Cheesy Pan Pizza with Spicy Hot Honey

There’s just something about pulling a golden, cheesy pan pizza from the oven and finishing it with a drizzle of spicy hot honey.

You get crispy edges, gooey cheese, and a sweet-spicy kick that makes every bite pop.

It’s simple enough for a weeknight but still feels like something you’d order out.

I started making this pizza on nights when I wanted comfort food but not a lot of work.

You press the dough into the pan, layer on sauce and cheese, and let the oven do its thing.

While it bakes, I simmer honey with red pepper flakes until it turns into a spicy drizzle.

That honey takes the pizza up a notch.

You’ll see why this recipe just works.

I’ll walk you through it step by step, and throw in easy swaps if you want to play with the flavors.

You’ll get tips for crispier crust and ideas for what to serve with it.

You’ll have everything you need to make this cheesy pan pizza a regular thing.

Why You Will Love Cheesy Pan Pizza with Spicy Hot Honey

You get the comfort of a classic pan pizza with a twist that makes it different.

The crust turns golden and crisp at the edges, while cheese melts into every corner.

It feels like the kind of meal you’ll want to make again.

The drizzle of spicy hot honey really changes things.

The sweetness balances the salty cheese, and the heat keeps each bite interesting.

It’s not overwhelming, just enough to wake things up.

Making this at home gives you full control over the flavors.

You can change the spice in the honey, use your favorite cheese, or swap the toppings.

That flexibility makes it easy to fit your mood.

This pizza is also great for sharing.

If you’re cooking for family or friends, it’s a simple way to serve something that feels special.

The hot honey drizzle at the end makes the pizza look and taste fancy.

Here are a few reasons you’ll enjoy it:

• Easy to prepare with basic ingredients.
• Customizable so you can adjust spice, cheese, or toppings.
• Perfect for pizza night when you want something a little different.
• Balance of flavors with crispy crust, melted cheese, and sweet-spicy honey.

How To Make Cheesy Pan Pizza with Spicy Hot Honey

This pizza comes together with simple ingredients and basic tools.

You’ll stretch dough in a pan, layer sauce and cheese, bake until golden, and finish with hot honey.

Ingredients

You’ll need a ball of pizza dough.

Store-bought works, but homemade dough gives better texture.

If you make your own, give it time to rise so it’s light.

For the base, use pizza sauce or marinara.

A thicker sauce works best so the crust doesn’t get soggy.

Cheese is the star here.

Use shredded mozzarella cheese for melt and stretch, and add parmesan for sharpness.

If you like, mix in fontina or provolone.

For toppings, keep it simple.

Pepperoni or salami gives a salty bite that pairs with the honey.

You can skip the meat and let the cheese shine.

To make the hot honey, combine honey with red pepper flakes.

You can adjust the spice by adding more or less pepper.

Instruments

A sturdy cast iron skillet or a 9×13 inch baking pan works best for pan pizza.

The heavy base helps the crust crisp up.

If you want an even crisper bottom, place the pan on a preheated pizza stone.

It holds heat well and gives a nice crunch.

You’ll also need:

• A small saucepan or skillet for the hot honey
• A rolling pin or your hands to stretch the dough
• A sharp knife or pizza cutter for slicing
• A spoon or ladle to spread the sauce

A light dusting of cornmeal or olive oil helps prevent sticking and adds flavor.

Step-By-Step Instruction

Start by preheating your oven to 425°F.

If you’re using a pizza stone, put it in the oven now.

Grease your pan with olive oil.

Spread the dough to the edges.

If it resists, let it rest for a few minutes, then try again.

Spoon sauce over the dough, leaving a small border.

Sprinkle mozzarella generously, then parmesan.

Make sure cheese reaches the edges so it caramelizes.

Add your toppings, like pepperoni or salami.

Bake for 15–20 minutes, until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbling.

While the pizza bakes, warm honey with red pepper flakes in a small skillet for a few minutes.

Remove from heat once it’s infused.

When the pizza is ready, let it cool a couple of minutes.

Slice it, then drizzle the hot honey over the top.

Tips & Tricks

Small details make a big difference with pan pizza.

You don’t need fancy tools, but the right choices help you get that crisp crust and gooey topping.

Use a cast iron pan if you have one.

It holds heat well and gives your pizza a golden crunch.

If not, a heavy baking sheet works too.

Just oil it well.

When you stretch the dough, let it rest if it fights you.

