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If you’re craving a pizza that’s bursting with creamy, spicy, and sweet flavors all at once, this Hot Honey Ricotta Pizza with Gluten-Free Crust Recipe is about to become your new favorite go-to meal. Combining the luscious smoothness of ricotta cheese with the perfect kick from hot honey, all nestled on a tender, handmade gluten-free crust, this dish delivers a delightful balance of textures and tastes that everyone will love. Whether you need a quick weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleaser for friends, this recipe is simple yet feels so special, making each bite absolutely unforgettable.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Choosing the right ingredients is key in bringing this Hot Honey Ricotta Pizza with Gluten-Free Crust Recipe to life. Each item plays a vital role, from the fluffy tang of Greek yogurt creating the perfect starch-free crust, to the melty mozzarella and creamy ricotta kicking up the flavor and texture. Here’s what you need to gather before you start:
- Gluten Free 1:1 Baking Flour (1 cup): This versatile blend makes sure the crust is tender yet sturdy, perfect for holding those luscious toppings without gluten worries.
- Plain Greek yogurt (¾ cup, fat free preferred): Adds moisture and a subtle tanginess to keep the crust soft and flavorful.
- Baking powder (1 ½ teaspoons): Your secret weapon for a light, airy crust that rises just right.
- Salt (¼ teaspoon): Enhances every flavor note in the crust and toppings.
- Garlic powder (a sprinkle): Brings a subtle savory depth to the dough and finished pizza.
- Egg white (1 for egg wash): Gives the crust a beautiful golden sheen and a slight crispness.
- Tomato or pizza sauce (½ to ¾ cup): The rich, tangy base for your toppings that ties everything together.
- Mozzarella cheese (¾ cup): Melts to gooey perfection, providing that classic pizza pull.
- Ricotta cheese (¾ cup): Creamy dollops impart a luscious texture and mild sweetness that pairs wonderfully with hot honey.
- Oregano, garlic powder, dash of crushed red pepper: These finishing spices add layers of warm herbal and subtle heat notes.
- Mike’s Hot Honey (3 tablespoons): The star ingredient for the sweet-heat drizzle that elevates this pizza to new delicious heights.
How to Make Hot Honey Ricotta Pizza with Gluten-Free Crust Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Gluten-Free Dough
Start by mixing all your dry ingredients—gluten-free flour, baking powder, salt, and garlic powder—in a large bowl or stand mixer fitted with a dough hook. Then, slowly add the Greek yogurt, mixing well until a dough forms. If it feels too sticky, sprinkle in a bit more flour; if dry, add yogurt in small increments. Knead the dough gently on a floured surface until smooth and elastic, then shape it into one big ball.
Step 2: Divide and Roll Out the Dough
Using a sharp knife or dough cutter, divide the dough into four equal parts. Taking one piece at a time, roll it out on a well-floured surface with a rolling pin until it measures about 4 to 5 inches in diameter—similar to a small tortilla. Be gentle to avoid tearing and keep it from sticking to the rolling pin.
Step 3: Prebake the Crust
Transfer each rolled piece carefully onto a parchment paper square. Brush the top with egg white to promote a golden, delicate crust. If you’re using an air fryer, preheat it to 400 degrees and cook for 5 to 8 minutes until you see a light golden color. In the oven, place the parchment with crust on a baking sheet or pizza stone and bake at 400 degrees for 8 to 10 minutes, until the edges start to brown.
Step 4: Add Toppings and Finish Cooking
Remove the prebaked crust from the heat source. Spread a generous layer of tomato sauce, then add dollops of ricotta cheese across the surface. Sprinkle the mozzarella evenly on top. Return the pizza to the air fryer (remove parchment) or the oven for another 5 to 8 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Season with oregano, garlic powder, and crushed red pepper to your taste, then drizzle the signature Mike’s Hot Honey over it right before serving.
How to Serve Hot Honey Ricotta Pizza with Gluten-Free Crust Recipe
Garnishes
Finish your pizza with fresh basil leaves or a light dusting of Parmesan cheese to introduce bright herbal or salty notes that complement the sweet heat beautifully. A sprinkle of chili flakes can amp up the spice for those who love extra kick.
Side Dishes
Serve this pizza alongside a crisp green salad tossed with lemon vinaigrette or a simple arugula salad sprinkled with pine nuts for refreshing contrast. Roasted vegetables or a light soup also pair perfectly, rounding out the meal without weighing it down.
Creative Ways to Present
For a charming dinner party twist, turn this Hot Honey Ricotta Pizza with Gluten-Free Crust Recipe into mini personal pizzas on small parchment rounds. You can also slice thinly and serve on wooden boards with spoons of hot honey on the side for dipping, encouraging a more interactive dining experience.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store leftover slices in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To keep the crust from getting soggy, place parchment paper between layers.
Freezing
You can freeze assembled uncooked crusts or fully cooked pizzas wrapped tightly with plastic wrap and foil for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating for best texture.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in a preheated oven at 350 degrees for 8–10 minutes or in a toaster oven to regain crispiness. Avoid microwaving as it can make the crust chewy or soggy.
