Impress Guests with This White Pizza with Hot Honey Recipe
If you are looking to elevate your next pizza night, this White Pizza with Hot Honey is the gourmet recipe that will wow your guests. Forget boring delivery; this pizza is a stunning combination of savory, creamy, and sweet heat. As seen in the photo, the golden, charred crust acts as the perfect canvas for a luxurious blend of melted mozzarella and dollops of creamy ricotta. The thin ribbons of beef prosciutto add a salty, savory depth, all tied together by a glistening drizzle of spicy hot honey and fresh herbs.
The magic of this dish is in the contrast. The rich, milky cheeses and the salty cured beef are perfectly balanced by the sweet and fiery kick of the homemade hot honey. It’s a sophisticated flavor profile that tastes like something from a high-end pizzeria but is incredibly simple to make at home. Every bite offers a rustic texture from the bubbly crust and a complex dance of flavors that is absolutely addictive.
Secrets to the Perfect White Pizza with Hot Honey
Why It Works
This recipe is a masterclass in flavor layering. The base is a classic “white pie,” using a blend of mozzarella for stretch and ricotta for creaminess instead of a heavy tomato sauce. This allows the more delicate toppings to shine. The savory umami from the beef prosciutto (a fantastic halal alternative to traditional pork prosciutto) provides the necessary saltiness to cut through the rich dairy.
The real star, however, is the hot honey. The combination of honey, balsamic vinegar, cayenne, and red pepper flakes creates a sweet-heat glaze that caramelizes slightly on the hot pizza. As shown in the image, applying the prosciutto *after* the bake (or for just the last minute) keeps it tender and silky rather than drying it out into beef jerky.
Chef’s Tips
- High Heat is Key: To get that puffy, golden-brown crust with char spots seen in the photos, get your oven as hot as it will go (ideally 500°F or 260°C). If you have a pizza stone or steel, preheat it for at least 45 minutes.
- Don’t Overload the Dairy: White pizzas can get soggy if you use too much cheese. Use a light hand with the mozzarella and place the ricotta in small, distinct dollops rather than spreading it, so you get pockets of creamy texture.
- Hot Honey Timing: Drizzle the hot honey right after the pizza comes out of the oven while it’s piping hot. This helps the honey spread and meld with the cheese without burning the sugars in the high heat of the oven.
This pizza needs little else, but a simple, crisp arugula salad with a lemon vinaigrette makes for a perfect fresh counterpoint to the rich flavors.
Storage
Leftover pizza can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For best results, reheat slices in a skillet on the stovetop over medium heat until the crust is crisp and the cheese is melted, or in a toaster oven or air fryer. Microwaving will result in a soggy crust.
Substitutions
Meat: If you can't find beef prosciutto (bresaola), traditional pork prosciutto or even crispy crumbled bacon are excellent substitutes. For a vegetarian option, omit the meat entirely; the pizza is still delicious. Cheese: Try swapping the ricotta for dollops of goat cheese or gorgonzola for a funkier flavor profile. Herbs: Fresh thyme or basil can be used instead of or in addition to oregano. Rosemary also pairs well with the honey.
Ingredients
12 oz, store-bought or homemade, at room temperature
2 cups, shredded (low-moisture works best)
1/4 cup, whole milk for creaminess
1 oz, freshly grated for a nutty finish
2 oz, thinly sliced (or traditional prosciutto)
3 tbsp, for the glaze base
1/2 tbsp, to add acidity and depth to the honey
1/8 tsp, for heat
1 Pinch, for visible spice specs
3 stems, leaves stripped, or fresh thyme
1 tbsp, for brushing the crust
For dusting the pizza peel
Shopping Tip
For best results, gather all ingredients before you start cooking. Fresh ingredients will give you the most flavorful results.
Instructions
Place a pizza stone or steel in the oven and preheat to 500°F (260°C) for at least 45 minutes.
In a small microwave-safe bowl, whisk together honey, balsamic vinegar, cayenne pepper, and red pepper flakes. Microwave for 20-30 seconds until runny and combined. Set aside.
On a lightly floured surface, stretch or roll the pizza dough into a 12-inch circle. Transfer to a peel dusted with cornmeal.
Brush the outer rim of the dough with olive oil.
Top evenly with shredded mozzarella. Using a teaspoon, drop small dollops of ricotta cheese around the pizza. Sprinkle with grated parmesan.
Slide the pizza onto the hot stone in the oven. Bake for 8-10 minutes until the crust is golden and puffed, and the cheese is bubbly.
Remove pizza from oven. Immediately drape the thin slices of beef prosciutto over the hot cheese. The residual heat will warm it perfectly.
Drizzle generously with the prepared hot honey. Sprinkle with fresh oregano leaves. Slice and serve immediately.
Serve this recipe straight from the kitchen for the best taste and texture. It's sure to become a favorite that you'll make again and again.
Frequently Asked Questions
→ What type of ingredients work best for this dish?
Use the freshest ingredients available for the best flavor and texture results.
→ Can I make substitutions?
Yes, feel free to swap ingredients based on your preferences or dietary needs.
→ How do I store leftovers?
Store in the refrigerator and reheat gently to maintain the best texture.
Impress Guests with This White Pizza with Hot Honey Recipe
If you are looking to elevate your next pizza night, this White Pizza with Hot Honey is the gourmet recipe that will wow your guests. Forget boring delivery; th
Ingredients
Instructions
Place a pizza stone or steel in the oven and preheat to 500°F (260°C) for at least 45 minutes.
In a small microwave-safe bowl, whisk together honey, balsamic vinegar, cayenne pepper, and red pepper flakes. Microwave for 20-30 seconds until runny and combined. Set aside.
On a lightly floured surface, stretch or roll the pizza dough into a 12-inch circle. Transfer to a peel dusted with cornmeal.
Brush the outer rim of the dough with olive oil.
Top evenly with shredded mozzarella. Using a teaspoon, drop small dollops of ricotta cheese around the pizza. Sprinkle with grated parmesan.
Slide the pizza onto the hot stone in the oven. Bake for 8-10 minutes until the crust is golden and puffed, and the cheese is bubbly.
Remove pizza from oven. Immediately drape the thin slices of beef prosciutto over the hot cheese. The residual heat will warm it perfectly.
Drizzle generously with the prepared hot honey. Sprinkle with fresh oregano leaves. Slice and serve immediately.
Rate This Recipe
Tools You'll Need
- Pizza Stone or Steel
- Pizza Peel
- Small Whisk
Recipe Tags
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At Cozy Bites Kitchen, we believe that great food doesn't have to be complicated. Our passion is creating easy, cozy, and delicious homemade recipes for everyday cooking - quick meals, comfort dishes, family dinners, soups, pastas, and simple home-style favorites. Warm, friendly, and fuss-free cooking made for real life.
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