Spicy-Sweet Heaven: The Ultimate Gluten-Free Hot Honey Ricotta Pizza (Air Fryer & Oven Ready!)
Get ready for your new favorite Friday night tradition! This incredible Hot Honey Pizza featuring creamy ricotta cheese and a homemade, delicious gluten-free crust is a game-changer. Whether you prefer baking it in the oven for a classic crisp or using your Air Fryer for a quick, perfect finish, this recipe delivers an unforgettable spicy-sweet experience.
I am absolutely thrilled to finally share a brand-new pizza recipe that I know you’ll fall in love with! Seriously, friends, this one is exceptional. My recent obsession with Mike’s Hot Honey has transformed my pizza nights. Ever since I first drizzled that glorious spicy honey over a slice, I simply can’t imagine eating pizza without it! The tantalizing combination of spicy honey, sweet tomato sauce, creamy ricotta, and gooey mozzarella cheese creates a symphony of flavors in every single bite. It’s truly perfection, offering a harmonious blend of sweet, savory, and a delightful kick of heat.
For a long time, I regularly shared various pizza recipes on the blog. However, after transitioning to a gluten-free lifestyle, I encountered a significant challenge: finding a good gluten-free pizza crust recipe or product that also aligned with the portion parameters of a yellow container for the 21 Day Fix program. It was a struggle, but after extensive experimenting and tweaking, I finally perfected a gluten-free version of the famous WW two-ingredient pizza dough. This crust is not only incredibly delicious but also counts as just one yellow container per personal pizza, making it a fantastic healthy option. It’s the absolute perfect base for this sensational Hot Honey Pizza!
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What is 2-Ingredient Dough? Your Gluten-Free Secret Weapon!
Two-ingredient dough has gained significant popularity, especially within the Weight Watchers (WW) community, for its simplicity and health benefits. If you haven’t heard of this magic dough yet, prepare to be amazed! It’s essentially a pizza crust made by combining just two primary ingredients: fat-free Greek yogurt and self-rising flour. This ingenious combination results in a low-calorie, yeast-free pizza dough that comes together in minutes and is surprisingly delicious.
My particular version of Greek yogurt pizza dough takes this concept a step further to make it suitable for a gluten-free diet. While often called “two-ingredient,” my adaptation uses a few more components – five, to be exact – to ensure it’s not only gluten-free but also boasts the perfect texture and flavor for this Hot Honey Pizza. These additional ingredients help achieve a crust that is both tender and sturdy, holding up beautifully to all your favorite toppings. It’s truly a game-changer for anyone seeking a healthy, easy, and gluten-free pizza base.
Essential Pizza Ingredients for a Flavor Explosion
Crafting this incredible Hot Honey Pizza is simpler than you might think! Beyond my fantastic Greek yogurt pizza dough (or any crust of your choice), you’ll only need a handful of high-quality toppings to achieve that irresistible flavor profile:
- Tomato or Pizza Sauce: A good quality sauce is the foundation of any great pizza. We almost always have a jar of Rao’s Tomato Sauce on hand because of its rich flavor and clean ingredients. However, my Homemade Tomato Sauce recipe is also an excellent option if you prefer to make your own from scratch.
- Mozzarella Cheese: This classic pizza cheese provides that essential gooey texture. For those following structured eating plans like the 21 Day Fix or WW, I often use a reduced amount to keep my healthy fat options flexible throughout the day. Even with less, the pizza remains incredibly satisfying, especially with the addition of creamy ricotta.
- Ricotta Cheese: The star of this pizza alongside the hot honey! Ricotta adds a wonderful creamy texture and a mild, slightly sweet flavor that perfectly complements the spicy notes. For calorie-conscious eating, opt for a part-skim or lower-fat ricotta cheese to stay within the guidelines of programs like the FIX or WW. Its presence makes the pizza feel luxurious and indulgent without being overly heavy.
- Pizza Seasonings: Elevate your pizza’s aroma and taste with a blend of classic Italian spices. My go-to seasonings for this Hot Honey Pizza include dried oregano, garlic powder, and a dash of crushed red pepper flakes. These spices enhance the savory notes and add an extra layer of subtle warmth.
