I remember the first time my family asked for Honey Ricotta Pizza. It was an evening when I needed something quick but a little special for dinner. I had some ricotta cheese and honey sitting in the fridge, and a craving to put together something comforting yet a bit different. When I served that first Honey Ricotta Pizza, the smiles around the table told me it was a meal the whole family would want to have again.
There’s something about the blend of creamy ricotta cheese with a drizzle of sweet honey that brings people together. It makes mealtime feel like more than just eating—it’s a shared moment that sparks good conversations and happy memories. I’ve made tweaks over time to perfect the balance of flavors and simplify the process for busy nights.
Making Honey Ricotta Pizza became a regular win for us, whether it was a casual weeknight or a cozy weekend treat. Knowing how easy and delicious this recipe is gives me confidence it can fit into your family’s meal plan too. I invite you to try this Honey Ricotta Pizza recipe for your own kitchen. It’s approachable, tasty, and sure to become one of those family favorites that everyone asks for again and again.
What You’ll Need
Here’s a simple list of ingredients for your Honey Ricotta Pizza. Trust me, this list keeps things straightforward without sacrificing flavor!
- 1 ball of pizza dough (about 12 ounces), store-bought or homemade
- 1 cup whole milk ricotta cheese – For the best Honey Ricotta Pizza, I recommend using fresh ricotta with a creamy texture.
- 2 tablespoons honey, plus extra for drizzling
- 1 tablespoon olive oil, divided
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
- Fresh thyme or rosemary sprigs (optional)
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella or fontina cheese (optional for a touch of melty texture)
You’ll find everything for this Honey Ricotta Pizza at your regular grocery store. The ricotta cheese is usually near the fresh dairy or specialty cheese sections. The pizza dough can be from the bakery or refrigerated section, whichever saves you time.
Here’s a Honey Ricotta Pizza secret that makes all the difference: use good quality honey—wildflower or orange blossom varieties add lovely floral notes. If you don’t have fresh herbs, dried herbs work fine. This Honey Ricotta Pizza is forgiving if you need to swap out mozzarella for another mild cheese or leave it out for a lighter version.
Before you get started, pre-measure your honey and olive oil to keep things moving smoothly once your dough is ready. My family prefers when I add fresh rosemary—it brings a piney brightness that complements the sweet and savory pizza perfectly. Give it a try on your first Honey Ricotta Pizza bake and adjust to your family’s favorites.
For more creamy cheese inspiration, you might like this roasted tomato ricotta pasta recipe I often pair alongside Honey Ricotta Pizza meals for a special occasion or casual dinner.
How to Make It
Making Honey Ricotta Pizza might seem fancy, but I promise it’s doable and rewarding. Here’s my step-by-step method that fits into busy home kitchens.
- Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C). If you have a pizza stone or steel, place it in the oven to heat. It gives your Honey Ricotta Pizza a crispy crust that feels like restaurant quality.
- Roll out your pizza dough on a lightly floured surface to about 12 inches wide. If you’re using store-bought dough, let it rest outside the fridge for about 20 minutes before rolling. This helps the dough stretch easily without snapping back.
- Transfer the dough to a baking sheet or parchment paper for easier handling. Brush the dough lightly with half of the olive oil. This step adds a golden base and helps toppings stick.
- Spread the ricotta cheese evenly over the dough using the back of a spoon. Aim for a generous layer but keep some edges free to hold the crust shape.
- Sprinkle salt and freshly ground pepper over the ricotta. Add the shredded mozzarella or fontina cheese now if you like a melty pull.
- Place fresh thyme or rosemary sprigs across the pizza if using. The herbs add an aromatic layer of flavor as it bakes.
- Bake your Honey Ricotta Pizza on the middle rack, or on the preheated stone, for 12-14 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the crust is golden, and the cheese is starting to bubble gently.
- Remove from the oven and immediately drizzle 2 tablespoons of honey across the top. This warm honey melts slightly, creating that sweet and savory magic.
- Let the pizza sit for a couple of minutes before slicing. This helps the toppings set and makes it easier to cut.
Your kitchen will smell amazing while this Honey Ricotta Pizza cooks—like a blend of sweet blossoms and cozy baking bread. Don’t worry if your pizza edges bubble up in places; that’s part of the homemade charm.
Here’s where I used to mess up my Honey Ricotta Pizza – I would drizzle the honey before baking, which made it burn in spots. Now, I always add it right after baking for that perfect honey drizzled pizza finish.
While your Honey Ricotta Pizza is cooking, you’ll have time to prepare a fresh green salad or even try this white garlic pizza sauce for another dinner night idea to complement what you’re making.
For a fun twist, check out a spicy soppressata and honey flatbread recipe from friends across the globe—something similar that adds a punch of heat alongside the sweet ricotta flavor. You can find it shared at this abstract on Broadway post.
Serving Ideas
Everyone reaches for seconds when this Honey Ricotta Pizza comes out with its mix of creamy cheese and honey sweetness. My family loves pairing it with a crisp side salad or roasted veggies to add fresh crunch.
