Hot Honey Garlic Bread Pizza Recipe
If you’ve ever dreamed of an utterly craveable mashup that hits your garlic bread, pizza, and spicy-sweet cravings all in one glorious bite, get ready for Hot Honey Garlic Bread Pizza. This mind-blowing creation layers toasty, buttery garlic bread with gooey cheese, classic pizza toppings, and a drizzle of homemade hot honey that takes things over the top. It’s the kind of recipe that’s equally perfect for movie nights, after-school snacks, or impressing friends—bold flavors, minimal fuss, and an absurd amount of fun.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic here comes from a handful of simple ingredients that balance richness, spice, and sweetness in every slice. Don’t skip anything—the garlic butter, cheese blend, and hot honey each play an essential role in making this Hot Honey Garlic Bread Pizza a true flavor powerhouse.
- Italian or French bread: The sturdy base that bakes up golden with an irresistible crunch, perfect for holding all those toppings.
- Unsalted butter: Makes the garlic bread luscious and helps crisp everything up in the oven.
- Fresh garlic: Three cloves bring punchy, aromatic depth—fresh is best for maximum garlic flavor.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: Melty and stretchy, the classic pizza cheese for that gooey finish.
- Shredded provolone cheese: Adds extra creaminess and a slightly sharp kick that makes every bite more interesting.
- Pizza sauce: Brings the tang and ties together the pizza vibes—use your favorite jarred or homemade version.
- Crushed red pepper flakes: For gentle heat and color throughout the pizza, plus more warmth in the hot honey.
- Pepperoni or cooked sausage (optional): For meat-lovers, a salty, savory topping that adds loads of personality.
- Fresh parsley (optional): A sprinkle for freshness and color at the end.
- Honey (for hot honey): Sweetness is the secret weapon here—use good-quality honey if possible.
- Red pepper flakes (for hot honey): Adjust the amount for more or less heat; this spicy-sweet drizzle is the star of the show.
How to Make Hot Honey Garlic Bread Pizza
Step 1: Prep the Bread and Make the Garlic Butter
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C) and grabbing a trusty baking sheet lined with parchment paper—this keeps cleanup a breeze! In a small bowl, mix your softened butter and minced garlic until they’re totally combined. Slather that garlicky goodness evenly over the cut sides of your halved bread. This not only locks in flavor but ensures the base toasts up beautifully in the oven.
Step 2: Toast the Garlic Bread
Pop your prepared bread, buttered side up, onto the baking sheet and let it bake for about 5 to 6 minutes. You’re looking for a light golden color, not totally browned. This short pre-bake gives the bread that signature crispy edge while keeping it soft enough inside for pizza toppings. Your kitchen will smell fantastic at this point!
Step 3: Assemble the Pizza Toppings
Remove the bread from the oven and let’s get to the fun part. Spoon pizza sauce generously over each half, making sure you get all the way to the edges for maximum flavor payoff. Sprinkle on a layer of mozzarella, then a layer of provolone, followed by a dash of crushed red pepper flakes. If you’re feeling indulgent, dot on pepperoni or sausage. The cheese melts together as it bakes, giving each bite real “wow” factor.
Step 4: Bake Again Until Bubbly
Slide your topped bread back in the oven and bake for another 10 to 12 minutes, or until the cheese is melty, golden, and bubbling with little pockets of crispness. The aroma alone should have everyone circling the kitchen! Keep an eye out—the cheese should be fully melted and the bread edges caught just right between crisp and chewy.
Step 5: Make the Hot Honey
While your pizza bakes, quickly whip up the hot honey: In a small saucepan over low heat, gently warm the honey with the red pepper flakes until it thins out—about 2 to 3 minutes. Take it off the heat and let those pepper flakes infuse while you finish the pizza. That spicy, syrupy drizzle is an absolute game-changer.
Step 6: Finish and Serve
Once your Hot Honey Garlic Bread Pizza comes out of the oven, immediately drizzle with your homemade hot honey and finish off with fresh parsley if you like. Slice it up and serve while the cheese is still oozy and warm. Each bite combines the crunch of garlic bread, the familiar comfort of pizza, and a final sweet-heat kick that’s instantly addictive.
How to Serve Hot Honey Garlic Bread Pizza
Garnishes
Add a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley for a burst of color and freshness, or shower the top with more crushed red pepper flakes if you love extra heat. A final flourish of grated parmesan never hurt anyone, either—finish it off just before slicing for a little salty umami.
