Hot Honey Garlic Bread Pizza

Hot honey garlic bread pizza brings together everything I crave on a cozy night in You get all the golden crisp edges of garlic bread layered with melty cheese and a cheeky drizzle of hot honey for that addictive sweet heat It is the ultimate crowd pleaser for when you want comfort food with a little extra zing

The first time I made this for my friends they could not get enough Lately we have made it a must serve for our movie nights and it always disappears in minutes

Ingredients

• Large garlic bread loaf: Choose a sturdy loaf with a crispy crust for best results Try bakery fresh if you can
• Shredded mozzarella cheese: Gets gooey and stretchy Make sure it is fresh for maximum melt
• Ricotta cheese: Offers creamy pockets that balance the spicy honey Go for whole milk ricotta for richness
• Olive oil: Adds flavor and helps crisp the bread Use extra virgin if available
• Fresh garlic: Adds sharpness and depth Pick plump cloves for best flavor
• Red pepper flakes: For heat and sparkle Adjust based on your spice level
• Dried oregano: Classic pizza herb Lending fragrance and savoriness Look for vibrant green oregano not faded
• Salt and black pepper: Highlights flavors Use freshly cracked pepper for zing
• Hot honey: The signature finish Sweet and spicy Use a quality store bought or make your own with chili flakes and honey
• Fresh basil leaves: For garnish brightens with fresh herbal notes Only add right before serving
• Grated Parmesan cheese: Finishing touch for nutty salty depth Grate fresh over the top

Step by Step Instructions

Preheat the Oven:

Set your oven to four hundred degrees Fahrenheit or two hundred degrees Celsius Give it time to get thoroughly hot for a crisp finish

Toast the Garlic Bread Base:

If using frozen garlic bread bake it just until slightly toasted but still soft about five to seven minutes This step is key to prevent sogginess

Make the Garlic Oil Mixture:

In a small bowl combine olive oil minced garlic red pepper flakes dried oregano salt and black pepper Mix thoroughly until you have a fragrant paste

Spread the Garlic Mixture:

Evenly distribute the garlic oil mixture over the top of your partially baked bread Make sure to cover every spot for full flavor impact

Layer the Ricotta Cheese:

Crumble ricotta directly onto the bread Use your fingers or spoon to gently press it into the nooks so you get creamy bites throughout

Add the Mozzarella:

Scatter shredded mozzarella on top for gooey pull apart cheese coverage Be generous as this is the main cheesy bite

Bake Until Melty and Golden:

Return the prepared loaf to the hot oven Bake for ten to twelve minutes until cheese bubbles and takes on a golden brown shade Edges should feel crisp

Finish with Hot Honey:

Right after baking drizzle hot honey liberally across the pizza The warmth will help it soak in and mingle with the cheese Best to do this right away for maximum flavor

Slice and Serve:

Allow to cool for one minute so it slices cleanly Use a sharp knife or pizza wheel Garnish with basil leaves and a dusting of Parmesan before serving

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I always look forward to the hot honey moment It brings such a playful kick and everyone at the table lights up when they see that shiny drizzle My nephew calls it magic sauce

Storage Tips

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days Reheat in the oven at three hundred fifty degrees Fahrenheit to refresh the crispness Avoid microwaving as it can make the bread soggy Freezing works well just wrap individual pieces tightly and thaw before heating

Ingredient Substitutions

Try swapping ricotta for goat cheese for a tangy twist or use provolone in place of mozzarella For gluten free diners use gluten free garlic bread and check that your hot honey and cheese are certified gluten free You can skip basil or pine nuts and add chopped parsley for a fresh topping

Serving Suggestions

Slice into thick strips and serve as a starter for Italian dinners Pair with a fresh Caesar salad or warm bowl of tomato soup For game nights turn it into mini pizzas with individual baguette pieces My favorite way is to serve it alongside a crisp white wine

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Cultural and Historical Context

Hot honey pizza is inspired by a New York pizzeria trend pairing sweet spice with cheese Garlic bread pizza draws from classic comfort food American Italian homes have long paired leftover bread with pizza toppings This recipe celebrates both traditions in a fun modern way

Recipe FAQs

→ What type of bread works best for this dish?

A large store-bought or homemade garlic bread loaf provides the ideal base, as it crisps up nicely while holding the toppings.

→ Can the spice level be adjusted?

Absolutely. Increase or reduce red pepper flakes and use more or less hot honey to match your preferred heat.

→ Which cheeses complement the flavors most?

Mozzarella creates a gooey texture, while dollops of ricotta offer creaminess. Adding Parmesan brings a salty, nutty finish.

→ How should leftovers be stored?

Keep cooled slices in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. Reheat in the oven for best texture.

→ Can I use homemade hot honey?

Yes! Blend honey with chili flakes or fresh chili for a personalized touch to the sweet and spicy drizzle.