If you’ve ever wondered what is hot honey, you’re about to unlock one of the easiest, tastiest kitchen secrets out there. This trending hot honey recipe is a sweet, sticky blend of golden honey infused with a warm kick of chili heat. Think of it as the perfect marriage of sugar and spice and it’s everything nice.
Loved across the USA, spicy honey has taken over everything from pizza shops in Brooklyn to charcuterie boards in California. And the best part? You can make it at home with just three ingredients and a few minutes of your time.
Making hot honey yourself not only saves money, but also lets you choose your own heat level and flavor profile. Whether you’re a mild jalapeño fan or a full-on habanero daredevil, this hot honey recipe puts you in control.
Once you make it, you’ll want to drizzle it over everything. Let’s dive deep into the flavor-packed world of homemade spicy honey.
Hot Honey Ingredients
To craft a bold and flavorful hot honey at home, you only need a few things. The base is, of course, honey. But not all honey tastes the same. Clover honey is light and mellow, making it a great choice for this recipe. If you like a deeper taste, try wildflower honey. Local honey is also a smart pick—it supports nearby beekeepers and offers unique flavors based on your region.
The second key ingredient in this hot honey recipe is the heat. Most people use crushed red pepper flakes because they’re easy to find and have a consistent spice level. But you can also use fresh peppers like jalapeños, serranos, or even Thai chilis. Dried peppers like ancho or guajillo work too. Each brings its own heat and flavor. The longer the pepper sits in the honey, the hotter it gets.
Finally, add a splash of vinegar. This isn’t just for tang—it balances the sweetness and sharpens the heat. Apple cider vinegar works best, but white wine or red wine vinegar are great too. If you want something citrusy, fresh lime juice can be used instead. But keep in mind that using lime juice shortens the shelf life.
Here’s a quick look at what you’ll need:
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Honey | 1 cup | Use clover, wildflower, or local |
| Crushed red pepper flakes | 3 tablespoons | Or 1 sliced fresh jalapeño |
| Apple cider vinegar | 1 to 2 teaspoons | Optional but recommended |
How To Make Hot Honey
Learning how to make hot honey is incredibly simple, and once you do it once, you’ll never go back to store-bought. Start by adding the honey and chili flakes to a saucepan. Place it over medium heat. You want it to just start bubbling lightly—not boiling. Stir it gently to spread the heat evenly.
Once it’s hot, remove it from the stove and let it rest. This is when the magic happens. Letting the peppers sit in the honey allows their oils to seep out, creating that signature heat. Taste it after 10–15 minutes. If it’s too mild, let it sit longer or add more pepper. If it’s too spicy, add a bit more plain honey to balance it.
After infusing, strain the honey through a fine mesh sieve. This step is optional. Leaving the peppers in will make the hot honey stronger over time. Finally, stir in the vinegar and transfer it into a clean jar. Let it cool fully before sealing.
If you’re using fresh peppers instead of dried, always store your spicy honey in the refrigerator. Otherwise, it can stay out at room temperature for up to three months.
Recipe Variations
Now comes the fun part—customizing your hot honey recipe. Want it smokier? Add a pinch of chipotle powder or smoked paprika. Looking for herbal notes? A few sprigs of rosemary or thyme work wonders. For a bold twist, stir in a drop of garlic oil or a pinch of ground cinnamon.
You can also use hot sauce instead of pepper flakes. A dash of Cholula or Frank’s RedHot can spice things up while adding vinegar at the same time. If you’re a citrus fan, try lime juice instead of vinegar but remember to refrigerate the jar.
Another option is to adjust the sweetness. Use more honey to tone down the heat or try orange blossom honey for a floral note. The more seeds you leave in the mix, the hotter your spicy honey will be. A good tip is to start small and adjust until it’s just right for your taste.
