If you are craving something that delivers comfort with a delightful kick, this Hot Honey Pizza with Ricotta and Gluten-Free Crust Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. Imagine a tender, homemade gluten-free crust that’s as simple to whip up as it is to eat, topped with creamy ricotta and melty mozzarella cheeses, a hint of tangy pizza sauce, and finished with a generous drizzle of spicy-sweet hot honey. This pizza’s perfect balance of flavors makes it a standout dish for any occasion, whether you’re firing up the oven or using an air fryer.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Hot Honey Pizza with Ricotta and Gluten-Free Crust Recipe plays an important role, from the tangy Greek yogurt that keeps the crust moist to the special touch of hot honey that elevates the whole dish. Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll want ready for this fun and flavorful pizza.
- 1 cup plus extra flour: Essential for creating that perfect gluten-free dough texture without sticking.
- ¾ cup plain Greek yogurt: Adds moisture and tang, helping the crust stay tender and slightly chewy; fat-free works wonderfully.
- 1 ½ teaspoon baking powder: Gives the crust a lovely rise and fluffiness without gluten.
- ¼ teaspoon salt: Balances out all the flavors and enhances the other ingredients.
- Sprinkle of garlic powder: Adds a mild depth of savory flavor directly into the crust.
- 1 egg white: Used for an egg wash, giving the crust a beautiful golden color and slight crispiness.
- ½ to ¾ cup pizza sauce: Choose your favorite brand or homemade; a couple tablespoons per pizza gives just enough tangy goodness.
- ¾ cup mozzarella cheese: Provides that melty, gooey texture that ties the toppings together perfectly.
- ¾ cup ricotta cheese: Adds creamy richness and a lovely contrast to the honey and spice.
- Sprinkle of oregano, garlic powder, and crushed red pepper: These spices bring layers of flavor and a little heat to every bite.
- 3 tablespoons hot honey: The star of the show, this sweet and spicy drizzle takes the pizza to another level of deliciousness.
How to Make Hot Honey Pizza with Ricotta and Gluten-Free Crust Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
Start with the dry ingredients in a large bowl or stand mixer: flour, baking powder, salt, and garlic powder. Add the Greek yogurt and combine everything gently with a dough hook or a spatula. If the dough feels too sticky, sprinkle in some extra flour; if too dry, mix in small amounts of yogurt until you reach a smooth consistency. Knead the dough on a well-floured surface until it becomes a smooth ball. Divide it into four equal parts to create your individual pizza bases.
Step 2: Roll Out the Crusts
Take one piece of dough at a time and, on a floured surface, gently roll it out using a floured rolling pin. Aim for about 4 to 5 inches in diameter, resembling a small tortilla. Handle the dough with care to avoid tearing or sticking. Once rolled, flip the dough onto a small square of parchment paper, ready for brushing with the egg white wash to give it that irresistible golden hue upon baking.
Step 3: Cooking Options – Air Fryer or Oven
If you’re using an air fryer, preheat it to 400 degrees and cook each crust for 5 to 8 minutes until golden. Remove carefully, add your toppings — spread the pizza sauce, dot the ricotta cheese, sprinkle the mozzarella evenly — then cook again for 5 to 8 minutes until the cheese melts beautifully. In the oven? Preheat to 400 degrees and bake the crusts on parchment-lined sheet pans or pizza stones for 8 to 10 minutes. After topping, bake again for 5 to 8 minutes until bubbly and golden.
Step 4: Final Touches
Once cooked, dust the pizzas lightly with garlic powder, oregano, and crushed red pepper flakes. The final flourish is a generous drizzle of hot honey over the top, melding sweet heat with creamy ricotta for an unforgettable flavor harmony.
How to Serve Hot Honey Pizza with Ricotta and Gluten-Free Crust Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh basil leaves or a handful of arugula adds bright, fresh color and a touch of peppery crunch that pairs beautifully with the rich ricotta and spicy honey. A few cracked black peppercorns or shaved Parmesan also offer an extra layer of sophistication and flavor contrast.
Side Dishes
This pizza pairs wonderfully with light, refreshing sides to balance out its richness. Think crisp green salads with lemon vinaigrette, roasted vegetable medleys, or even a simple cucumber and tomato salad with fresh herbs. These sides keep the meal lively and vibrant.
Creative Ways to Present
For a casual gathering, serve your Hot Honey Pizza with Ricotta and Gluten-Free Crust Recipe on wooden boards with little bowls of extra hot honey for dipping or drizzling. Stack the mini pizzas on a tiered stand for a party vibe, or slice them into bite-sized squares to make sharing and snacking easier and more fun.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap any leftover pizza tightly in plastic wrap or store in airtight containers and refrigerate. Properly stored, these slices remain tasty for up to 3 days, letting you enjoy the perfect quick bite later.
Freezing
To freeze, place whole baked pizzas or crusts on a parchment-lined tray, freeze until firm, then transfer to freezer bags. They keep well for up to 2 months. This trick means you can have homemade hot honey pizza ready at a moment’s notice whenever pizza cravings strike.
