Not tried hot honey before? Hot honey really is one of the easiest flavor enhancing creations. Super sticky, super sweet, super addictive honey infused with heat from chili. It can be drizzled all over pizza, fried chicken, biscuits, roasted veggies, and yes even icecream. AND, it is super easy to make, requiring just 10 minutes of your time and some controllable ingredients. You can even control how much honey is used.
In this guide, we’ll make hot honey step by step. We also give other uses, storage recommendations, and variations.
Why Make Your Own Hot Honey
Better Hot Honey
Sure, bottled hot honey is much easier to get. Not to mention, they usually look nicer than something a kid would make. But the hot honey will be much nicer and hot honey from a bottle can’t provide the customizations a personal recipe can. The quality and one of a kind hot honey made with your preferences will mean much more than the convenience.
Adjusting Heat Levels
While some people prefer a mild warmth, others want some serious heat. The terrific thing, though, about making hot honey yourself is you get to decide the heat level. You can make it:
- mild
- medium
- hot
- extra hot
Simplicity and Affordability
Hot honey is simply honey, some chili, and a splash of vinegar (which is optional). It is super easy. You can make a big batch for way less money than you’ll spend on a small jar of hot honey from the store.
Selecting Good Quality Ingredients
Honey (the Base)
Choose a honey that you love. You are going to be using it as the main ingredient, so its flavor should not be something you dislike.
Best options:
- raw honey (good taste, but don’t overheat it)
- clover honey (mild and classic)
- wildflower honey (complex and more floral)
Chili (the Heat)
You can make hot honey with:
- red pepper flakes (easy, classic, and consistent)
- fresh chili peppers (fresher, more intense heat)
- dried chilies (smoky flavor, depending on what pepper you use, and deeper heat)
Apple Cider Vinegar (a splash is recommended)
balances the sweetness and makes the flavor skyrocket, pop, whatever you want to call it.
Essential Ingredients for Hot Honey
Main Ingredients
- Honey: 1 cup
- Crushed red pepper flakes: 1 to 2 tablespoons (to taste)
Optional Ingredients
- Apple cider vinegar: 1 teaspoon (adds brightness)
- Hot sauce: 1 teaspoon (for extra punch)
- Fresh garlic (1 clove, smashed): savory depth (adds this, optional)
- Cinnamon stick: subtle warmth (adds this, optional)
- Dried chilies (like ancho or arbol): deeper heat (adds this, optional)
Classic Hot Honey Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 cup honey
- 1 to 2 tablespoons crushed red pepper flakes
- 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar (optional)
Instructions
Step 1: Warm the Honey
Put the honey in a small saucepan and turn on the heat to low, gently warm it, and do not try to heat it to a boil.
Step 2: Stir in Chili Flakes
Add in your red pepper flakes and let it warm for 5-10 minutes on simmer. Give it a stir here and there.
Step 3: Take a Little Taste, Then Adjust Spice
Take a tiny taste (be careful, it might be hot). If it’s not spicy enough, add more red pepper and let it go for a few more minutes.
Step 4: Vinegar?! (Add it if you want)
Take the pot off the burner and add some vinegar if you want a spicier, more balanced taste.
Step 5: Strain or Don’t
- For a more plain hot honey, you can strain it.
- For a more rustic look, don’t leave the flakes in.
Step 6: Jarring
Let it cool for a few minutes and pour it in a clear jar or clean bottle.
Different Kinds of Hot Honey
Mild Hot Honey
For less heat:
- Use 1 teaspoon of chili flakes
- Infuse for only 3-5 minutes
You can strain it for a cleaner finish.
Extra Spicy Hot Honey
For those who love heat:
- Use 2 tablespoons of chili flakes
- Add 1 sliced fresh chili (like jalapeño)
- Let it infuse longer (10-15 minutes on very low heat)
Garlic Hot Honey
Great with pizza and wings:
- Add 1 smashed garlic clove while heating
- Remove garlic after infusion
Smoky Hot Honey
Good for BBQ and roasted veggies:
- Add 1 dried ancho chili or 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Infuse slowly to build depth
Lemon Hot Honey
Fresh and bright:
- Add 1 teaspoon lemon zest after heating
- Add a tiny squeeze of lemon juice (optional)
Tips for Making Hot Honey
Let it Rest
The flavor is actually better if you let it sit for 12-24 hours after you make it.
Keeping the Heat Low
You want to avoid boiling the honey because it alters the flavor. Keeping the heat low gets you a better infusion and better taste.
A Clean Drizzle
When hot honey is strained, it becomes smoother and easier to drizzle over pizza, biscuits, and fried stuff.
Don’t Go Crazy with the Vinegar
A little vinegar goes a long way. Too much of it will drown out the honey.
Hot Honey Storage
Storage at Room Temperature
Hot honey can be stored in a cool place in a sealed jar, away from heat and sunlight. It is good for 3 months (usually even longer).
Refrigeration (Not Necessary)
Hot honey really doesn’t need to be refrigerated. It can actually make it thicker and harder to drizzle.
What Happens If My Honey crystallizes?
Honey gets crystallized over time naturally. To decrystallize it:
- Place the jar in warm water for 10-15 minutes.
- Stir it gently until it is all smooth again.
Ways To Use Hot Honey on Food
- Drizzle on food: Use on any cheese and pepperoni pizza, fried chicken, and wings are all perfect.
- Sweet honey biscuits: Add the honey on baked biscuits because the hot honey is spicy and perfect.
- Veggie roasting: Honey matches great with roasted vegetables like carrots, sweet potatoes, and Brussels.
- Ice Cream: Vanilla ice cream with hot honey is so good and underrated.
- Drinks: If you are into spicy drinks, put some in your margarita or whiskey and it will taste great.
- Desserts: Use on cornbread and on charcuterie boards with Brie cheese and honey like it’s the best.
- Honey + butter biscuits: Honey on biscuits is like a sweet and spicy, perfect combo.
Most Common Questions
Is the hot honey spicy?
Hot honey is all about the heat level you put. It’s easy to add heat but the flavor is hard to remove so start light on the dank.
Can I use raw pepper instead of pepper flakes?
You can. Just cut the pepper and use a low heat for a while. You can strain it for a better smoothness.
Honey should last at least three months if sealed in a clean jar and stored at room temperature. If the smell or look seems off, throw it away. Honey can be healthy, but heating it can destroy some of the beneficial enzymes and antioxidants it contains. If you’re using raw honey, keep the heat low and never boil the honey.
Hot honey is the easiest condiment to make, plus it makes food like biscuits, fried chicken, roasted vegetables, and pizza taste better. Experiment with other recipes and our various homemade seasoning blends to make your meals even better.
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