- Hot Honey: The magical ingredient that brings it all together! My absolute favorite brand is Mike’s Hot Honey – it strikes the perfect balance of sweetness and heat. Many other brands are also available, and I’ve heard wonderful things about Trader Joe’s Spicy Honey Sauce and Bees Knees Spicy Honey. You can easily grab a bottle from Amazon, but also be sure to check your local grocery store or specialty market; it’s becoming widely available!
Step-by-Step Instructions: Crafting Your Hot Honey Pizza Perfection
Creating this delightful Hot Honey Ricotta Pizza is a straightforward process, ensuring a delicious meal every time. The detailed steps below will guide you through making the crust and assembling your pizza. You’ll also find these steps conveniently listed on the printable recipe card further down this page.
Step One: Prepare the Homemade Gluten-Free Crust
- In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook, or in a large mixing bowl, combine your dry ingredients: gluten-free 1:1 baking flour, baking powder, salt, and garlic powder. Mix these thoroughly. Then, add the plain Greek yogurt. If you’re using a stand mixer, let the dough hook do the work until a cohesive dough forms. If mixing by hand, start with a rubber spatula and then use your hands to bring the dough together. The dough consistency is key: if it feels too sticky, add a little more gluten-free flour, a tablespoon at a time. If it seems too dry or crumbly, incorporate more Greek yogurt, one teaspoon at a time, until it reaches a smooth, workable consistency.
- Once the dough is combined, transfer it to a generously floured surface. Knead the dough by hand for a few minutes until it’s smooth and elastic. Form the dough into one large ball.
- Using a sharp knife or a dough cutter, divide the large dough ball into four equal sections. These will be your individual personal pizza crusts.
- Working with one section of dough at a time, gently roll it out on a well-floured surface using a well-floured rolling pin. It’s important to be gentle to prevent the dough from tearing or sticking to the pin. Aim for a circular shape, approximately 4 to 5 inches in diameter – roughly the size of a small tortilla. Repeat this for all four dough sections.
- Carefully transfer each rolled-out dough disk onto a small piece of parchment paper. This helps prevent sticking and makes it easy to handle. Lightly brush the surface of each dough disk with an egg wash. This step promotes a beautiful golden-brown color and a slightly crispier crust.
Step Two: Cook Your Pizza (Air Fryer or Oven Method)
Choose your preferred cooking method for perfectly baked Hot Honey Pizza:
Air Fryer Method:
- Preheat your Air Fryer to 400°F (200°C). Carefully place a crust (on its parchment paper) into the air fryer basket. Cook for 5-8 minutes, or until the crust begins to turn a light golden color and looks slightly puffed.
- Remove the pre-baked crust from the air fryer. Now, it’s time to layer on those delicious toppings! Spread your tomato or pizza sauce evenly, then add dollops of creamy ricotta cheese, followed by a generous sprinkle of mozzarella cheese.
- Carefully place the topped pizza back into the air fryer basket, this time without the parchment paper (the crust should be firm enough). Cook for an additional 5-8 minutes, or until the cheese is beautifully melted, bubbly, and slightly golden. Once cooked, remove the pizza, sprinkle with extra garlic powder, oregano, and a dash of crushed red pepper for added flavor. Finish with a generous drizzle of Mike’s Hot Honey. Serve immediately and enjoy the sweet and spicy perfection!
Oven Method:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place your parchment-lined pizza crusts onto a baking sheet or a preheated pizza stone. Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the crusts are golden brown and slightly firm.
- Carefully remove the pre-baked crusts from the oven. Evenly spread your chosen tomato or pizza sauce over each crust. Then, add spoonfuls of creamy ricotta cheese, followed by a sprinkle of mozzarella cheese.
- Return the topped pizzas to the oven, without the parchment paper, for an additional 5-8 minutes. Continue baking until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Once done, remove from the oven, sprinkle with garlic powder, oregano, and crushed red pepper. The final touch: generously drizzle with Mike’s Hot Honey for that irresistible sweet-and-spicy finish. Slice and serve hot!
Creative Substitutions & Delicious Additions for Your Hot Honey Pizza
One of the best things about making homemade pizza is the freedom to customize it! This Hot Honey Pizza with Ricotta is incredibly versatile, allowing for wonderful additions and substitutions to suit your taste or what you have on hand. Here are some fantastic ideas to elevate your pie:
- Parmesan Cheese: A sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese before or after baking would add a sharp, salty depth that perfectly complements the creamy ricotta and spicy honey. Its robust flavor pairs wonderfully with Italian herbs.
