Hot Honey Garlic Bread Pizza Recipe
If you’re looking for a dish that delivers big flavor with minimal fuss, Hot Honey Garlic Bread Pizza is about to become your new obsession. Imagine everything you love about garlic bread—crispy edges, buttery richness, and that irresistible aroma—combined with gooey cheese, savory toppings, and a lip-tingling drizzle of hot honey. This pizza is the ultimate comfort food mash-up, perfect for weeknights, gatherings, or whenever you crave something bold and satisfying. Sweet, spicy, cheesy, and garlicky, every bite is pure joy!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Hot Honey Garlic Bread Pizza is in its straightforward ingredients that come together for spectacular results. Each component plays a starring role, from the bread’s crunch to the honey’s gentle heat—so don’t skip a thing!
- Large loaf of Italian or French bread: This is your pizza “crust”—choose a loaf with a sturdy exterior and soft center for best results.
- Unsalted butter, melted (3 tablespoons): Melted butter soaks into the bread, making it golden and rich.
- Garlic, minced (2 cloves): Fresh garlic infuses the bread with bold, aromatic flavor.
- Italian seasoning (1 teaspoon): A classic blend that brings herbaceous notes to every bite.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese (1 ½ cups): For melty, stretchy, classic pizza goodness.
- Pizza sauce (½ cup): Tangy, tomatoey sauce is essential for that true pizza taste.
- Pepperoni slices or other toppings (½ cup, optional): Make it your own—add pepperoni, veggies, or whatever you love!
- Hot honey (2 tablespoons): The game-changer—sweet with a gentle kick, it ties everything together.
- Chopped fresh basil or parsley (optional): A sprinkle of green makes each slice extra inviting and fresh.
How to Make Hot Honey Garlic Bread Pizza
Step 1: Prep Your Bread and Baking Sheet
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. Slice your loaf of Italian or French bread in half lengthwise and lay both halves cut-side up on the prepared baking sheet. This creates the perfect base for all the flavors to come.
Step 2: Mix and Brush Your Garlic Butter
In a small bowl, combine the melted unsalted butter, minced garlic, and Italian seasoning. Using a pastry brush (or the back of a spoon), generously brush this mixture over the cut sides of your bread. This step infuses every nook and cranny with garlicky, herby goodness and helps toast the bread for that craveable crunch.
Step 3: Toast the Bread
Pop the buttered bread into the oven and bake for 5–6 minutes. You’re looking for the edges to just begin turning golden—this quick pre-bake ensures your Hot Honey Garlic Bread Pizza won’t get soggy once you add the toppings.
Step 4: Add Sauce, Cheese, and Toppings
Take the bread out of the oven and, while it’s still hot, spread a generous layer of pizza sauce over each half. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly on top, and then go wild with your favorite toppings—pepperoni, sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, or keep it simple and cheesy.
Step 5: Bake Until Bubbly
Return the topped bread pizzas to the oven and bake for another 8–10 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the cheese is perfectly melted and bubbling, and the edges are irresistibly crispy.
Step 6: Drizzle with Hot Honey and Garnish
This is where the magic happens! As soon as your Hot Honey Garlic Bread Pizza comes out of the oven, drizzle the hot honey all over the top. Finish with a sprinkling of fresh basil or parsley to add a bright, fresh touch. Slice and serve immediately—prepare for rave reviews!
How to Serve Hot Honey Garlic Bread Pizza
Garnishes
A finishing touch of fresh basil or parsley not only looks gorgeous but also enhances the flavors with a burst of color and freshness. You might also sprinkle a little extra red pepper flakes for those who like it extra spicy or a dusting of grated parmesan for a salty, nutty kick. Serving your Hot Honey Garlic Bread Pizza with these garnishes makes each slice feel special and restaurant-worthy.
Side Dishes
Balance out the richness of the pizza with a crisp green salad—think arugula with a lemony vinaigrette—or a bowl of tangy marinated olives. For heartier appetites, pair with a bowl of tomato soup or roasted vegetables. These sides complement the flavors of your Hot Honey Garlic Bread Pizza without stealing the spotlight.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve your Hot Honey Garlic Bread Pizza on a rustic wooden board and slice it into finger-friendly strips for an easy party appetizer. Or, try making mini versions on naan or flatbread for a fun twist at gatherings. For a family-style dinner, let everyone add their own toppings before baking, making it interactive and personalized.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftover Hot Honey Garlic Bread Pizza (which is rare because it’s that good), let it cool completely. Store slices in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. This keeps the bread from getting soggy and the flavors fresh.
