If you’ve never tried Hot Honey before, you’re in for a real treat! This zippy, irresistibly sweet-and-spicy condiment is the sort of kitchen staple you’ll make once and then find a thousand uses for. Whether you’re drizzling it over pepperoni pizza, dunking crunchy fried chicken, livening up roasted veggies, or simply spooning it onto warm buttermilk biscuits, Hot Honey delivers an addictive blend of warmth and floral sweetness that instantly elevates any dish. With just three simple ingredients and a few minutes on the stovetop, you’ll be amazed you ever lived without this flavor bomb.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of homemade Hot Honey lies in its simplicity: just a handful of pantry staples come together to make something magical. Each ingredient truly matters, contributing not just flavor, but color and the perfect texture for drizzling. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Honey: Go for a good-quality, floral honey for the most complex flavor—it’s the sweet backbone of the whole sauce.
- Red Pepper Flakes: These fiery little flakes infuse the honey with bold, crave-worthy heat; you can tweak the amount to match your spice preference.
- Apple Cider Vinegar (optional): Just a splash brightens everything up and keeps the Hot Honey from leaning too sweet.
How to Make Hot Honey
Step 1: Combine Honey and Chili Flakes
Start by pouring your honey into a small saucepan and adding the red pepper flakes right on top. As soon as they hit that golden honey, you’ll see tiny flecks of color and know you’re already building flavor! No need to stir just yet—everything will mingle beautifully once the heat comes on.
Step 2: Warm Gently
Set your saucepan over low heat and let the mixture do its thing for about 5 to 10 minutes. Stir occasionally to make sure the pepper flakes infuse evenly. The goal here is to coax out that spicy aroma without boiling the honey (boiling could scorch it or alter its texture), so keep things nice and gentle. If you like your Hot Honey extra bold, let the flakes steep a bit longer.
Step 3: Add Vinegar (Optional)
Once your honey is perfectly spicy and aromatic, pull the pan off the heat. If you want a tangy twist, stir in the apple cider vinegar now. This step is totally optional, but I love how it balances the honey’s sweetness and adds a bright note that makes hot honey pop.
Step 4: Strain and Cool
Let the honey cool slightly—it’ll still be warm and pourable, but not scalding. Set a fine mesh sieve over a clean jar or bottle, then carefully strain the honey to remove the pepper flakes. This helps keep the texture silky smooth and prevents any surprise bursts of heat. Pour the finished Hot Honey into your storage vessel, and bask in the spicy-sweet aroma!
How to Serve Hot Honey
Garnishes
For a pretty presentation, a drizzle of Hot Honey over your dish can be finished with extra chili flakes or a pinch of flaky sea salt. You can also add fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary—both play beautifully with the honey’s floral notes and the chili’s heat. If you’re serving it in a jar or bowl, pop in a little honey dipper for that special touch.
Side Dishes
Hot Honey isn’t just a condiment—it’s a matchmaker for other flavors. Set it on the table with crispy fried chicken, biscuits, roasted Brussels sprouts, or even a gooey baked Brie. You’ll notice how it wakes up everything on the plate with a perfect kiss of spice and sweetness. It also makes a fun addition to charcuterie boards and cheese plates, pairing especially well with sharp cheddars or creamy goat cheese.
Creative Ways to Present
There’s truly no end to the ways you can showcase Hot Honey. Try swirling it over grilled peaches or pineapple for a summer treat, mixing a spoonful into salad dressings, or using it as a glaze for roasted carrots. For an eye-catching touch at parties, pour the hot honey into a clear squeeze bottle and create artful zig-zags over appetizers or crostini.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This Hot Honey keeps beautifully! Once cooled, store it in a clean, tightly sealed jar or bottle at room temperature. Keep it in a cool, dry spot away from direct sunlight, and it should stay fresh for several weeks—if it lasts that long.
Freezing
While honey naturally resists freezing thanks to its sugar content, you can stash Hot Honey in the freezer if you’re looking to make a big batch in advance. To do this, pour cooled hot honey into a freezer-safe container, leaving a little room for expansion. Thaw at room temperature before using.
Reheating
If your Hot Honey thickens or starts to crystallize, it’s an easy fix. Place the jar in a bowl of very warm (not boiling) water, or microwave it in short bursts with the lid off until it’s drippy and smooth again. Stir well before using.
FAQs
Can I control how spicy the Hot Honey is?
Absolutely! If you prefer a milder honey, reduce the amount of red pepper flakes or don’t steep them as long. For extra kick, let the flakes sit longer in the warm honey before straining, or even keep a few flakes in the jar for ongoing infusion.
Is Hot Honey gluten-free?
Yes, this recipe is completely gluten-free and perfect for those with wheat sensitivities. Just double-check that the apple cider vinegar you choose is certified gluten-free, as some brands may cross-process.
What type Condiment
You can use any variety of honey, but I recommend a light, floral honey such as clover or wildflower. Stronger-flavored honeys like buckwheat can be a bit overpowering, but if that’s your thing, go for it! Raw honey will give extra dimension.
Can I use fresh chili instead of flakes?
Fresh chili peppers add a slightly different kind of heat, but you can absolutely experiment! Slice thinly, steep in the honey as directed, and strain. Just remember, fresh chilies add moisture, so your hot honey may not keep as long.
How long does homemade Hot Honey last?
When properly stored in a clean, airtight container at room temperature, Hot Honey will stay fresh for at least 2 to 3 weeks. If it ever smells off or develops an odd texture, it’s time to make a new batch.
Final Thoughts
If you’re ready to add a little sweet fire to your next meal, give this Hot Honey a try! I promise, one taste and you’ll be dreaming up new ways to use it every day—so keep that jar front and center in your pantry. Enjoy the buzz!
Print
Hot Honey Recipe
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 1 cup
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Learn how to make your own Hot Honey at home with this simple and spicy recipe. Perfect for drizzling over pizza, fried chicken, biscuits, or roasted vegetables.
Ingredients
Honey:
1 cup
Red Pepper Flakes:
2 teaspoons
Apple Cider Vinegar (optional):
1 teaspoon
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: In a small saucepan over low heat, combine honey and red pepper flakes. Heat for 5 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Add Vinegar: Stir in apple cider vinegar if using. Remove from heat.
- Strain Mixture: Let it cool slightly, then strain through a fine mesh sieve to remove pepper flakes.
- Store: Transfer hot honey to a clean jar or bottle for storage.
Notes
- Adjust red pepper flakes for personal spice preference.
- For more heat, steep pepper flakes longer before straining.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Condiment
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 tablespoon
- Calories: 64
- Sugar: 17g
- Sodium: 0mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 17g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
