I still remember the first time I made this Honey Ricotta Pizza for my family. It was a busy weeknight, and I needed something both quick and satisfying. The beauty of this honey ricotta pizza is how it combines creamy ricotta cheese with just the right amount of sweet honey drizzle to create a sweet and savory pizza that everyone loved. My kids, who usually aren’t the biggest fans of ricotta cheese pizza, kept asking for more. That moment sealed it as a family favorite. For me, honey ricotta pizza fits perfectly into real home cooking because it’s simple, requires everyday ingredients, and delivers a comforting yet special twist on homemade pizza dough.
This honey ricotta pizza is worth making anytime you want a reliable dinner that feels a little indulgent without a lot of fuss. It’s not complicated, so you don’t have to worry about tricky techniques or rare toppings. Just a good base, ricotta cheese, and a drizzle of honey that turns it into a gourmet dessert pizza or a fun sweet and savory pizza dinner. I truly keep coming back to this recipe because the results are consistently delicious, and it brings smiles around the table.
If you’re a fellow home cook like me, looking for a dependable recipe that pleases the whole family without a complicated ingredient list, this honey ricotta pizza will be your new go-to. Keep reading, and I’ll show you everything you need to know to get it just right every time.
What You’ll Need:
- 1 batch of homemade pizza dough (about 12 inches) – You can find easy recipes online or grab store-bought dough in your grocery’s refrigerated section.
- 1 cup whole milk ricotta cheese – This makes the base creamy. No worries if you only have part-skim ricotta; it works just fine for this honey ricotta pizza.
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella – Adds that familiar cheesy pull.
- 2 tablespoons honey – This is what turns it into a honey drizzle pizza, adding the perfect sweet contrast.
- 1 teaspoon olive oil – For brushing the crust.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt – To season the ricotta mixture.
- Optional: Fresh herbs like basil or thyme – I like these for a little freshness anytime I make honey ricotta pizza.
- Optional: Crushed red pepper flakes – A tiny pinch if you want to balance the sweet and savory pizza with a subtle kick.
You’ll find most of these ingredients right in your everyday grocery aisle. Ricotta cheese and mozzarella are usually near the milk or deli section. This honey ricotta pizza stays budget-friendly because it uses common pantry staples and no fancy toppings.
Sometimes I take a shortcut for the dough and buy premade crusts, which works well if I’m in a hurry. Leftover pizza dough keeps great in the fridge up to 3 days or frozen for longer, so you can always have it on hand for a quick honey ricotta pizza fix. The same goes for leftover ricotta—wrap tightly and use it within a few days.
For the honey drizzle pizza topping, I prefer a mild but flavorful honey, like clover or wildflower, that complements the creamy ricotta cheese pizza without overpowering it. This little choice makes all the difference in my kitchen.
Let’s Make It Together:
- Preheat your oven to 475 degrees Fahrenheit. While it warms up, roll out your homemade pizza dough on a lightly floured surface to about 12 inches in diameter. If using store-bought, just stretch or roll as needed.
- Transfer the dough to a baking sheet or pizza stone. Brush the edges with olive oil for a golden crust when baked.
- Mix the ricotta cheese with the salt in a small bowl. Spread this evenly over the dough, leaving about an inch around the edges untouched. This is the base for your honey ricotta pizza.
- Sprinkle the mozzarella evenly over the cheese layer. This adds meltiness and complements the ricotta texture.
- Bake the pizza in your preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the crust is golden and the cheese bubbles slightly. Your kitchen will smell amazing when your honey ricotta pizza is ready—that’s the smell of a simple, comforting homemade pizza.
- Remove the pizza from the oven and let it cool for a couple of minutes before the honey drizzle step. This short wait prevents the honey from melting too fast and keeps it distinct as a sweet topping.
- Drizzle the honey generously over the entire pizza. If you want, sprinkle fresh basil leaves or a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes to make your honey ricotta pizza a little more gourmet dessert pizza-style.
As someone who’s made this recipe many times, I’ve learned that rushing the honey drizzle makes it less noticeable. Taking your time here really pays off in flavor. While the pizza bakes, I like to make a simple green salad or set the table to make dinner extra inviting.
If you’re looking for a slightly different sweet and savory pizza, you might check out this honey cheese pizza idea from Framed Cooks which inspired some tweaks I’ve made.
From start to finish, this honey ricotta pizza takes about 20 to 25 minutes—perfect for a weeknight meal that’s both quick and different from the usual cheese-only pizza.
How to Serve & Enjoy:
My favorite way to serve honey ricotta pizza is with a light arugula salad tossed in lemon vinaigrette. The peppery greens balance the creamy ricotta and sweet honey drizzle so well. This combo makes the meal feel complete without weighing you down.
This honey ricotta pizza also pairs wonderfully with a simple roasted vegetable like asparagus or zucchini — adding some freshness and texture. It works great as a cozy dinner for family or when we have friends over because it feels a little extra but doesn’t demand complicated prep.