This Honey Ricotta Pizza is perfect for those nights when you want something satisfying but not too heavy. I often serve it during casual weekend lunches or small celebrations where everyone can grab a slice and relax.
Presentation makes a big difference! After drizzling honey, sprinkle an extra pinch of fresh herbs on top. Arrange slices on a wood cutting board or a colorful platter for inviting appeal.
Leftovers reheat beautifully in a hot skillet or oven. Simply warm for a few minutes, and the crust stays crisp while the ricotta and honey taste just right. I also like to add a quick drizzle of honey again after warming for a fresh pop of sweetness.
Variations I’ve tried successfully include adding thinly sliced pears or apple slices on top before baking for a fruity layer or swapping rosemary for fresh basil leaves after baking for a bright flavor twist.
If your family enjoys this sweet and savory pizza style, they’ll also appreciate the Christmas salad with honey mustard dressing I often serve alongside to balance flavors and brighten the table.
For a more savory ricotta cheese pizza experience, consider trying this roasted tomato ricotta pasta recipe for dinner inspiration—kind of like getting that creamy ricotta fix in different meals through the week.
Your Questions Answered
Absolutely! You can assemble the Honey Ricotta Pizza and keep it covered in the fridge for up to 4 hours before baking. Just remember to add the honey drizzle right after baking for the best flavor.
Dried thyme or rosemary work just fine. Sprinkle a pinch over the cheese before baking, or substitute with a bit of dried oregano if you prefer.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or on the stovetop to avoid soggy crust. You can drizzle a little fresh honey again when reheating to refresh the flavor.
Yes! You can swap ricotta for a plant-based ricotta-style cheese. Look for almond or cashew-based ricotta alternatives in specialty stores. Honey can be replaced with maple syrup or agave to keep the sweet touch.
You can! Pre-made crust works well. Just follow the package heating instructions and add the toppings. This is a great shortcut if you’re short on time.
Definitely. Adding thinly sliced figs, prosciutto, or toasted nuts like walnuts can complement the flavors beautifully. For a spicy note, try a drizzle of chili oil after baking.
Let the pizza rest a couple of minutes after baking so the cheese settles. Use a sharp pizza cutter or large knife for clean slices. A serrated knife helps if the crust is thick.
For those who want to try a variation inspired by others, take a peek at this sausage ricotta honey hot pizza recipe shared by fellow home cooks. It adds a spicy kick to the sweet and creamy basics.
The Final Word
This Honey Ricotta Pizza has earned its place in my recipe collection because it’s simple, flexible, and brings families together around the table. The creamy ricotta cheese with honey drizzled across the top is always a hit, whether for a quick dinner or a special occasion.
My Honey Ricotta Pizza Tips:
- Always add honey after baking for that perfect balance of sweetness and warmth.
- Use fresh herbs for the best aroma and flavor, but dried works well in a pinch.
- Don’t be afraid to experiment with toppings like fruit or spicy sausages for different meal wins.
Over time, I’ve tried versions with roasted garlic (see this white garlic pizza sauce recipe for inspiration), thinly sliced pears, and even a sprinkle of chili flakes for a touch of heat. My kids love the classic honey and ricotta flatbread without extra toppings, while my husband prefers the version with savory meats.
I hope you make this Honey Ricotta Pizza your own family favorite. It’s a dish that’s both easy to prepare and impressive to serve. The next time you want a sweet and savory pizza that brings warmth to your table, this recipe will be waiting.
If you love this recipe, check out the Christmas salad with honey mustard dressing for a bright side, or try the roasted tomato ricotta pasta for another creamy, cozy meal.
Happy cooking and happy eating—may your Honey Ricotta Pizza become a cherished part of your family meal memories!
Also, check out Homemade using Lloyd Pans. Crispy cupped pepperoni, ricotta, and more for pizza inspiration.
Honey Ricotta Pizza
A delightful and naturally sweet Honey Ricotta Pizza combining creamy ricotta, fragrant honey, and a crisp crust for a perfect sweet-savory treat.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
- 1 pre-made pizza dough (or homemade, about 12-inch)
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 3 tablespoons honey, plus extra for drizzling
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Fresh thyme leaves or rosemary sprigs for garnish (optional)
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 475°F (245°C). If you have a pizza stone, place it in the oven to heat.
- Roll out the pizza dough on a floured surface to about 12 inches in diameter.
- Transfer the dough to a parchment-lined baking sheet or preheated pizza stone.
- Mix ricotta cheese with honey, vanilla extract, and salt in a bowl until smooth and creamy.
- Spread the ricotta mixture evenly over the pizza dough, leaving a small border around the edges.
- Drizzle olive oil lightly over the top.
- Bake the pizza in the oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the crust is golden and crisp.
- Remove from the oven. Drizzle additional honey on top and garnish with fresh thyme or rosemary and a pinch of black pepper.
- Slice and serve warm.
Notes
For an extra layer of flavor, try adding thinly sliced figs or a sprinkle of toasted nuts before baking.