.

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