Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound pizza dough (store-bought or homemade; Mama Lou always insisted on homemade when time allowed)
- 1 cup whole milk ricotta cheese (for the best creaminess, fresh ricotta from the market is ideal)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, plus extra for brushing
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (low-moisture for a better melt)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust according to your heat preference)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish
- Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Substitution tips: If you want to keep things vegetarian, make sure your pizza dough contains no animal fats. For a dairy-free version, try a plant-based ricotta alternative and use a vegan honey substitute or a maple syrup infused with cayenne flakes for that sweet heat.
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C). If you have a pizza stone, place it in the oven to heat up as well—it helps achieve that perfect crispy crust Mama Lou always loved.
- Roll out the pizza dough on a floured surface to about 12 inches in diameter. Transfer it to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a pizza peel if using a stone.
- Brush the dough lightly with olive oil, then sprinkle the minced garlic evenly over the surface. This step adds a subtle, fragrant base that reminds me of Mama Lou’s kitchen—aromatic and inviting.
- Spread dollops of ricotta cheese all over the dough, aiming for an even, creamy layer but leaving some space for the mozzarella and Parmesan.
- Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan evenly on top of the ricotta.
- Slide the pizza into the oven (onto the stone if using), and bake for 12-15 minutes. Watch for the crust to become golden and the cheese to bubble and brown slightly at the edges.
- While the pizza bakes, warm the honey gently in a small saucepan over low heat. Stir in the red pepper flakes, allowing the heat to infuse the honey. Be careful not to boil it—just warm enough to blend flavors.
- Remove the pizza from the oven and immediately drizzle the hot honey evenly over the top. The honey’s warmth will slightly melt the cheeses, creating that luscious, sticky glaze.
- Season with a pinch of sea salt and freshly ground black pepper to elevate the flavors.
- Garnish with fresh basil leaves before slicing. The bright herbaceous note brings the whole pizza alive—just like Ouma’s laughter lighting up the kitchen during our family dinners.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: International
