Hot Honey Recipe

5 from 1 vote

This hot honey recipe is a quick and easy way to make sweet and spicy honey at home using honey and chili peppers. Perfect for pizza, fried chicken, biscuits, roasted vegetables, and desserts, this homemade condiment adds a delicious balance of heat and sweetness to any dish.

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Prep Time 5

Cook Time 10

Total Time 15

Servings: 20

Course: Sauce

Cuisine: American

Calories: 60

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

1 cup raw honey
1½ teaspoons red pepper flakes
1 fresh chili pepper sliced (optional)
1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar optional
¼ teaspoon smoked paprika optional

Equipment

Small saucepan
Wooden spoon or silicone spatula
Fine mesh strainer
Measuring spoons
Heat-resistant glass jar or bottle
Funnel (optional)

Method

Step 1: Warm the Honey: Pour the honey into a small saucepan and place it over low heat. Warm gently for 3 to 5 minutes. Do not allow the honey to boil, as excessive heat can affect its natural flavor and texture.
Step 2: Add the Chili: Stir in the red pepper flakes and sliced chili pepper. If using smoked paprika, add it at this stage. Mix well to evenly distribute the spices throughout the honey.
Step 3: Infuse the Flavors: Allow the mixture to simmer very gently over low heat for 5 to 10 minutes. Stir occasionally to help the spicy flavors infuse into the honey.
Step 4: Rest the Mixture: Remove the saucepan from the heat and let the hot honey sit for 15 to 30 minutes. This resting period allows the peppers to release more flavor and heat into the honey.
Step 5: Strain the Hot Honey: Pour the mixture through a fine mesh strainer into a clean bowl or measuring cup. Discard the pepper solids or leave a few flakes in the honey for extra visual appeal and heat.
Step 6: Add Optional Ingredients: If desired, stir in the apple cider vinegar to add a subtle tangy note that balances the sweetness and spice.
Step 7: Store and Serve: Transfer the finished hot honey into a clean glass jar or bottle. Allow it to cool completely before sealing. Drizzle over your favorite foods and enjoy.

Notes

For a mild hot honey recipe, use 1 teaspoon of red pepper flakes.
For a medium-spicy version, use 1½ to 2 teaspoons of red pepper flakes.
For extra heat, add habanero, Thai chili, or serrano peppers.
Raw honey provides the best flavor and natural floral notes.
Store homemade hot honey at room temperature in a sealed container for up to 3 months.
If the honey crystallizes, place the jar in warm water for a few minutes and stir gently.
This hot honey recipe is excellent on pizza, fried chicken, roasted vegetables, biscuits, cornbread, grilled meats, cheese boards, waffles, pancakes, and ice cream.
The flavor becomes even better after 24 hours as the peppers continue to infuse the honey.