Hot Honey White Pizza Recipe

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 pound fresh pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
• Olive oil spray
• 1/2 cup whole milk ricotta cheese, such as Galbani
• 2 teaspoons garlic paste
• 3 ounces fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced
• 4 thin slices salami, cut into 1/2-inch strips
• 10 dill pickle slices, or more to taste, blotted dry with paper towel
• 2 tablespoons hot honey, such as Mikes Hot Honey, or more to taste
• Chopped fresh basil and/or oregano (for garnish)

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 475F (245C).
2. On a lightly floured surface, roll out or stretch the pizza dough to approximately 12 inches in diameter. Lightly coat the dough with olive oil spray and transfer it to a baking sheet or pizza stone.
3. In a small bowl, stir together the ricotta cheese and garlic paste. Spread a thin layer of this mixture over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges.
4. Evenly distribute the mozzarella slices on top of the ricotta mixture, followed by the salami strips and dill pickle slices.
5. Bake the pizza in the preheated oven for 8 to 14 minutes, or until golden brown. Begin checking for doneness around the 8-minute mark.
6. Once baked, remove the pizza from the oven and immediately drizzle with hot honey to taste.
7. Let the pizza rest for a couple of minutes before garnishing with chopped fresh basil and/or oregano.
8. Slice the pizza into 6 wedges for a main dish or cut into squares for 8 to 10 appetizer servings.

Cooks Notes

• If the dough has been refrigerated, allow it to come to room temperature for about 1 hour. This makes the dough more elastic and easier to stretch or roll.
• If youre serving this pizza as an appetizer, it pairs wonderfully with marinated mixed olives.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

Calories	318
Total Fat	12g
Saturated Fat	4g
Cholesterol	27mg
Sodium	636mg
Total Carbohydrates	42g
Dietary Fiber	2g
Total Sugars	8g
Protein	11g
Vitamin C	1mg
Calcium	121mg
Iron	2mg
Potassium	131mg

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

The Story Behind Hot Honey White Pizza

Hot Honey White Pizza is a contemporary twist on the traditional white pizza, which itself originated in Italy as a tomato-free alternative to classic pizzas. The white pizza focuses on rich, creamy cheeses, often paired with garlic and olive oil. The addition of hot honey, a sweet and spicy drizzle, is a distinctly American innovation, popularized in the 2010s. It combines the comforting creaminess of ricotta and mozzarella with an unexpected punch of heat and sweetness, creating a bold flavor contrast that has become a signature of modern gourmet pizza culture.

Regional Variations

While rooted in Italian-American cuisine, Hot Honey White Pizza has developed subtle regional distinctions. In the United States, New York-style versions often feature thin, foldable crusts and a minimalist topping approach, focusing on high-quality cheeses and honey. In contrast, West Coast versions may incorporate artisanal or locally sourced ingredients, such as organic salami or small-batch hot honey, and sometimes include unconventional toppings like pickles or chili flakes. Each region adapts the balance of spice and sweetness according to local taste preferences.

How It Differs From Similar Dishes

Unlike traditional Margherita or pepperoni pizzas, Hot Honey White Pizza omits tomato sauce entirely, highlighting the flavor of cheese, honey, and garlic. The inclusion of hot honey sets it apart from other white pizzas by introducing a layer of spicy-sweet complexity. Pickles and salami, sometimes used as toppings, further distinguish it from standard pizzas, adding tanginess and a savory depth. These elements combine to create a uniquely balanced flavor profile that is both bold and approachable.

Where Its Commonly Served

This pizza is often found in trendy pizzerias, gastropubs, and artisanal pizza shops that experiment with bold flavor pairings. It is a popular choice for casual gatherings, Friday night dinners, or events where a modern twist on classic comfort food is appreciated. Hot Honey White Pizza is also frequently served at food festivals and pop-up pizza stands, where its eye-catching toppings and unique taste attract adventurous eaters.

Interesting Facts

• Hot honey, the signature ingredient, is made by infusing natural honey with chili peppers, creating a balance of sweetness and heat.
• The combination of honey and pickles might seem unusual, but the contrast of sweet, spicy, and tangy flavors is widely celebrated in culinary circles.
• Chefs often experiment with different cheesesricotta, fresh mozzarella, or even burratato adjust the creaminess and richness of the pizza.
• This pizza has gained viral popularity on social media for its unconventional toppings and striking appearance.
• While inspired by Italian cuisine, Hot Honey White Pizza represents the creative freedom of modern American pizza-making, where flavor experimentation is encouraged.

FAQ about Hot Honey White Pizza Recipe