Hot Honey
Jon M.
1 Cup
5 minutes
10 minutes
Global Fusion
Hot honey has become one of the most popular condiments in recent years—and for good reason. This simple infusion of honey with chili heat creates a versatile drizzle that elevates everything from pizza and fried chicken to roasted vegetables and cheese boards.
The beauty of hot honey lies in its balance: natural sweetness from raw honey meets the warming kick of chili peppers, creating a complex flavor that's both comforting and exciting. Unlike store-bought versions loaded with additives, this homemade hot honey uses just three ingredients and takes minutes to make.
Ingredients
- 1 cup raw honey (preferably local or wildflower)
- 2-3 tablespoons red pepper flakes (adjust for heat preference)
- 1/4 teaspoon sea salt (optional, enhances flavor)
Optional Add-ins for Variation:
- 1 fresh chili pepper (jalapeño, Fresno, or habanero), sliced
- 2-3 garlic cloves, smashed
- Fresh thyme or rosemary sprigs
- 1 cinnamon stick
- Black peppercorns
Directions
In a small saucepan, combine honey and red pepper flakes. If using fresh chilies or other aromatics, add them now.
Place the saucepan over low heat and warm gently for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally. Do not let the honey boil—you want it just warm enough to infuse the flavors. The honey should become fragrant and slightly thinner in consistency.
Remove from heat and let the mixture cool completely in the pan. For a more intense flavor, let it steep for 30 minutes to 2 hours at room temperature.
For a smooth hot honey, strain through a fine-mesh sieve to remove the pepper flakes and any solid ingredients. For a more rustic version with visible flakes, skip this step and transfer directly to a jar.
Transfer to a clean glass jar or squeeze bottle.