For holiday gatherings, try serving this pizza alongside a honey sriracha chicken rice bowl, which nods to a completely different flavor profile but shares that reliable, comforting dish vibe we all want. You’ll find that recipe here: honey sriracha chicken rice bowls.
Leftover honey ricotta pizza keeps great in the fridge and reheats nicely in a hot oven or toaster oven to keep the crust crisp. You can even turn slices into quick breakfast toasts by adding a drizzle of honey again and some fresh fruit.
Seasonally, I’ve swapped out the herbs—using fresh basil in summer or thyme in fall—and even added sliced figs for a truly gourmet dessert pizza feel. If you’re curious about other variations, the blackberry basil ricotta pizza idea on Facebook is worth a peek.
My family always enjoys how versatile this honey ricotta pizza can be and how it’s just the perfect sweet and savory pizza for all kinds of occasions.
Your Questions Answered:
Can I make this Honey Ricotta Pizza ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough a day ahead and keep it in the fridge. You can also assemble the pizza and refrigerate it uncovered for a short while, but I recommend baking it fresh for the best crust texture.
What’s a good substitute for mozzarella in this honey ricotta pizza?
Provolone or fontina works well if you want a slightly different flavor. I’ve also tried shredded gouda for a smokier twist, and it turned out delicious.
How do I adjust this honey ricotta pizza for more or fewer people?
Just scale your dough and toppings up or down. For kids, smaller personal pizzas work great. For bigger groups, double the ingredients and bake a couple at once or in succession.
Can I use store-bought pizza dough?
Absolutely! I use store-bought dough often when life gets busy. It saves time but still gives great results for a quick honey ricotta pizza that tastes homemade.
Can I add other toppings?
Yes, fresh fruit like sliced pears or figs adds a lovely twist. You can also add nuts like walnuts for crunch, but I keep it simple for weeknight meals.
What’s the best honey to use?
I prefer clover or wildflower honey because they’re mild but flavorful. Darker honeys like buckwheat can overwhelm the delicate ricotta cheese pizza flavors.
Does the honey make the pizza soggy?
Not if you drizzle it after baking and let the pizza cool slightly. This step keeps the crust crisp and the honey flavor distinct.
If you’re interested in other sweet and savory pizza ideas, check out this thread with tasty dessert pizza ideas on Reddit: Dessert pizza ideas? : r/uuni.
For a savory weeknight dinner pairing, your family might also enjoy honey garlic ground turkey which combines sweet and savory flavors in a different way but with the same kitchen ease.
Final Thoughts:
Honey Ricotta Pizza holds a special spot in my kitchen because it’s one of those dishes that feels homemade and comforting without demanding too much time or fancy ingredients. It’s reliable, delicious, and rustic enough for everyday, yet elegant enough to impress anyone who sits down to share it.
My Best Honey Ricotta Pizza Tips:
- Brush the crust with olive oil before baking for that perfect golden edge.
- Don’t drizzle honey until right after baking and just after a slight cool-down to keep textures spot-on.
- Experiment with fresh herbs or fruit toppings to find your family favorites.
I’ve also tested some fun variations, including a pear and walnut topping, adding a sprinkle of lemon zest, and even mixing ricotta with a touch of cream cheese for extra creaminess. The pear and walnut version gets requested most often by guests because it’s a real crowd-pleaser.
I hope you’ll enjoy making this honey ricotta pizza your own and find it as dependable and delicious as I do. It’s a great recipe for fellow home cooks who want straightforward, tasty meals that bring everyone together. Give it a try, and let me know how your kitchen adventures go!
For more simple recipes that deliver consistent flavor, don’t miss my favorites like these honey sriracha chicken rice bowls and honey garlic ground turkey. They’re just as dependable as this honey ricotta pizza and perfect for busy cooks.
Happy cooking, friends!
Honey Ricotta Pizza
A delightful blend of creamy ricotta, sweet honey, and crispy pizza crust creates a perfect balance of flavors for a quick and elegant meal or dessert.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 2-3 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
- 1 pre-made pizza crust (10-12 inches)
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 2 tablespoons honey, plus extra for drizzling
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
- 1/4 cup toasted walnuts, chopped (optional)
- Fresh thyme leaves or basil for garnish
- Olive oil for brushing
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Place the pizza crust on a baking sheet or pizza stone and lightly brush with olive oil.
- In a bowl, mix ricotta cheese, honey, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon (if using), and a pinch of salt until smooth.
- Spread the ricotta mixture evenly over the pizza crust.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, until the crust is golden and the ricotta slightly warms.
- Remove from oven and immediately drizzle additional honey over the top.
- Sprinkle chopped toasted walnuts and fresh thyme or basil leaves for garnish.
- Slice and serve warm or at room temperature.
Notes
For a savory twist, add a handful of arugula or prosciutto after baking for extra flavor and texture.