Side Dishes
Pair this bold Hot Honey Garlic Bread Pizza with a crisp Caesar salad or a simple arugula salad tossed in lemon vinaigrette. If you’re feeling casual, throw in a side of classic marinara for dipping. Fresh veggies, such as crunchy cucumber or carrot sticks, balance out the cheesy richness and make it a meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Cut your pizza into short, snacking-sized strips for the ultimate party platter, or go for hearty wedges for dinner. Serve mini versions on smaller baguette slices for appetizers, or layer the toppings on garlic naan bread for a global twist. Drizzle extra hot honey at the table and let people dip or double-drizzle to their heart’s content!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Hot Honey Garlic Bread Pizza keeps surprisingly well! Wrap slices tightly in foil or store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The bread stays soft inside and the flavors actually deepen a bit overnight, making for a super satisfying lunch the next day.
Freezing
You can absolutely freeze extra slices. Let the pizza cool completely, then place in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet and freeze until solid. After that, transfer to a zip-top freezer bag. They’ll keep for up to a month—just reheat right from frozen for a fast, cheesy treat.
Reheating
The best way to refresh your Hot Honey Garlic Bread Pizza is in the oven or toaster oven at 375°F for 8–10 minutes, straight from the fridge or freezer. This crisps the bread back up and remelts the cheese perfectly. If you’re in a rush, a quick zap in the microwave works too—just expect a softer crust.
FAQs
Can I use gluten-free bread for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just choose your favorite sturdy gluten-free loaf and follow the same instructions. The results are just as delicious—and the hot honey really shines here, too.
What other toppings go well with Hot Honey Garlic Bread Pizza?
Almost anything you love on regular pizza works here: sautéed mushrooms, roasted bell peppers, sliced black olives, or even a handful of baby spinach added under the cheese. Feel free to get creative!
How spicy is the hot honey?
You’re in control. If you use just half a teaspoon of red pepper flakes, you’ll get gentle warmth. Use a full teaspoon (or more!) for real fiery kick. Taste as you go, and remember—the flavor builds as it infuses.
Can I make the hot honey ahead of time?
Definitely! The hot honey can be made in advance and stored in a jar at room temperature for about a week. It just gets more flavorful over time, and extra is amazing drizzled over fried chicken or roasted veggies.
Is this Hot Honey Garlic Bread Pizza kid-friendly?
Yes! If you’re concerned about heat, simply reserve some garlic bread pizza slices without the hot honey for kids, and let the spice-lovers add their own drizzle. Everyone gets exactly what they want.
Final Thoughts
Hot Honey Garlic Bread Pizza is pure comfort food with a spicy-sweet twist that transforms an everyday favorite into something unforgettable. It’s easy, endlessly customizable, and always a hit with family and friends. Give it a try—and don’t be surprised if this becomes your new go-to party or weeknight dinner recipe!
Print
Hot Honey Garlic Bread Pizza Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Hot Honey Garlic Bread Pizza is a delicious twist on traditional pizza, featuring a flavorful garlic butter base, gooey cheeses, and a spicy-sweet kick of hot honey. This easy recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight meal or as a fun appetizer for gatherings.
Ingredients
Bread:
- 1 large loaf of Italian or French bread, halved lengthwise
Garlic Butter:
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Toppings:
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup shredded provolone cheese
- ½ cup pizza sauce
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- ¼ cup sliced pepperoni or cooked sausage (optional)
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Hot Honey:
- ¼ cup honey
- ½ to 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to heat preference)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Prepare the bread: Mix softened butter with minced garlic. Spread the garlic butter on the cut sides of the bread. Toast in the oven for 5-6 minutes.
- Add toppings: Spread pizza sauce on the bread halves. Top with cheeses, red pepper flakes, and optional toppings. Bake for 10-12 minutes.
- Make hot honey: Heat honey and red pepper flakes in a saucepan for 2-3 minutes. Drizzle over cooked pizzas.
- Serve: Sprinkle with parsley, slice, and enjoy!
Notes
- For a vegetarian version, skip the meat and add roasted vegetables.
- Hot honey can be stored at room temperature for future use.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (¼ loaf)
- Calories: 390
- Sugar: 9 g
- Sodium: 670 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 14 g
- Cholesterol: 50 mg
