It's a master class in culinary mashups. Zesty (and darn easy) vodka sauce meets pizza for a vodka sauce pizza that will earn a spot in your hand-made pizza hall of fame. Charred pepperoni, creamy burrata and the best chewy pizza dough lead a simple ingredient list for a slightly-spicy, incredibly savory pizza pie.
Let me just lead with the fact that for my adult kiddos, vodka pasta sauce is one of the first homemade pasta sauces they wanted to learn to make. They order it all. the. time. So I figured...give the people what they want....make a spicy vodka sauce pizza.
And then give them even more.
Because, my friend, we are topping this unbelievably good vodka pizza with creamy burrata.
What does burrata add to pizza?
Really though...the better question is "what doesn't burrata add?"!
While we will use fresh mozzarella (hello, cheese pull), burrata adds an indulgent creaminess along with:
Texture. Creamy, cool burrata offers the perfect counterbalance to the spicy warm flavors from the vodka sauce and zesty pepperoni.
Balanced temperature. Cool meets warm as the burrata adds a light freshness to the slightly blackened pepperoni. (p.s. speaking of all things cool and hot, serve up this Italian affogato for dessert!)
Engagment. Lay a perfect round of burrata in the center of the pizza and allow your guests to pull from it to top their pizza. Not only have you created amazing flavor... you've created some dinner theater!
Burrata. Irresistibly creamy cheese for vodka and pepperoni.
And...one more little spicy thing
Spicy honey glaze. If you've been around here awhile, you've already seen the magic it brings to the crust of my cast iron skillet pizza recipe.
Once you try it, you'll start dreaming of all the places to put it on.
Like on this caramelized zucchini pasta. Swoon.
20 minute homemade vodka sauce
If you have 20 minutes, you can make this spicy vodka sauce for pizza.
Vodka pasta sauce is traditionally loaded with concentrated tomato flavor. My recipe uses only tomato paste (and a lot of it!) bringing a jumbo sized dose of umami. Once the crushed red pepper, light cream and some pasta water are added in, you'll be left with a thick rich pasta sauce that is perfect for spreading on pizza.
Can I use jarred vodka sauce?
If those 20 minutes have to be allocated elsewhere, feel free to use a jarred vodka sauce for this easy pizza!
I recommend Rao's Homemade Vodka Arrabiata Sauce if you want the spice. Otherwise their no spice vodka sauce is a good way to go.
⇢ Other simple pizza recipes like this you'll ♥️: Buffalo chicken pizza, sheet pan Philly tomato pie and Neapolitan pizza. Or give my no cook pizza sauce a try...so good!
Best pizza dough recipe for vodka pizza
Depends on what style you want! You have options:
- Traditional pizza dough. My classic pizza dough produces a crispy crust and soft interior.
- Neapolitan pizza dough. A chewy pizza dough, like this Neapolitan dough recipe has a thicker crust and thin, firm center.
- Store-bought. Of course you can use store bought!
How to make vodka sauce pizza
I just love using recipes I already know how to make and giving them new life in different formats. Like how easy it is to spread some vodka sauce for pasta on a crust and it becomes vodka pizza!
Here's how we do it:
How to get the timing right
Click the first tab below for help with timing this recipe. Planning for a party? Hover over the second tab for help with making this ahead for a gathering or celebration!
Must-have homemade pizza making tools
Large mixing bowls. One of my favorite kitchen tools from my days working at Williams-Sonoma is this 10 piece set of glass mixing bowls. Great for rising pizza dough. (Talk about a great bridal or wedding gift too!)
Pizza peel. When it comes to pizza peels, one is great and 2 is better, especially when making multiple pizzas like you will for breakfast pizza. I use both this wooden pizza peel (similar to the one linked) and this Epicurean pizza peel in tandem. So good!
Stone or steel. I use these Emile Henry ceramic pizza stones and they help make the BEST crispy pizza crust ever! You preheat them at 500˚ for 20 minutes or so and pop your pizza on them using a peel. Crispy pizza (even in the center) in 10 minutes!
Pizza cutter. I have a Cutco pizza cutter that is a gem but also love these long rocker pizza cutters that come in different versions.
"00" flour. While "00" flour isn't necessarily a tool, it makes the best homemade pizza dough. This post on homemade ravioli dough shares more info on "00" flour.
Nice to have
Stand mixer. A stand mixer is a pizza maker's dream helping with mixing and kneading leaving you time to work on the toppings. My 7qt. KitchenAid Mixer is my go-to but I'm also a fan of any size!
Storage, Reheat and Freezer Tips
Store. Store any leftovers in airtight containers for up to 3-4 days.
Freeze. Freeze leftover vodka pizza wrapped in parchment paper and then plastic wrap. Add packages to freezer-safe bags and freeze for up to 3 months. Can reheat from frozen in a 375˚ oven.
Reheat. Have leftovers? Reheat any leftovers on a baking sheet lined with parchment in a 350˚ oven until desired temperature is reached.
Made this recipe?
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📖 Recipe
Vodka Sauce Pizza with Charred Pepperoni and Burrata
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 cup homemade vodka sauce or 1 cup of fav jarred vodka sauce
- cornmeal
- Pepperoni, let’s measure/count how much we use
- 4-5 slices fresh mozzarella, torn into pieces
- 1 ball of burrata cheese
- Fresh parmesan cheese
- Sprinkle of crushed red pepper
- 1 store bought or homemade pizza crust
For spicy honey glaze
- 2 Tablespoons honey
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper
- ½ teaspoon water, start with ½ and add more as needed.
Instructions
For the pizza
- Preheat oven to 500” and place a pizza stone in the oven to heat for about 20 minutes.
- To a large pizza peel, generously sprinkle on cornmeal.cornmeal
- Make the dough into a round and using fingers and pushing in a circular motion, swirl the crust and push out until the circle reaches about 13” in diameter.1 store bought or homemade pizza crust
- Place dough on pizza peel. Spread vodka sauce on crust leaving about 1” edge. Top with pepperoni and scatter on fresh mozzarella and a big sprinkle of parmesan cheese and more crushed red pepper, if desired.1 cup homemade vodka sauce or 1 cup of fav jarred vodka sauce, Pepperoni, 4-5 slices fresh mozzarella, Fresh parmesan cheese, Sprinkle of crushed red pepper
- Bake for about 10 minutes or until the crust is cooked and top is charred to your liking. Broil if desired for a touch more char.
For the honey glaze
- Mix the honey and water together and add crushed red pepper. Add more water as needed to achieve a drizzly syrup.2 Tablespoons honey, ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper, ½ teaspoon water
To finish
- Remove from oven and tear open burrata on top. Drizzle with spicy honey if desired.1 ball of burrata cheese
About Lori Murphy
Lori has over 30 years in the food industry as a marketing strategist, culinary instructor and chef for three kids with discerning palates. As the chief content creator at Josie + Nina, Lori is dedicated to helping home cooks create food memories through fresh ingredients and Italian flavors.
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