A short pause relaxes the gluten and makes it easier to press into the corners.

Layer your cheese before the sauce.

This trick keeps the crust from getting soggy and helps the edges caramelize.

A pizza peel makes moving pizza easier if you bake on a sheet or stone.

If you don’t have one, parchment paper is a good backup.

Once baked, let the pizza rest a couple minutes before cutting.

Use a sharp pizza cutter so the toppings stay put and the slices come out neat.

For the hot honey drizzle, wait until the pizza is out of the oven.

This keeps the flavor bright.

A light zig-zag over the top is all you need.

Ingredient Substitute

Sometimes you don’t have every ingredient, and that’s fine.

You can still make a great cheesy pan pizza with a few swaps.

If you don’t have red pepper flakes, use cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce.

Even a sprinkle of chili powder gives your honey a gentle kick.

For the cheese, mozzarella is classic, but you can mix in ricotta for a creamier texture.

It won’t melt the same way, but it adds soft richness that balances the honey.

Here are some easy swaps:

• Mozzarella: use provolone, Monterey Jack, or cheddar for sharper flavor.
• Parmesan: replace with pecorino romano or asiago for a salty bite.
• Honey: maple syrup works if you’re out, though it’s less floral.
• Red pepper flakes: cayenne, chili crisp, or hot sauce can stand in.

If you want a milder finish, skip the hot honey drizzle and just use plain honey.

It keeps the sweet note without the heat.

You can also add toppings like crumbled bacon, pepperoni, or roasted veggies.

These pair well with the sweet and spicy balance.

What To Serve With Cheesy Pan Pizza with Spicy Hot Honey

When you serve a cheesy pan pizza with hot honey, you’ll want sides that balance the sweet heat.

I usually keep things simple so the pizza stays the star.

A crisp salad works well because it cuts through the richness.

You can toss arugula or spinach with fresh basil, pears, or even strawberries.

Roasted vegetables are another easy choice.

Try roasting broccoli, zucchini, or bell peppers with olive oil and salt.

Their caramelized flavor pairs nicely with the spicy-sweet honey.

If you want something more indulgent, add a plate of thinly sliced prosciutto.

The salty, savory meat contrasts with the sticky honey.

Here are a few pairing ideas:

• Simple green salad with arugula, basil, and vinaigrette
• Roasted vegetables like carrots, zucchini, or peppers
• Prosciutto or cured meats for a salty balance
• Garlic bread if you want an extra carb
• Fresh fruit such as peaches or melon for a sweet, cooling side

Keep drinks easy too.

A cold beer, sparkling water, or light red wine will round out the meal.

How To Store Cheesy Pan Pizza with Spicy Hot Honey

When I make this pizza, there are usually a few slices left.

I’ve learned the best ways to keep them tasting fresh.

You don’t want that crispy edge or the honey drizzle to go to waste.

Let the pizza cool to room temperature before storing.

If you put it away hot, the steam makes the crust soggy.

For the fridge, wrap slices tightly in foil or place them in an airtight container.

They’ll keep well for about 3 days.

If you want to freeze leftovers, wrap each slice in plastic wrap and put them in a freezer bag.

They’ll last up to 3 months without losing much flavor.

When it’s time to reheat, you have a few good options:

• Oven: Preheat to 375°F and heat slices for 8–10 minutes.
• Skillet: Warm on medium heat with a lid for a few minutes.
• Microwave: Use short bursts if you’re in a rush, but the crust won’t stay crisp.

I usually go with the oven or skillet.

The texture comes out closest to fresh-baked, and the cheese stays gooey.

Nutritional Value

When you make this cheesy pan pizza with spicy hot honey, you’ll want to know what’s in each slice. I always check the basics so I can balance it out.

A slice of pan cheese pizza from a chain like Pizza Hut usually falls between 140–350 calories. It depends on the size, honestly.

Adding hot honey and extra cheese bumps it up a bit.

Here’s a simple breakdown for one medium slice with hot honey:

• Calories: about 250–300
• Fat: 10–15g
• Protein: 9–12g
• Carbohydrates: 28–34g

The honey drizzle adds natural sugars. So, expect a little bump in carbs and sweetness.

If you use more cheese or toppings, the fat and calorie counts will rise too.

You can adjust the nutrition by choosing lighter cheese or using less oil in the pan. Try adding lean toppings like grilled chicken or extra veggies.

I usually plan ahead before making this pizza. Knowing the numbers helps me fit it into my day without any stress.