- Red Onions & Bell Peppers: For a burst of color, texture, and vitamins, thinly sliced red onions and bell peppers (any color!) would be absolutely delicious with this flavor combination. The slight crunch of the vegetables contrasts beautifully with the soft cheese, and their natural sweetness is enhanced by the hot honey.
- Lean Italian Sausage or Turkey Bacon: While this recipe is fantastic as a meatless option, you can certainly add extra protein. Crumbled, cooked lean Italian sausage (made with ground chicken or turkey for a healthier twist) or crispy turkey bacon would introduce a savory, smoky element that many will love.
- Fresh Basil and Oregano: You can never go wrong by adding fresh herbs to pizza! Tearing fresh basil leaves and scattering them over the pizza after it comes out of the oven, along with a sprinkle of fresh oregano, will brighten the flavors and add a beautiful aromatic finish.
- Other Cheeses: Experiment with a blend of cheeses! A touch of provolone or fontina could add more complex notes, or a sharper cheddar could provide a bolder flavor.
- Spicy Enhancements: If you love extra heat, consider adding thinly sliced jalapeños or a pinch more crushed red pepper flakes directly onto the sauce before the cheese.
- Caramelized Onions: For a gourmet touch, sweet caramelized onions would provide another layer of sweetness and depth, making the pizza even more indulgent.
Hot Honey Pizza FAQs: Your Questions Answered
Absolutely! If you own a pizza stone and love the crispy crust it provides, it’s an excellent option for baking this 2-ingredient dough. The pizza stone helps to distribute heat evenly and draw moisture out of the dough, resulting in a wonderfully crisp base. You can also use a standard baking sheet or any other oven-safe pan you have available. Just remember to always use parchment paper beneath your crust during the initial bake to prevent sticking and ensure easy transfer, especially with softer gluten-free doughs!
Yes, you certainly can! While I personally love the convenience and customization of having individual personal pizzas – everyone gets to top their own exactly how they like it – this recipe works perfectly well for a larger pizza. If you opt for one big pizza, just be sure to divide the entire pizza into four equal servings after it’s baked to accurately track the portion sizes for programs like the 21 Day Fix or WW. Adjust baking times slightly; a larger pizza might need a few extra minutes to cook through evenly.
This Hot Honey Pizza is incredibly filling and satisfying on its own, thanks to the protein from the Greek yogurt crust and the cheeses. However, it also pairs beautifully with a fresh side salad to add some greens and balance the richness. My Italian Chopped Grinder Salad is a fantastic choice, offering a burst of fresh flavors. For a simpler option, we often just serve pizza alongside an easy veggie platter with some healthy dip – it’s quick, easy, and ensures you’re getting those essential nutrients.
Leftover pizza is a culinary delight! To keep it fresh, ensure you store any remaining slices in an airtight container. This prevents the crust from drying out and the toppings from going stale. I usually wrap individual slices tightly in foil before placing them in a large Ziploc bag or a sealed container. Leftovers will keep well in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. When reheating, I highly recommend using the Air Fryer – it’s incredibly quick and easy, yielding a wonderfully crispy crust that tastes almost as good as fresh!
Yes, you absolutely can! This recipe is excellent for meal prepping and freezing. You have a couple of options: you can either make a batch of these pizzas and freeze them whole, or simply freeze the prepared crusts for future use. To freeze, assemble your pizzas up to the point of the final baking step (skip the last bake). Place the unbaked pizzas or crusts on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe container, such as a Stasher bag or a large Ziploc bag. This way, you can grab and bake them whenever those pizza cravings strike, enjoying a homemade, delicious meal with minimal effort!
Ahhh – this is one of my favorite questions, because the possibilities are endless! Once you experience the magic of Mike’s Hot Honey, it’s hard *not* to want to drizzle it on everything. I love it paired with a variety of cheeses and crackers, on fresh fruit for a sweet-and-spicy snack, drizzled over Ricotta Bruschetta, as a finishing touch on my Air Fryer Chicken Cutlets, or even over Honey Glazed Salmon for an unexpected twist. It’s fantastic on roasted vegetables, in marinades, or even swirled into yogurt. Seriously, once you taste it, you’ll find countless ways to incorporate this versatile condiment into your meals!
