Hot Honey
Rated 5.0 stars by 1 users
Cuisine
Global Fusion
Author
Jon M.
Servings
1 Cup
Prep Time
5 minutes
Cook Time
10 minutes
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)
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1/4 teaspoon sea salt (optional, enhances flavor)
Optional Add-ins for Variation:
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1 fresh chili pepper (jalapeño, Fresno, or habanero), sliced
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2-3 garlic cloves, smashed
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Fresh thyme or rosemary sprigs
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1 cinnamon stick
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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.
Recipe Note
Chef's Notes
- Heat Level: Start with 2 tablespoons of pepper flakes for mild heat, 3 tablespoons for medium, or add fresh hot peppers for serious spice.
- Honey Quality Matters: Use raw, unfiltered honey for the best flavor and nutritional benefits. Avoid ultra-processed honey.
- Infusion Time: The longer you let it steep, the spicier it becomes. Taste as you go.
- Shelf Stability: For longest shelf life, stick with dried add-ins only. Fresh ingredients add amazing flavor but require refrigeration.
- Serving Suggestions: Drizzle over pizza, fried chicken, roasted Brussels sprouts, goat cheese, cornbread, biscuits, or vanilla ice cream.
- Gift-Worthy: Pour into small jars with custom labels for a thoughtful homemade gift.
Popular Uses
- Pizza topping (especially with pepperoni or sausage)
- Fried chicken glaze
- Cheese board drizzle (pairs beautifully with aged cheddar or blue cheese)
- Roasted vegetable finish
- Salad dressing base (mix with olive oil and vinegar)
- Marinade for grilled meats
- Biscuit or cornbread topping
- Dessert accent (try on vanilla ice cream or panna cotta)