Introduction

Honey Bear Pizza offers a delightful twist on traditional pizza with its combination of savory hot Italian sausage, smoky mozzarella, and a drizzle of raw honey for a touch of sweetness. This layered pizza is easy to assemble and delivers a perfect balance of flavors in every bite.

A rectangular pizza with a golden, slightly thick crust forms the base layer. On top is a layer of melted white cheese that is bubbling and has light golden spots. There are small, dark brown cooked sausage pieces spread evenly across the surface. Scattered thin rings of red onion add a purple hue, partially covered by the cheese. The pizza rests on a silver metal baking tray, all placed against a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 Prepared Pizza Dough, at room temperature
1/4 – 1/2 cup White Sauce (see Wild Palms Pizza post for recipe)
~1/2 cup Mozzarella, shredded
~1/2 cup Smoked Mozzarella
12-16 oz Hot Italian Sausage (4-5 links), casings removed, browned and crumbled
1/4 Large Red Onion, sliced into thin rounds
Drizzle of Raw Honey, to finish

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C).
Step 2: Let the pizza dough come to room temperature for at least 30 minutes, preferably 45 minutes, so it’s easier to work with.
Step 3: Remove the casings from the hot Italian sausage. Cook the sausage over medium-low heat until browned, breaking it into small crumbles with a wooden spatula. Drain any excess fat and set aside.
Step 4: Prepare the white sauce as per the Wild Palms Pizza recipe referenced.
Step 5: Lightly coat a quarter sheet pan with olive oil and place it near your assembly area for convenience.
Step 6: On a floured surface, roll out the dough to approximately 9 by 13 inches, then transfer it to the prepared sheet pan.
Step 7: Spread an even, thin layer of the white sauce over the dough. Sprinkle a layer of shredded mozzarella cheese over the sauce.
Step 8: Add a layer of the browned sausage, then alternate with more cheese, red onion slices, and smoked mozzarella. Continue layering alternating between regular and smoked mozzarella with sausage and onions.
Step 9: Finish with a final layer of cheese on top.
Step 10: Bake the pizza for 12-15 minutes, or until the crust turns golden brown and the cheese is bubbly and browned in spots.
Step 11: Remove the pizza from the oven and drizzle raw honey over the top just before serving for a subtle sweetness that complements the spicy sausage.

Tips & Variations

Use a mix of mozzarella types to add depth of flavor; smoked mozzarella brings a wonderful aroma and complexity.
If you prefer less spice, substitute hot Italian sausage with sweet Italian sausage.
For a crispier crust, pre-bake the dough for 5 minutes before adding toppings.
Try adding fresh basil or arugula after baking to brighten the flavors.

Storage

Store any leftover pizza in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat slices in a skillet or oven to maintain crispiness rather than using a microwave. This helps keep the crust from becoming soggy.

How to Serve

The image shows two slices of pizza on a wooden board placed over a white marbled surface. Each slice has three main layers: a golden-brown crust at the bottom, a creamy layer of melted white cheese on top, and scattered browned sausage pieces along with thin slices of red onion spread over the cheese. The cheese layer looks bubbly with lightly browned spots, and the sausages add a crispy texture with slightly caramelized edges. The red onion rings are thin and slightly translucent, curling gently on the surface. The wooden board beneath the slices has a natural light brown color with visible grain lines that contrast with the pizza. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought white sauce instead of homemade?

Yes, store-bought white sauce can be used as a convenient substitute, though making your own can add a fresher taste and allow you to adjust seasoning to your preference.

What if I don’t have smoked mozzarella?

If smoked mozzarella isn’t available, you can use all regular mozzarella or add a small amount of smoked cheese like provolone or gouda for a similar effect.