Hot Honey Recipe

Hot honey is the perfect balance of sweet and heat, made by gently infusing honey with red pepper flakes and a splash of vinegar for brightness. This easy recipe takes just 10 minutes and tastes even better than popular brands like Mike’s Hot Honey.

What is Hot Honey?

It has actually been around for quite some time. Historically, it’s been used on fried chicken down south (not to be confused with Nashville Hot Sauce) and also in some boutique pizzerias as a crust dipping sauce in lieu of garlic butter. It is honey infused with chili peppers, either fresh or dried.

But this tasty sauce was just made famous from a brand called Mike’s Hot Honey and all the sudden it showed up in a variety of other ways and purposes. It isn’t really new, it is just reimagined. And I want you to enjoy it as much as I do… but for less.

A bottle of Mike’s can run you $10-$13! It sounds crazy, but it actually isn’t. Good honey is pretty expensive, so it isn’t surprising. But you can make smaller, or larger, batches for a little less than this by doing it at home. And in my opinion, my version is actually a little zingier (I made that word up).

Gather This

You only need a handful of super simple ingredients to make this homemade hot honey recipe. A full list of ingredients with measurements for this recipe is available in the printable recipe card below.

• Honey – The main ingredient, of course, is honey. Raw honey or pure honey will do. I try not to use the ones that have a floral undertone.

How to Make Hot Honey (Step-by-Step)

Making this homemade sweet and spicy sauce is as simple as combining, heating and serving!

1. Combine ingredients over low heat. Place the honey, pepper flakes, vinegar and salt in a small saucepan and heat on low, stirring occasionally. Sauce shouldn’t even come to a simmer.
2. Cool fully. Remove from heat and allow to cool fully before serving.
3. Strain out pepper flakes (if desired.) If desired, strain the mixture to take out the chile pepper flakes.

How to Use Hot Honey

You can use hot honey in literally anything you would use regular honey for, only this is honey with a kick. Here are some of our favorite ways to use hot honey.

Hot Honey Recipe FAQs

More Homemade Sauce Recipes

If you know me, you know I am the queen of homemade sauces and condiments. Here are some of my favorites.

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Hot Honey Recipe

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Make homemade hot honey with just 4 ingredients in 10 minutes. Sweet, spicy and better than store-bought- perfect for pizza, chicken and more.

Cook Time: 15 minutes mins

Cooling Time: 45 minutes mins

Total Time: 1 hour hr

Cook ModePrevent your screen from going dark

Servings: 1 cup

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Equipment

• Small Saucepan

Ingredients

• 1 cup honey
• 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes or aleppo pepper flakes
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• 1/8 teaspoon coarse Kosher salt

Instructions

• Place the 1 cup honey, 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes or aleppo pepper flakes , 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar and 1/8 teaspoon coarse Kosher salt in a small saucepan and heat on the lowest possible setting for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally. Sauce shouldn't even come to a simmer- it should steep and steam.
• Remove from heat and allow to cool fully before serving.
• If desired, strain the mixture to take out the chile pepper flakes.
• If you've tried this recipe, come back and let us know how it was in the comments or ratings!

Video

Notes

Storage: Crystallization is a natural occurrence in all honey and thus, hot honey too, although less likely because we’ve added a small amount liquid (vinegar). If yours develops crystals, simply heat it up for a few seconds in the microwave and stir until crystals dissolve.

Freezing: Honey doesn’t freeze well. It does, however, make a great gift. Package it in a small glass jar, give it a pretty little bow and give it to your friends. Everyone loves a little hot honey drizzle.

Nutrition

Calories: 1034 kcal, Carbohydrates: 279 g, Protein: 1 g, Sodium: 305 mg, Potassium: 187 mg, Fiber: 1 g, Sugar: 278 g, Vitamin C: 2 mg, Calcium: 22 mg, Iron: 1 mg

Author: Jessica Formicola

Calories: 1034

Course: Condiment, Sauce

Cuisine: American

Keyword: honey recipe, hot honey, hot honey recipe

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