One of the biggest food trends of the year is Hot Honey, a fun fusion of sweet (honey) and spicy (crushed red pepper flakes) flavors that add an irresistible kick to various dishes such as Hot Honey Chicken Wings.
Whether drizzled over pizza, fried chicken, or even biscuits, this versatile homemade condiment elevates the flavor of your dishes with minimal effort.
Making hot honey at home is quick and easy, and you can customize the heat level to your preference.
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What is it
Hot honey is a sweet and spicy condiment that combines the natural richness of honey with the bold kick of chili peppers. Whether you like a subtle tingle or a fiery punch, hot honey can be customized to suit your taste and is incredibly easy to make at home!
Why I Love This Recipe (And You Will Too)
- Making homemade hot honey is not only simple but also allows for personalization. By adjusting the type and amount of chili peppers or flakes, you can control the spiciness to suit your taste.
- This homemade version is more cost-effective than store-bought options and free from preservatives.
- Hot honey is a unique and thoughtful holiday or hostess gift for your foodie friends!
Ingredient notes and substitutions
- Honey: The base of this recipe. Choose a high-quality honey, such as tupelo or wildflower, for the best flavor. I always use tupelo because it is made in our area. If you can find local honey, that would be all the better.
- Crushed red pepper flakes: These provide the heat. You can substitute fresh peppers like jalapeños or hotter peppers like habaneros for more heat.
- Apple Cider Vinegar: Adds a subtle tang and helps balance the sweet and spicy flavors.
- Sea salt: just a pinch enhances the sweet and spicy flavors. You can substitute Kosher salt.
How to Make Hot Honey
- Add honey and red pepper flakes to a medium sized saucepan. Turn heat to medium and bring to a low simmer, stir and simmer for one more minute.
- Remove the pan from heat and allow the honey mixture to rest for an additional 10 minutes.
- Add apple cider vinegar and a pinch of sea salt to the pan and mix well.
- Pour the hot honey mixture into a glass jar. Once cooled, place the lid on the jar and store it in a cool, dark place.
Optional: If you prefer, you can strain the red pepper flakes out. Let the mixture cool slightly, then strain it through a fine-mesh sieve into a clean jar to remove the pepper solids. Seal the jar.
Serving and menu suggestions
Hot honey is incredibly versatile. Drizzle it over cheese pizza for a sweet and spicy contrast, or use it to glaze fried shrimp, fried chicken, or fried chicken burgers for an extra layer of flavor. It’s also fantastic on cornbread, smashed potatoes, sweet potato biscuits, or hoe cakes.
For a gourmet touch, add it to a charcuterie board alongside various cheeses and meats. Best of all, try my Hot Honey Chicken Wings. You can thank me later.
Recipe variations
- Add a sprig of fresh rosemary or thyme to the honey while it simmers for an aromatic twist.
- Incorporate strips of lemon or orange zest during the heating process to impart a subtle citrus note.
- Mix a tablespoon of honey with a stick of butter to make hot honey butter.
Storage
Store hot honey in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 months. If it crystallizes, gently reheat the jar in warm water until it returns to a liquid state. Avoid microwaving, as it can overheat and degrade the quality of the honey.
Your hot honey should be stored in the fridge if you use fresh peppers.
Recipe FAQs
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different chili peppers like serranos, habaneros, or even dried chilies to achieve your desired heat level and flavor profile.
No, the vinegar is optional. It adds a slight tang that balances the sweetness, but you can omit it if you prefer a purely sweet and spicy honey.
Add more chili flakes or use hotter pepper varieties to increase the heat. You can also let the mixture infuse longer before straining.
Tips to make hot honey perfectly the first time
- Watch the honey closely as it heats to prevent it from boiling, which can cause it to become too thick or develop a burnt taste.
- Adjust the amount and type of crushed red pepper flakes to control the spiciness. Start with less, as you can always add more if desired.
- If you prefer smoother honey without pepper flakes, strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve after infusing.
- Homemade hot honey makes a thoughtful holiday or hostess gift. Pour it into decorative jars and add a personalized label or ribbon for a special touch.
More quick and easy condiment recipes
⭐ ⭐ ⭐⭐⭐ I’d love to hear how you liked the Hot Honey! Share your variations or tips in the comments below, and remember to rate the recipe.
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How to Make Hot Honey
Ingredients
- 1 cup honey
- 2 teaspoons crushed red pepper flakes
- 1 ½ teaspoons apple cider vinegar
- pinch of sea salt
Instructions
- Add honey and red pepper flakes to a medium-sized saucepan. Turn heat to medium and bring to a low simmer, stir and simmer for one more minute.
- Remove the pan from heat and allow the honey mixture to rest for an additional 10 minutes.
- Add apple cider vinegar and a pinch of sea salt to the pan and mix well.
- Pour the hot honey mixture into a glass jar. Once cooled, place the lid on the jar and store it in a cool, dark place.
- Optional: If you prefer, you can strain the red pepper flakes out. Let the mixture cool slightly, then strain it through a fine-mesh sieve into a clean jar to remove the pepper solids. Seal the jar.
Julie Paquette
how long does this last if you store it?
Sharon Rigsby
Hi Julie, as long as you’ve used only the crushed red pepper flakes and not any fresh peppers, this homemade hot honey will keep for 3–6 months at room temperature or up to a year in the fridge. Be sure to store it in a tightly sealed jar in a cool, dry spot, and use clean utensils when dipping in! I hope you enjoy it.
Sharon
Julie Paquette
Thank you so much for replying. I will definitely be trying your recipe
Sharon Rigsby
This is the ultimate sweet and spicy condiment! I made a dozen jars and gave them to my foodie friends as gifts, and they all loved it!