Ways To Use Hot Honey
Once you’ve made your own hot honey, the possibilities are endless. Drizzle it over crispy fried chicken for a sweet and spicy crunch. Pour it on pizza especially pepperoni for a perfect contrast. Stir it into tea or cocktails for a warm, exciting twist. Use it on toast, biscuits, waffles, or cornbread.
It’s also amazing with vegetables. Roasted carrots, Brussels sprouts, or sweet potatoes get an instant upgrade. Use it as a dip for fries or chicken fingers. Or, pair it with cheese especially sharp cheddar, creamy brie, or tangy goat cheese. Try it in salad dressings or vinaigrettes for a kick of flavor. Even desserts like cheesecake and vanilla ice cream shine with a drizzle of spicy honey.
Here’s a quick guide to ideas:
| Food Type | How to Use Hot Honey |
| Meat | Drizzle on chicken, pork, steak |
| Vegetables | Roast with carrots, sprouts, squash |
| Bread | Pour on biscuits, pizza, or cornbread |
| Cheese | Pair with brie, goat cheese, cheddar |
| Drinks | Stir into tea, whiskey, cocktails |
| Desserts | Drizzle on ice cream, cake, cheesecake |
Hot Honey
If you’re still asking what is hot honey, it’s time to experience it for yourself. This sweet, bold, and exciting condiment adds instant flavor and depth to both savory and sweet dishes. It’s been a game-changer in kitchens across America, and now you can make your own easily at home.
No need to spend big bucks on specialty jars. This hot honey recipe is affordable, fast, and fully customizable. Whether you love a mild burn or fiery spice, it’s all in your hands. Once you taste it, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it.
Description
This homemade hot honey recipe brings together natural sweetness and vibrant heat in one simple jar. It’s ready in 20 minutes, requires just three ingredients, and can transform any meal from ordinary to unforgettable. Great for gifting, meal prep, or elevating your weekend pizza night.
Ingredients
1 cup honey
3 tablespoons crushed red pepper flakes (or 1 sliced fresh jalapeño)
1 to 2 teaspoons apple cider vinegar
Optional: garlic, lime juice, rosemary, cinnamon
Instructions
Start by heating the honey and crushed red pepper flakes in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Let it come to a gentle simmer. Stir and remove from heat.
Allow the mixture to rest for 10 to 15 minutes to infuse the flavors. Taste and decide if it needs more heat. You can add more peppers or more honey to balance it out.
Strain the mixture through a fine mesh sieve into a clean glass jar. Stir in the apple cider vinegar until fully mixed. Let the hot honey cool to room temperature before sealing the jar.
If using dried peppers, store your jar at room temperature for up to 3 months. If using fresh chilis or citrus juice, keep it in the refrigerator and use it within 1 week.
FAQs
Q:Is honey good for you hot?
A:Putting honey, regardless of what kind, into a hot beverage or cooking with it does not remove its health benefits.
Q:Can we mix honey in hot milk?
A:Warm milk with honey is often consumed as a bedtime drink and is thought to have soothing and calming properties, which can be helpful for relaxation.
Q:Is honey with warm water good?
A:Warm water with honey aids digestion, supports weight management, and even boosts the immune system, making it a practical choice for daily health. When honey dissolves in warm water, it becomes easier for your body to absorb nutrients, giving you an instant power boost and a metabolism kick.
Q:What is the best time to eat honey?
A:Every morning before breakfast.
Q:Is honey 100% safe?
A:It is safe for people to consume both raw and regular honey.
Conclusion
Hot honey is a tasty mix of sweet and spicy. It adds bold flavor to many foods. You can drizzle it on pizza, chicken, or even ice cream. It’s made by infusing honey with chili peppers.
This gives it a warm, spicy kick. Many people love its unique taste. It’s easy to make at home or buy from stores. Hot honey can also be used in sauces and dressings. It blends well with both sweet and savory dishes.
Try it once, and you’ll want more. It’s a simple way to spice things up. Hot honey is a must-try flavor twist.