Freezing
To freeze, wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep well for up to a month. When the pizza craving hits, you can have Hot Honey Garlic Bread Pizza ready to reheat in minutes!
Reheating
For best results, reheat slices in a toaster oven or regular oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through and the cheese is melty again—about 8–10 minutes. This helps the bread stay crisp. Avoid the microwave if possible, as it can make the bread chewy.
FAQs
Can I use a different type Main Course
Absolutely! While Italian or French bread gives you that classic crispy-yet-soft texture, you can make Hot Honey Garlic Bread Pizza with ciabatta, baguette, or even naan for a mini version. Just adjust the baking time as needed.
How spicy is the hot honey?
The heat level is mild to moderate, depending on the brand or how much red pepper you use if making it at home. If you prefer less heat, use plain honey or try a milder hot honey; for more kick, add extra red pepper flakes.
Can I make this pizza vegetarian?
Definitely! Simply leave off the pepperoni or use your favorite veggie toppings—think mushrooms, bell peppers, onions, or olives. The base flavors of Hot Honey Garlic Bread Pizza are already vegetarian-friendly if you skip the meat.
What’s the best way to make homemade hot honey?
To make your own hot honey, gently warm ¼ cup honey with ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes on the stove. Let it steep for 5–10 minutes, then strain out the flakes. This homemade version is every bit as delicious as store-bought!
Can I prepare this ahead of time for a party?
You can assemble the bread with garlic butter and toppings ahead, then store it in the fridge until ready to bake. Just add a couple extra minutes to the baking time if starting from cold. Drizzle the hot honey right before serving for the freshest flavor.
Final Thoughts
If you’re ready to shake up your pizza night, give this Hot Honey Garlic Bread Pizza a try! It’s quick, customizable, and guaranteed to wow everyone at the table. Don’t be surprised if it becomes your most requested recipe—one bite is all it takes to see why!
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Hot Honey Garlic Bread Pizza Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Hot Honey Garlic Bread Pizza is a quick and delicious twist on traditional pizza combining crispy garlic buttered bread, melty mozzarella, spicy pepperoni, and a sweet-hot drizzle of honey. This easy-to-make baked dish is perfect for weeknights or casual gatherings, offering a perfect balance of savory, spicy, and sweet flavors with a satisfying crunch.
Ingredients
Bread and Butter Mixture
- 1 large loaf of Italian or French bread, sliced in half lengthwise
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Toppings
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup pizza sauce
- ½ cup pepperoni slices or other toppings (optional)
Finishing Touches
- 2 tablespoons hot honey (store-bought or homemade)
- Chopped fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Place the bread halves cut-side up on the prepared baking sheet to get ready for the toppings.
- Make Garlic Butter: In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, minced garlic, and Italian seasoning. Brush this flavorful garlic butter mixture evenly over the cut sides of the bread, ensuring each slice gets a good coating.
- Bake the Bread: Bake the buttered bread halves for 5–6 minutes or until the edges begin to turn a golden brown, creating a nice crispy texture and toasting the garlic flavor slightly.
- Add Sauce and Toppings: Remove the bread from the oven and spread pizza sauce over each half evenly. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese on top, and add pepperoni or your preferred toppings.
- Bake with Toppings: Return the prepared bread pizzas to the oven and bake for an additional 8–10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly browned on top.
- Drizzle and Garnish: Take the bread pizzas out of the oven and immediately drizzle the hot honey over the top, adding a delightful sweet-spicy contrast. Garnish with chopped fresh basil or parsley if desired.
- Serve: Slice the hot honey garlic bread pizza and serve immediately while warm and fresh for the best flavor and texture experience.
Notes
- For homemade hot honey, warm ¼ cup honey with ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes, let it steep, then strain before drizzling.
- Use naan or flatbread instead of Italian bread for a smaller, individual-sized version of this pizza.
- Adjust the amount of hot honey to control the sweetness and spiciness level to your preference.
- Optional toppings such as vegetables or other meats can be added to customize your pizza.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 630mg
- Fat: 17g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 27g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 13g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
