Pairings
Summer Sweet Heat Pizza
Pepperoni, Black Olive & Basil Pizza with Hot Honey
There’s nothing quite like homemade pizza on a warm summer evening, especially when it’s topped with crispy pepperoni, melty mozzarella, fresh basil, and a drizzle of Mike’s Hot Honey. This easy recipe strikes the perfect balance of savory, spicy, and sweet, making it ideal for backyard gatherings, patio dinners, or a casual night in with friends.
Whether you’re firing up the oven for family dinner or entertaining guests, this pizza comes together quickly and pairs beautifully with a chilled glass of Butternut Chardonnay. With just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep time, you’ll have a crowd-pleasing meal that’s full of fresh summer flavor.
Serves: 4–6
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 12–15 minutes
Ingredients
- 1 ball store-bought pizza dough
- 1/2 cup pizza sauce
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 20–25 pepperoni slices
- 1/4 cup sliced black olives
- Fresh basil leaves
- Mike’s Hot Honey, for drizzling
- Olive oil
- Flour or cornmeal, for dusting
Recommended Pairing: Serve with a chilled glass of Butternut Chardonnay.
Method
Prepare the Oven
Preheat your oven to 475°F. If you’re using a pizza stone, place it in the oven while it heats so it reaches the proper baking temperature.
Shape the Dough
On a lightly floured surface, stretch the pizza dough into a 12-inch circle or rustic oval. Transfer it to a parchment-lined baking sheet or pizza peel and lightly brush the edges with olive oil for a beautifully golden crust.
Add the Toppings
Spread the pizza sauce evenly across the dough, leaving a small border around the edges. Top with shredded mozzarella, pepperoni slices, and black olives, ensuring the toppings are evenly distributed.
Bake
Bake the pizza for 12–15 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly crisped around the edges.
Finish & Serve
Once the pizza comes out of the oven, top it with fresh basil leaves and finish with a generous drizzle of Mike’s Hot Honey. Slice and serve immediately alongside a chilled glass of Butternut Chardonnay for the ultimate summer pizza night.
Pro Tip
For the perfect sweet-and-spicy finish, drizzle Mike’s Hot Honey over the pizza while it’s still hot so it melts into every bite. Hosting friends or family? Slice the pizza into smaller squares and serve extra hot honey on the side for dipping and drizzling, creating an easy, shareable appetizer everyone will love.