Tha' Honey Heater Recipe

Make spicy honey

Combine honey, crushed red pepper flakes, smoked paprika and apple cider vinegar in a small saucepan. Add the 1/2 sliced jalapeño. Warm gently over low heat until honey thins and the spices bloom, about 4–6 minutes; do not boil. Remove from heat and let steep for at least 20 minutes for flavor infusion (longer for more heat). Strain out solids into a clean jar if you prefer a clear honey. Keep warm or set aside at room temperature. Yields about 1 cup.

Prep oven and dough

Place a pizza stone or heavy baking sheet on the middle rack and preheat oven to 500°F (260°C) for at least 30 minutes. If using a home oven without a stone, preheat to highest temperature. Lightly dust work surface with the all-purpose flour. Stretch or roll the pizza dough to a 12–14 inch round, leaving a slightly thicker edge for the crust.

Prepare sauce

In a small bowl, combine the crushed tomato sauce, minced garlic, dried oregano and salt. Taste and adjust seasoning; the sauce should be slightly bright and a little salty because toppings are rich.

Transfer stretched dough to a floured pizza peel or an inverted baking sheet. Brush the outer 1/2 inch of the crust lightly with olive oil to promote browning.

Spread an even layer (about 3/4 to 1 cup) of the prepared tomato sauce over the dough, leaving the crust bare. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella evenly over the sauce, then scatter the grated Parmesan if using.

Arrange pepperoni slices across the pizza in a single layer, allowing some overlap so edges curl slightly as they bake. Scatter the thinly sliced fresh jalapeños evenly over the top. If you want extra heat, lightly sprinkle the red pepper flakes over the assembled pizza.

Slide the pizza onto the preheated stone or baking sheet. Bake until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbling with some brown spots, 8–12 minutes depending on oven temperature and stone heat. Rotate halfway through baking for even color.

Remove pizza from oven and let rest on a rack for 1–2 minutes. Using a spoon, drizzle the house-made spicy honey in a thin, even stream over the hot pizza (start with 1–2 tablespoons, then add more to taste). Sprinkle the fresh cilantro or basil and a grind of black pepper over the top.

Slice into 8 slices and serve immediately with extra spicy honey on the side for guests who want more heat and sweetness.