FAQs
Can I use regular flour instead of gluten-free?
Absolutely! While this Hot Honey Ricotta Pizza with Gluten-Free Crust Recipe is designed to be gluten-free, using regular all-purpose flour will work fine and may even yield a slightly stretchier dough.
Is there a substitute for Mike’s Hot Honey?
If you don’t have Mike’s Hot Honey, you can make your own by gently heating honey with red pepper flakes to infuse heat and sweetness, or use any spicy honey product you love.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the dough and refrigerate it wrapped for up to 24 hours. Just let it come to room temperature before rolling out.
What if I don’t have an air fryer?
No problem at all. This recipe works beautifully in a conventional oven. Baking on a pizza stone or heavy sheet pan at 400 degrees replicates the air fryer’s crisp results well.
How spicy is the hot honey on this pizza?
The hot honey provides a gentle, balanced heat that’s more warming than fiery, making it accessible to most spice levels but easily adjustable by adding more or less drizzle.
Final Thoughts
This Hot Honey Ricotta Pizza with Gluten-Free Crust Recipe is a wonderful fusion of creamy, sweet, savory, and spicy that will excite your palate in the best way possible. The ease of making the dough combined with the luxurious toppings makes it a standout dish that’s perfect for sharing or indulging solo. Give it a try, and this might just become your ultimate pizza obsession!
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Hot Honey Ricotta Pizza with Gluten-Free Crust Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 16 minutes
- Total Time: 26 minutes
- Yield: 4 small personal pizzas
- Category: Pizza
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American-Italian
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Hot Honey Pizza with Ricotta is a delightful gluten-free treat combining a crispy Greek yogurt-based crust with creamy ricotta and mozzarella cheeses. Finished with a drizzle of spicy and sweet Mike’s Hot Honey, this recipe offers a perfect balance of flavors, ideal for a quick and flavorful homemade pizza experience using either an air fryer or oven.
Ingredients
Crust Ingredients
- 1 cup Gluten Free 1:1 Baking Flour
- ¾ cup plain Greek yogurt (fat free preferred)
- 1 ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- Sprinkle of garlic powder
- 1 egg white (for egg wash)
Toppings
- ½ – ¾ cup Tomato Sauce or Pizza Sauce
- ¾ cup mozzarella cheese (approximately 3 tablespoons per pizza)
- ¾ cup ricotta cheese (approximately 3 tablespoons per pizza)
- Sprinkle of oregano (or garlic powder and crushed red pepper to taste)
- 3 tablespoons Mike’s Hot Honey (about 2 teaspoons per pizza)
Instructions
- Prepare the dough: In a stand mixer with a dough hook attachment, or a large bowl, mix the gluten-free flour, baking powder, salt, and garlic powder. Add the Greek yogurt and combine well, using a spatula and then your hands if mixing by hand. Adjust the dough consistency by adding more flour if sticky or more yogurt teaspoon by teaspoon if too dry.
- Knead the dough: On a well-floured surface, knead the dough until smooth and elastic, then form it into a large ball.
- Divide the dough: Use a knife or dough cutter to slice the dough ball into four equal portions.
- Roll out the portions: Roll each portion gently on a floured surface with a floured rolling pin, shaping into 4-5 inch circles, similar to small tortillas.
- Apply egg wash: Place each rolled dough circle onto a small piece of parchment paper and brush the top with egg white wash for a golden finish.
- For Air Fryer method – Preheat & cook crust: Preheat air fryer to 400°F (204°C). Cook the dough on the parchment for 5-8 minutes until the crust begins to turn golden.
- Add toppings for air fryer: Remove crust from air fryer, layer with tomato sauce, dollops of ricotta cheese, then mozzarella cheese evenly.
- Finish cooking in air fryer: Return the pizza to the air fryer without parchment, cook additional 5-8 minutes until cheese melts and bubbles. Sprinkle oregano (or garlic powder and crushed red pepper), then drizzle Mike’s Hot Honey on top.
- For Oven method – Preheat & cook crust: Preheat oven to 400°F (204°C). Place the parchment with rolled dough on a sheet pan or pizza stone and bake for 8-10 minutes until the crust is lightly golden.
- Add toppings for oven: Remove crust from oven, spread tomato sauce, dollops of ricotta, then mozzarella cheese.
- Finish cooking in oven: Bake pizza without parchment for 5-8 minutes until cheese is bubbly and melted. Sprinkle oregano (or garlic powder and crushed red pepper) and drizzle Mike’s Hot Honey.
Notes
- The dough can be sticky initially; adjust flour or yogurt to achieve a smooth, non-sticky consistency.
- If you don’t have Mike’s Hot Honey, substitute with any spicy honey or honey mixed with chili flakes.
- The crust size is roughly 4-5 inches in diameter; this makes four small personal pizzas from the dough.
- For a richer flavor, use full-fat Greek yogurt, but fat-free works just fine.
- Be gentle when rolling and flipping dough to prevent tearing.
- Egg wash helps achieve a golden, glossy crust but can be omitted for egg-free diets.
- This recipe is gluten-free but contains dairy; adjust toppings for dietary restrictions accordingly.
