Spice up your meals with this quick and easy homemade Hot Honey recipe! With just a few simple ingredients, you can add the perfect balance of sweet heat to pizza, fried chicken, and more.
Table of Contents
Ingredients
- Honey: The sweet base that balances the heat and adds richness to any dish.
- Red Pepper Flakes: Brings the heat, allowing you to control the spice level.
- Apple Cider Vinegar/Lemon Juice (optional): Adds a slight tang to enhance the flavor balance.
Alternative Ingredients
- Agave Syrup: A lighter, mild alternative to honey for a more subtle sweetness; also vegan.
- Cayenne Pepper: A smoother heat alternative to red pepper flakes.
- White Vinegar: A sharper tang if apple cider vinegar isn’t available.
Detailed Steps
Heat the Honey: Warm honey gently over low heat to release flavors. If crystallized, warm a bit longer, but avoid boiling. Use a heatproof spatula for easy mixing.
Add the Spice: Start with 1 tablespoon of red pepper flakes to test heat. Let steep for a full 10 minutes for optimal flavor infusion.
Strain (Optional): Strain through a fine mesh sieve for smooth honey. Place the sieve over a bowl or jar to catch drips. Keep the flakes if you prefer added texture.
Add Tang (Optional): Add apple cider vinegar or lemon juice gradually for brightness. Taste as you go to find the perfect balance.
Cool and Store: Allow the hot honey to cool before transferring it to a jar. This thickens the honey; store it in a cool, dark place, and label with the date.
Expert Tips
Flavor Variations: Experiment with different spices like smoked paprika or garlic powder for unique flavor profiles. Each addition can create a completely different taste experience.
Infusion Time: For a more intense heat, let the pepper flakes steep longer, even up to 30 minutes. Just remember to taste regularly to achieve your desired spice level.
Gift Idea: Hot honey makes a great homemade gift! Package it in a decorative jar with a ribbon and a label detailing its uses.
FAQs
Homemade hot honey can last for several months when stored in a sealed jar at room temperature, away from direct sunlight.
Absolutely! Start with less red pepper flakes and gradually add more to achieve your desired heat level. You can also experiment with different spices.
If you use agave syrup instead of honey, this recipe can be made to be completely vegan! Honey is not a vegan item though so that swap would be necessary.
Yes, feel free to use any variety of honey you prefer, such as wildflower, clover, or orange blossom. Each type will add a unique flavor profile.
Yes, both are optional. They add tanginess but can be omitted if you prefer a straightforward sweet and spicy flavor.
If your hot honey crystallizes, gently warm it in a saucepan or microwave until it returns to a liquid state. Avoid high heat to preserve flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Hot honey pairs beautifully with a variety of dishes, such as drizzling over pizza, fried chicken, or roasted vegetables for an extra kick. It also complements cheeses on a charcuterie board, enhances the flavor of biscuits or cornbread, and adds a unique twist to desserts like ice cream or fruit salads.
Storage Suggestions
To store hot honey, transfer it to a clean glass jar with a tight-sealing lid and keep it in a cool, dark place, away from direct sunlight. This will help maintain its flavor and prevent crystallization; it can last for several months when stored properly.
You’ll also enjoy:
- Butternut Squash Pasta Salad
- Heirloom Tomato and Cucumber Salad
- Peach Cobbler Cinnamon Rolls
- Vegan Jalapeno Poppers
Hot Honey
Equipment
- fine mesh strainer optional
Ingredients
- 1 cup honey
- 1-2 tbsp red pepper flakes (adjust to your heat preference)
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar or lemon juice (optional, for a slight tang)
Instructions
- In a small saucepan over low heat, warm the honey gently. You don’t want it to boil, just heat enough to mix in the spices.1 cup honey
- Stir in the red pepper flakes and let them steep in the honey for about 5–10 minutes. The longer it sits, the spicier it gets! If you prefer smooth honey, you can strain out the pepper flakes. Otherwise, leave them in for added texture and heat.1-2 tbsp red pepper flakes
- Stir in the apple cider vinegar or lemon juice if you want a little brightness to balance the sweetness.
- Let the hot honey cool slightly, then pour it into a jar. Store at room temperature and enjoy!
Notes
- Adjust Spice Level: Feel free to modify the amount of red pepper flakes based on your preferred heat level. Start small and add more if desired.
- Flavor Variations: Experiment with additional spices like smoked paprika or garlic powder for unique flavor twists.
- Storage: Store hot honey in a sealed glass jar at room temperature. It can last for several months when kept away from direct sunlight.
- Uses: Hot honey is versatile! Use it on pizza, fried chicken, roasted vegetables, or desserts like ice cream and biscuits for a delicious sweet-heat experience.
- Infusion Time: For a stronger flavor, let the pepper flakes steep longer than the recommended time, tasting periodically to achieve your desired heat.
Nutrition
Disclaimer: I am a health and wellness coach with a degree in health science from Arizona State University. However, I am not a doctor or registered dietitian. Any information or advice provided on this website is not intended to replace professional medical advice. Please consult with your healthcare provider before making any dietary or lifestyle changes, especially if you have a medical condition. The information provided on this website is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be taken as professional medical advice or a substitute for it.
Leave a Reply