Reheating
Reheat your pizza in a preheated oven at 375 degrees for about 10 minutes or until warmed through and the crust re-crisped. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it tends to make the crust soggy.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought gluten-free flour instead of regular flour?
Absolutely! The recipe works well with most gluten-free flour blends; just be sure your blend includes a binding agent like xanthan gum to help the dough hold together.
Is Greek yogurt essential for the crust?
Greek yogurt is key for moisture and elasticity in the dough. You can substitute with a dairy-free yogurt if needed, but the texture might be slightly different.
How spicy is the hot honey in this pizza?
Hot honey typically offers a gentle, sweet heat that pleasantly tingles the palate without overwhelming. You can adjust the amount according to your spice preference.
Can I make this pizza dairy-free?
Yes! Swap the cheeses for dairy-free alternatives and choose a suitable yogurt substitute. The hot honey drizzle adds great flavor while keeping it plant-friendly.
What’s the best way to roll out gluten-free pizza dough?
Keep your surface and rolling pin generously floured, and work gently to prevent tearing. If it feels sticky or resistant, let the dough rest a little and try again.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about making your own Hot Honey Pizza with Ricotta and Gluten-Free Crust Recipe from scratch, especially when it comes together quickly with simple, wholesome ingredients. This pizza combines creamy, spicy, and sweet in one cozy bite and is sure to become a favorite for your dinners and weekend treats alike. Give it a try — your taste buds will thank you!
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Hot Honey Pizza with Ricotta and Gluten-Free Crust Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 16 mins
- Total Time: 26 mins
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Pizza
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Hot Honey Pizza with Ricotta features a homemade gluten-free pizza crust that is both easy to prepare and delicious. Perfect for Friday night dinners, this recipe can be cooked in the oven or air fryer to achieve a crispy and golden base topped with layers of pizza sauce, creamy ricotta, mozzarella, and a sweet-spicy drizzle of hot honey. The blend of gooey cheese and spicy honey makes this pizza an exciting twist on traditional flavors.
Ingredients
Crust:
- 1 cup plus extra gluten-free flour for rolling
- ¾ cup plain fat-free Greek yogurt
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- Sprinkle of garlic powder
- 1 egg white (for egg wash)
Toppings:
- ½ to ¾ cup pizza sauce (about 2–3 tablespoons per pizza)
- ¾ cup shredded mozzarella cheese (about 3 tablespoons per pizza; can be adjusted)
- ¾ cup ricotta cheese (about 3 tablespoons per pizza)
- Sprinkle of oregano
- Sprinkle of garlic powder
- Dash of crushed red pepper flakes
- Mike’s Hot Honey (for drizzling)
Instructions
- Make the crust dough: In a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook or in a large bowl, mix together the flour, baking powder, salt, and garlic powder. Add the Greek yogurt and combine until a dough forms. If the dough is sticky, gradually add more flour; if too dry, add yogurt one teaspoon at a time.
- Knead and divide the dough: On a well-floured surface, knead the dough by hand until smooth. Shape into one large ball. Using a knife or dough cutter, divide the dough into 4 equal portions.
- Roll out the dough: Working one piece at a time, gently roll out each dough portion on a floured surface with a floured rolling pin to approximately 4-5 inches in diameter, similar to a small tortilla. Carefully transfer each dough round onto a small piece of parchment paper and brush the top with egg white for a glossy finish.
- Preheat and cook crust (Air Fryer method): Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (204°C). Place the parchment with dough inside and cook for 5-8 minutes until the crust starts to turn golden.
- Add toppings (Air Fryer method): Remove the crust from the air fryer. Spread pizza sauce evenly, add dollops of ricotta cheese, then sprinkle mozzarella cheese over the top.
- Cook topped pizza (Air Fryer method): Return the pizza (without parchment) to the air fryer and cook for another 5-8 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly. Remove and sprinkle oregano, garlic powder, and crushed red pepper flakes. Drizzle with Mike’s Hot Honey before serving.
- Preheat and cook crust (Oven method): Preheat oven to 400°F (204°C). Place the parchment with dough on a baking sheet or pizza stone and bake for 8-10 minutes until the crust edges start to turn golden.
- Add toppings (Oven method): Remove crust from oven, add pizza sauce, ricotta cheese, and mozzarella as described above.
- Cook topped pizza (Oven method): Bake the pizza again without parchment paper for an additional 5-8 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly. Remove and season with oregano, garlic powder, crushed red pepper flakes, and finish with a drizzle of Mike’s Hot Honey.
Notes
- Adjust the amount of mozzarella according to preference; the ricotta provides creamy richness even with less mozzarella.
- Use gluten-free flour to keep the crust gluten-free.
- The egg white wash helps achieve a golden, shiny crust but can be omitted for vegan adaptation.
- Mike’s Hot Honey adds a spicy-sweet finish, but you can substitute with any favorite hot honey or honey with chili flakes.
- Be gentle when rolling out dough to avoid tearing or sticking.
- If using the oven, a pizza stone helps create a crispier crust.