There’s something undeniably comforting about the aroma of bubbling cheese, toasted garlic, and warm bread wafting from the oven. But when you add a twist of sweet and spicy hot honey, that comfort food turns into something unforgettable. Picture this: a cozy Friday night, your favorite playlist humming in the background, and a slice of Hot Honey Garlic Bread Pizza in hand—crispy on the outside, melty in the middle, with a drizzle of hot honey that tingles your tastebuds.

This recipe was inspired by a late-night food truck find in Austin, Texas. A humble garlic bread pizza, spicy honey drizzled over the top, served in a cardboard tray that somehow made it taste even better. Ever since, we’ve been recreating and refining the recipe to bring that perfect harmony of garlic, cheese, and spicy-sweet honey right to your kitchen.

Whether you’re planning a game-day snack, a fun twist on pizza night, or just looking for a new comfort food to add to your repertoire, this Hot Honey Garlic Bread Pizza is the kind of crowd-pleaser you’ll want to make again and again.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Bold Flavors: Combines the rich umami of roasted garlic, melty cheese, and spicy-sweet honey.

• Quick & Easy: No pizza dough to knead—uses French bread or Italian bread as the base.

• Customizable: Add your favorite toppings like pepperoni, red pepper flakes, or herbs.

• Perfect for Sharing: A fun appetizer or dinner for family, friends, or your next party.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Garlic Bread Base:

• 1 large loaf of French or Italian bread, halved lengthwise

• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened

• 3 tablespoons olive oil

• 5 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped

• Salt to taste

For the Pizza Topping:

• 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese

• ½ cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese (optional for extra depth)

• ½ cup pizza sauce or marinara

• ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)

• Optional toppings: sliced pepperoni, sautéed mushrooms, caramelized onions, sliced jalapeños

For the Hot Honey Drizzle:

• ¼ cup honey

• 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (or more if you love heat)

• 1 small garlic clove, grated

• Pinch of salt

• 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar or lemon juice (optional, for tang)

How to Make Hot Honey Garlic Bread Pizza

Step 1: Prep the Hot Honey

Start by infusing the honey with heat and flavor. In a small saucepan, combine honey, red pepper flakes, grated garlic, and a pinch of salt. Warm gently over low heat until it begins to bubble slightly. Don’t boil—just heat enough to infuse. Stir in apple cider vinegar or lemon juice if using. Set aside to cool while you prepare the garlic bread pizza.

Tip: You can make this hot honey ahead of time and store it in a jar for up to two weeks.

Step 2: Make the Garlic Butter

In a bowl, mix the softened butter, olive oil, minced garlic, and chopped parsley. Add a pinch of salt to taste. Spread the garlic butter generously over the cut sides of the bread.

Place the bread halves, cut side up, on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Broil on high for 1-2 minutes until the garlic butter bubbles and the edges start to toast. Keep a close eye to prevent burning.

Step 3: Assemble the Pizza

Once the garlic bread is toasted, remove from the oven. Spread a few spoonfuls of pizza sauce over the bread. Don’t go too heavy—just enough to coat.

Sprinkle a generous layer of mozzarella cheese over the top, followed by sharp cheddar if using. Add any optional toppings at this point.

Finish with a light sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes for that extra kick.

Step 4: Bake to Melty Perfection

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Bake the assembled bread pizzas for about 10-12 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted, bubbling, and lightly golden brown.

If you like extra browning on your cheese, switch to broil for the final minute.

Step 5: Drizzle with Hot Honey

Once out of the oven, let the garlic bread pizzas cool for a minute or two. Then comes the best part—the hot honey drizzle. Using a spoon or squeeze bottle, drizzle the warm hot honey generously over each slice.

Garnish with extra parsley or a sprinkle of flaky sea salt if desired.

Serving Suggestions

This Hot Honey Garlic Bread Pizza is best served hot, fresh from the oven, but it holds up surprisingly well for casual gatherings.

Here are some ideas to round out your pizza night:

• Serve with a fresh arugula salad dressed with lemon and olive oil for contrast.

• Add a bowl of marinara or ranch dressing on the side for dipping.

• Pair with a crisp lager or a citrusy IPA if you’re serving adults.

• Make a pizza bar with different toppings so guests can assemble their own versions before baking.

Tips for the Best Garlic Bread Pizza

• Use fresh garlic—it’s worth it. Jarred garlic will work in a pinch, but nothing beats freshly minced cloves for flavor.

• Don’t skimp on the butter—a rich base creates the best flavor and texture.

• Try spicy pepperoni or soppressata for a meaty topping that pairs perfectly with the hot honey.

• Make it vegetarian-friendly with mushrooms, roasted red peppers, or sun-dried tomatoes.

Variations to Try

This recipe is incredibly flexible. Here are some ways to switch it up:

Buffalo Garlic Bread Pizza

Swap the hot honey for a drizzle of buffalo sauce. Add shredded chicken and blue cheese crumbles on top.

Caprese Style

Top with sliced fresh mozzarella, tomato, and basil. Drizzle with balsamic glaze instead of hot honey.

BBQ Chicken Version

Replace marinara with barbecue sauce. Add shredded rotisserie chicken, red onions, and cheddar. Finish with hot honey for sweet heat.

Vegan-Friendly

Use dairy-free butter and vegan cheese. Top with sautéed veggies and finish with agave syrup mixed with chili flakes for a hot honey substitute.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

• Make-Ahead: You can prep the garlic bread base and even layer the toppings a few hours ahead. Keep it wrapped in foil in the fridge until ready to bake.

• Storage: Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through and crispy.

• Freezing: Not ideal due to the bread texture, but you can freeze the garlic butter mixture and hot honey separately to have on hand.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use regular sandwich bread instead of French bread?

Technically yes, but you won’t get the same satisfying crunch and chew. A sturdier bread like ciabatta or a baguette is better.

How spicy is the hot honey?

That’s up to you! Start with a teaspoon of red pepper flakes for a mild kick, and adjust to taste. You can even split the batch for spicy and mild eaters.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes—just use a gluten-free loaf of bread and ensure all toppings are gluten-free certified.

Can I use store-bought hot honey?

Absolutely. Brands like Mike’s Hot Honey or Bushwick Kitchen are great options if you don’t want to make your own.

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