Welcome to the ultimate guide for creating the most amazing Hot Honey Recipe right in your own kitchen. If you’ve ever drizzled this liquid gold on your pizza or fried chicken, you know the incredible sweet and spicy magic it holds. Forget the expensive store-bought versions; this homemade recipe is not only incredibly easy to make but also completely customizable to your exact heat preference. In just 10 minutes, you can create a condiment that will elevate everything from breakfast to dessert.
This simple, 3-ingredient hot honey sauce is a game-changer. It balances the floral sweetness of honey with a satisfying kick of chili, creating a complex flavor profile that is endlessly versatile. Let’s dive in and make your new favorite pantry staple.
What Is Hot Honey?
Hot honey is a popular condiment made by infusing honey with chili peppers. The result is a perfect fusion of sweetness and heat that has taken the culinary world by storm. It adds a delightful sweet-and-spicy kick to a vast range of dishes. While you can find many brands in stores, this DIY hot honey recipe is fresher, more flavorful, and lets you be the chef.
Why You’ll Love This Homemade Hot Honey Recipe
Here are just a few reasons why you’ll be making this spicy honey recipe again and again:
- Incredibly Easy: With just 3 ingredients and 10 minutes, this recipe is perfect for even the most novice cook.
- Fully Customizable: You control the heat! Whether you prefer a mild warmth or a fiery kick, you can adjust the chili flakes to your liking.
- Cost-Effective: Making it at home is significantly cheaper than buying a small bottle from the store.
- Endlessly Versatile: This isn’t just for chicken and pizza. We’ll explore tons of creative uses that will surprise you.
The 3 Simple Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. You only need three basic ingredients to create this incredible chili-infused honey.
- Honey: A good quality clover, wildflower, or acacia honey works best as their mild flavor allows the chili to shine through.
- Dried Red Pepper Flakes: Standard red pepper flakes are perfect for the job, providing consistent and easily controllable heat.
- Apple Cider Vinegar: This is the secret ingredient! A small splash cuts through the sweetness, adds a subtle tang, and helps prevent the honey from crystallizing.
How to Make the Perfect Hot Honey
Follow these simple steps to create your own delicious hot honey sauce.
- Combine Ingredients: In a small saucepan, combine the honey and red pepper flakes.
- Gentle Infusion: Place the saucepan over medium-low heat. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, but do not let it boil. Keep it at a low heat for about 5-8 minutes to allow the chili to infuse the honey. You’ll see small bubbles form around the edges.
- Strain (or Don’t!): Remove the pan from the heat. If you prefer a smooth honey, strain it through a fine-mesh sieve to remove the pepper flakes. For a more rustic and spicier version, leave some or all of them in.
- Add Vinegar: Stir in the apple cider vinegar. This will thin the honey slightly and balance the flavors.
- Cool and Store: Allow the honey to cool completely before transferring it to a clean, airtight jar. The honey will thicken as it cools.
Customizing Your Hot Honey
This recipe is a fantastic starting point. Here are a few ways to make it your own.
Adjusting the Spice Level
The amount of red pepper flakes you use is entirely up to you. For a milder flavor, start with 1 tablespoon. For a more intense heat, use 2 tablespoons or more. You can always add more, but you can’t take it away!
Using Different Peppers
Feel free to experiment with other dried chilies! Chipotle peppers will add a smoky flavor, while dried arbol chilies will provide a more potent, clean heat. You can even use finely minced fresh peppers like habanero or jalapeño, but be aware this may reduce the shelf life.
Flavor Variations
For an extra layer of flavor, consider adding a smashed garlic clove, a sprig of fresh rosemary, or a strip of lemon or orange zest to the saucepan during the infusion process. Just be sure to strain them out before storing.
Our Favorite Ways to Use Hot Honey
The possibilities are truly endless! Here are some of our favorite applications for this amazing hot honey recipe.
- Poultry: Drizzle over fried chicken, chicken wings, or delicious Boursin chicken.
- Pizza: A must-have for pepperoni or soppressata pizza.
- Pork: It’s a fantastic glaze for pork chops or bacon. Try it on these bacon-wrapped water chestnuts for a real treat.
- Cheese: Serve with a cheese board, baked brie, or goat cheese crostini.
- Vegetables: Toss with roasted Brussels sprouts, carrots, or sweet potatoes.
- Breakfast: Drizzle over biscuits, cornbread, or even a savory breakfast burrito.
- Cocktails: Add a spicy-sweet kick to margaritas or whiskey sours.
Storage and Safety
Store your homemade hot honey in a sealed jar at room temperature in a cool, dark place like a pantry. It should last for several months. Because of honey’s low water content and natural acidity (boosted by the vinegar), it is an inhospitable environment for most bacteria. Avoid refrigerating it, as this will cause it to crystallize.
Frequently Asked Questions About Hot Honey
You can make a no-cook version by simply stirring red pepper flakes into honey. However, gently heating the honey is recommended as it helps to infuse the chili flavor more deeply and evenly throughout the honey.
When stored in a sealed, airtight jar at room temperature and away from direct sunlight, your homemade hot honey should last for several months. Do not refrigerate it, as this will cause it to crystallize.
Hot honey is incredibly versatile! It’s famously delicious on pizza, fried chicken, and biscuits. You can also drizzle it on cheese boards, roasted vegetables, grilled salmon, cornbread, and even use it in cocktails.
Hot honey is made from three simple ingredients: honey, dried red pepper flakes for heat, and a small amount of vinegar to balance the sweetness and prevent crystallization.
A mild honey like clover, acacia, or wildflower is generally best. These varieties have a neutral flavor profile that allows the heat and flavor of the chilies to be the star of the show.
The Best Hot Honey Recipe
Hot Honey Recipe (That's Better Than Store-Bought)
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a small saucepan, combine the honey and red pepper flakes.
- Place the saucepan over medium-low heat. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, being careful not to let it boil. Heat for 5-8 minutes to infuse the flavors.
- Remove the pan from the heat. For a smooth consistency, strain the honey through a fine-mesh sieve. For a spicier, more rustic honey, leave the flakes in.
- Stir in the apple cider vinegar until well combined.
- Let the honey cool completely at room temperature. Transfer to a clean, airtight jar for storage. The honey will thicken as it cools.
Notes
Storage: Store in a sealed jar at room temperature for up to 3 months. Do not refrigerate.
Share Your Creation!
We hope you love this easy and delicious hot honey recipe! It’s a simple way to add a ton of flavor to your favorite meals. If you make it, we’d love to see it! Share a picture and tag us on Pinterest. Your feedback and creations inspire us!
