The Honey Bear Pizza Recipe

Get ready to fall in love with The Honey Bear Pizza—a dazzling, savory-sweet pizza that masterfully layers smoky sausage, gooey mozzarella, and just the right touch of honey. This marvelous pie is a showstopper, bursting with bold flavors, melty cheese, and crisped crust, all balanced by a simple drizzle of raw honey just as it emerges hot from the oven. Everyone who tries The Honey Bear Pizza wants another slice, and trust me, you’ll be making it again and again!

Ingredients You’ll Need

The Honey Bear Pizza is deliciously straightforward; every ingredient counts and plays a starring role in building complex, crave-worthy flavors. From nutty, stretchy cheese to spicy sausage and that all-important hint of honey, each one is essential for the pizza’s unique taste and texture.

• Prepared Pizza Dough: Letting it come to room temperature gives you a puffier, more flavorful crust with crispy edges.
• White Sauce (1/4 – 1/2 cup): Creamy, mellow, and garlicky—this sauce sets the perfect stage for the toppings. (Find the recipe in the Wild Palms Pizza post!)
• Shredded Mozzarella (~1/2 cup): Brings that irresistible stretch and bubbly golden layer every pizza needs.
• Smoked Mozzarella (~1/2 cup): Adds a subtle campfire smokiness that lifts the whole pizza into another flavor universe.
• Hot Italian Sausage (12–16 oz., 4–5 links): Savory and boldly spicy; browning and crumbling it gives the perfect bite-sized pieces for even coverage.
• Red Onion (1/4 large, thinly sliced): Adds lovely sweetness, vibrant color, and a juicy crunch with every bite.
• Raw Honey (for drizzling): The star finish! A light drizzle after baking brings unforgettable sweetness and glistening shine to The Honey Bear Pizza.

How to Make The Honey Bear Pizza

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Dough

Start by cranking your oven up to 450 degrees—the hotter, the better, for that crispy, golden crust. Give your pizza dough at least 30 minutes (45 is even better!) at room temperature so it’s pliable and puffs up beautifully as it bakes.

Step 2: Cook the Spicy Sausage

Remove the casings from the sausage links and brown them in a skillet over medium-low heat. Use a wooden spatula to break the meat into delightfully small, crispy crumbles. Once browned, drain off the excess fat and set aside—you want every bite of The Honey Bear Pizza to be bursting with this spicy, savory goodness!

Step 3: Get Your White Sauce Ready

Make the white sauce using your favorite recipe (or check the Wild Palms Pizza post if you need some inspiration). The creamy, garlicky sauce is absolutely essential—it forms the luscious base that ties everything together.

Step 4: Prep Your Sheet Pan

Grease a quarter sheet pan lightly with olive oil and keep it nearby. This simple step guarantees you easy pizza removal and extra-crunchy, golden edges.

Step 5: Roll Out and Shape the Dough

On a floured surface, roll your dough out to roughly a 9-by-13-inch rectangle. Gently lay the dough onto your prepped sheet pan, coaxing it to the edges for maximum real estate.

Step 6: Layer The Honey Bear Pizza Toppings

First, spread a thin, even layer of your creamy white sauce over the dough. Sprinkle a base layer of shredded mozzarella, then top with browned sausage and a dusting of smoked mozzarella. Add some red onion slices and continue alternating layers of cheese and toppings until everything’s used up—this means more melty, magical flavor in every bite!

Step 7: Bake to Golden Perfection

Slip your masterpiece into the hot oven. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the crust is gloriously golden and cheese bubbles into a melty, spotted blanket. As soon as it’s out, finish The Honey Bear Pizza with a generous drizzle of raw honey—the secret move that brings sweet balance to everything else.

How to Serve The Honey Bear Pizza

Garnishes

For a little extra flair, sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or basil leaves over the top right after drizzling with honey. A few flakes of cracked black pepper or red pepper can add an elevated, peppery punch to the gooey, sweet-savory slices of The Honey Bear Pizza.

Side Dishes

This pizza pairs beautifully with a crisp mixed greens salad dressed in a lemony vinaigrette, or roasted vegetables like asparagus or broccolini. A chilled glass of sparkling water with citrus or an off-dry white wine brings out the best in The Honey Bear Pizza’s playful flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve The Honey Bear Pizza in rustic slabs for a casual dinner or slice it into thin strips for elegant party appetizers. Try throwing it on a wooden cutting board with little cups of extra honey and hot sauce on the side for dipping—guaranteed to get people talking!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover slices of The Honey Bear Pizza keep well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavor even deepens as it sits, so don’t be surprised if tomorrow’s slice is just as good—or even better!

Freezing

You can freeze fully baked, cooled slices. Wrap each piece tightly in foil or plastic wrap, then store in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep their flavor and cheesy goodness for up to two months.

Reheating

For best results, reheat on a baking sheet in a 375-degree oven for about 8 minutes, or until hot and bubbly. Avoid microwaves, which can make the crust soggy—what you want is that crispy bottom and gooey cheese that defines The Honey Bear Pizza.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought pizza dough for The Honey Bear Pizza?

Absolutely! While homemade dough is wonderful if you have time, high-quality store-bought dough works perfectly and makes weeknight pizza night so much easier.

Is there a substitute for smoked mozzarella?

If you can’t find smoked mozzarella, try smoked provolone or even regular mozzarella mixed with a hint of smoked gouda. The smoky element is what elevates The Honey Bear Pizza, so try to include it if you can.

What else can I add to The Honey Bear Pizza?

Feel free to experiment! Sliced jalapeños, roasted red peppers, or even dollops of ricotta play well with the other flavors. Just be careful not to overcrowd—the magic is in the balance of savory, sweet, and smoky.

What’s the best way to drizzle honey?

A small spoon works perfectly, or you can use a honey dipper for even coverage. Drizzle as soon as the pizza comes out of the oven so the honey spreads and mingles with the hot cheese and sausage.

Can The Honey Bear Pizza be made vegetarian?

Definitely! Skip the sausage and add roasted mushrooms or plant-based sausage crumbles. The white sauce, smoky cheese, honey, and onions will still create a delightful balance.

Final Thoughts

If you’re searching for a pizza that turns every night into something special, you have to give The Honey Bear Pizza a try. There’s nothing quite like the sweet-and-savory bite, the bubbling cheese, and that wild dash of honey. Let it become your new favorite—don’t be surprised if friends and family start requesting it by name!

Print