More Delicious & Easy Pizza Recipes You’ll Love
If you’re a pizza enthusiast like me, you’ll appreciate having a collection of easy and flavorful recipes on hand. After mastering this Hot Honey Ricotta Pizza, be sure to explore these other fantastic options for your next pizza night:
- Buffalo Chicken Pizza: A spicy and savory delight, perfect for game day or any time you crave bold flavors.
- Taco Pizza: A fun and customizable twist on taco night, combining your favorite taco fillings on a pizza crust.
- Bacon Cheeseburger Pizza: All the classic flavors of a bacon cheeseburger, reimagined on a crispy pizza crust.
- Peachy Naan Flatbread: A unique and surprisingly delicious sweet and savory flatbread, great for a light meal or appetizer.
- Spinach and Artichoke Pizza: A creamy and comforting vegetarian option, inspired by the popular dip.
Hot Honey Pizza with Ricotta
Pin Recipe
Ingredients
For the Gluten-Free Crust:
- 1 cup Gluten Free 1:1 Baking Flour (plus extra flour for rolling)
- ¾ cup plain Greek yogurt (fat-free recommended for lighter option)
- 1 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- Sprinkle of garlic powder (for crust flavor)
- 1 egg white (for egg wash)
For the Toppings:
- ½ – ¾ cup Tomato Sauce or Pizza Sauce (approx. 2-3 Tbsp per pizza)
- ¾ cup mozzarella cheese (approx. 3 Tbsp per pizza – adjust to your preference; ricotta adds plenty of creaminess)
- ¾ cup ricotta cheese (approx. 3 Tbsp per pizza, use part-skim for a lighter option)
- Pizza Seasonings: Sprinkle of oregano, garlic powder, and a dash of crushed red pepper
- 3 Tablespoons Mike’s Hot Honey (approx. 2 tsp per pizza, adjust to taste)
Instructions
To make the Gluten-Free Crust:
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In a stand mixer (with a dough hook) or a large bowl, combine the gluten-free flour, baking powder, salt, and garlic powder. Mix these dry ingredients well. Then, add the Greek yogurt and mix until a cohesive dough forms. If the dough is too sticky, gradually add a little more gluten-free flour. If it feels too dry, add Greek yogurt, 1 tsp at a time, until smooth.
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On a well-floured surface, knead the dough by hand until it’s smooth and pliable. Form the dough into one large ball.
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Using a knife or dough cutter, divide the large dough ball into 4 equal sections. These will be your individual personal pizza crusts.
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Working with one section at a time, gently roll out the dough on a well-floured surface using a well-floured rolling pin. Be careful not to break the dough or get it stuck on the rolling pin. Each dough disk should be approximately 4-5 inches in diameter, similar to a small tortilla.
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Carefully transfer each rolled dough disk onto a small piece of parchment paper. Brush the surface of the dough with the egg wash.
Air Fryer Method:
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Preheat your Air Fryer to 400°F (200°C). Place one crust (on parchment paper) into the air fryer basket and cook for 5-8 minutes, or until the crust begins to turn golden.
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Remove the pre-baked crust from the air fryer. Layer with your desired toppings: spread a thin layer of tomato sauce, add dollops of ricotta cheese, then sprinkle with mozzarella cheese.
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Place the topped pizza back into the air fryer (without the parchment paper) for an additional 5-8 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Once cooked, sprinkle with garlic powder, oregano, and crushed red pepper, then generously drizzle with Mike’s Hot Honey. Serve immediately.
Oven Method:
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Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the parchment-lined pizza crusts onto a baking sheet or a preheated pizza stone and bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the crust starts to get golden.
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Remove the pre-baked crusts from the oven. Layer with toppings: spread tomato sauce, add dollops of ricotta cheese, then sprinkle with mozzarella cheese.
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Place the topped pizzas back in the oven (without the parchment paper) for an additional 5-8 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Finish by sprinkling with garlic powder, oregano, and crushed red pepper, then drizzle with Mike’s Hot Honey. Slice and serve hot.
Video Tutorial
Recipe Notes
Weight Watchers (WW) Points: 13 points per personal pizza. (Calculated using low-fat Greek yogurt, Rao’s pizza sauce, part-skim ricotta, and reduced-fat shredded mozzarella. Points may vary slightly based on specific brands and ingredient choices).