Hot Honey Garlic Bread Pizza Recipe

Hey y'all! If you love crispy garlic bread, melty cheese, and a sweet-heat drizzle that makes every bite sing, this Hot Honey Garlic Bread Pizza Recipe is about to be your new obsession. It’s weeknight-fast, crowd-pleasing, and totally customizable—perfect for game day, family movie night, or a fun weekend nosh. Let’s get cooking!

Why You'll Love This Hot Honey Garlic Bread Pizza Recipe

• Bold flavor mashup: garlicky, buttery crunch meets gooey cheese and a sweet-spicy hot honey drizzle.
• Ridiculously fast: on the table in about 30 minutes with simple pantry ingredients.
• Customizable toppings: keep it classic or load it up with pepperoni, veggies, or fresh herbs.
• Kid- and crowd-friendly: mild heat that you can dial up or down to taste.
• Great for any occasion: easy dinner, game-day snack, or party-worthy appetizer.

Ingredients for Hot Honey Garlic Bread Pizza

Garlic Bread Base

• 1 large French bread or Italian bread loaf (about 16 oz / 450 g), split lengthwise
• 6 tablespoons (85 g) unsalted butter, softened
• 4 tablespoons (20 g) grated Parmesan cheese
• 6 cloves garlic, finely minced (or 2 teaspoons garlic paste)
• 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
• ½ teaspoon kosher salt
• ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for extra heat)

Cheese & Toppings

• 2 cups (8 oz / 225 g) low-moisture mozzarella, shredded
• ½ cup (2 oz / 55 g) provolone, shredded (optional but delicious)
• 4 oz (115 g) pepperoni slices or your favorite topping mix
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley or basil, for garnish

Hot Honey Drizzle

• ⅓ cup (110 g) honey
• 1 to 2 teaspoons crushed red pepper flakes (to taste)
• 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
• Pinch of salt

How to Make Hot Honey Garlic Bread Pizza Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prep for Hot Honey Garlic Bread Pizza

1. Place a rack in the center of the oven and preheat to 450°F (232°C). Line a large sheet pan with parchment or foil for easy cleanup.
2. Split the loaf lengthwise and place cut-side up on the pan.

Step 2: Make the Hot Honey

1. In a small saucepan, combine honey, red pepper flakes, vinegar, and a pinch of salt.
2. Warm over low heat for 2–3 minutes until runny and infused (do not boil). Set aside to cool slightly. It will thicken as it cools.

Step 3: Mix the Garlicky Butter

1. In a bowl, stir together softened butter, Parmesan, minced garlic, olive oil, salt, black pepper, and optional red pepper flakes until smooth.
2. Spread the garlic butter evenly over both bread halves, edge to edge for maximum flavor.

Step 4: Par-Bake the Garlic Bread

1. Bake the buttered bread for 5–6 minutes until the edges are lightly crisp and the surface looks set. This prevents sogginess.

Step 5: Top and Bake the Hot Honey Garlic Bread Pizza Recipe

1. Remove pan from oven and sprinkle mozzarella and provolone evenly over the bread.
2. Add pepperoni or your chosen toppings.
3. Return to oven and bake 7–9 minutes until the cheese is fully melted and bubbling.
4. Optional: Switch to broil on high for 1–2 minutes for blistered, golden-brown cheese. Watch closely to avoid burning.

Step 6: Finish with Hot Honey and Serve

1. Let the pizza rest 2–3 minutes, then drizzle generously with hot honey.
2. Garnish with chopped parsley or basil, slice, and serve hot.

Notes for Hot Honey Garlic Bread Pizza

• Heat control: Start with 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes in the hot honey, then add more to taste—remember it intensifies as it sits. For a deep dive on hot honey, check out Bon Appétit’s guide: How to Make Hot Honey.
• Choose low-moisture cheese to keep the crust crisp and prevent a watery top; pat any wet toppings dry before adding.
• If using the broiler for extra char, keep the pan 6 inches from the element and monitor constantly; here’s a quick primer from The Kitchn: How to Use Your Broiler.

Variations on Spicy Honey Garlic Bread Pizza

• Margherita Heat: Fresh tomato slices, basil, and mozzarella with a light hot honey drizzle.
• Mushroom & Ricotta: Sautéed cremini mushrooms, dollops of ricotta, thyme, and truffle hot honey.
• BBQ Chicken: Shredded rotisserie chicken tossed in BBQ sauce, red onion, cheddar-mozz mix, and hot honey to finish.

Equipment for Hot Honey Garlic Bread Pizza

• Large rimmed sheet pan
• Small saucepan
• Chef’s knife and cutting board
• Small mixing bowl and spoon
• Pastry brush (optional, for butter)

Storage for Hot Honey Garlic Bread Pizza

• Refrigerate: Cool completely, then store slices in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Reheat: Bake on a sheet pan at 375°F (190°C) for 8–10 minutes, or air fry at 360°F (182°C) for 4–6 minutes until crisp.
• Freeze: Wrap slices tightly in foil, then place in a freezer bag for up to 2 months. Reheat from frozen at 375°F (190°C) for 12–15 minutes.
• Hot honey: Store leftover hot honey in a clean jar at room temp up to 1 week.

Serving & Pairings for Hot Honey Garlic Bread Pizza

• Serve with a crisp green salad (lemon vinaigrette), Caesar, or simple arugula.
• Pair with bubbly water, lager, or a light red like Lambrusco; for kids, lemonade or iced tea.
• Add a side of marinara for dipping if you want extra saucy vibes.

Pro Tips for the Best Hot Honey Garlic Bread Pizza

• Par-bake the buttered bread every time—5–6 minutes creates a barrier so the bottom stays crunchy.
• Use low-moisture mozzarella to avoid soupy pizza; here’s why it matters: Fresh vs. Low-Moisture Mozzarella.
• Drizzle hot honey after baking, not before, to keep the sugars from burning and to preserve that glossy finish.

FAQ: Hot Honey Garlic Bread Pizza Recipe

Can I use store-bought hot honey?

Absolutely—use your favorite brand and drizzle to taste. If it’s very spicy, start with less and build.

How do I make this gluten-free?

Use a gluten-free baguette or loaf and confirm your toppings are gluten-free; cooking times are the same.

How do I prevent soggy garlic bread pizza?

Par-bake the buttered bread, use low-moisture cheese, pat wet toppings dry, and broil briefly for a bubbly top.