This Homemade Hot Honey is the perfect sweet, spicy, (slightly tangy) sauce that you will soon want to drizzle over everything. It is a perfect addition to anything creamy (think cheese), meaty (grilled salmon), bready (hot buttered biscuits), vegetable-y (roasted delicata squash). The best part, by making it yourself, you can customize the heat and layers of chili pepper flavors to make it your new favorite condiment.
Making your own version of popular favorite store-bought condiments is so rewarding. It is the ultimate way to set your cooking apart from everyone else’s. Making Hot Honey from scratch is not only simple and cost effective, but it enables you to put your own spin on it. Add a little Chipotle or other chilis, add herbs like oregano and fennel seed, or spices like cinnamon. The options are endless.
Hot Honey Ingredients
You only need 3 simple ingredients to whip up your own delicious homemade hot honey!
1/2 cup honey – Choose high-quality honey for the best flavor.
1–2 tablespoons red chili flakes – Adjust the heat level based on your preference. Substitute with fresh chilis if desired.
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar – Adds a subtle tang that balances the sweetness.
The Steps For Making Hot Honey
Step 1: Heat the Honey
Place the honey and chili flakes in a small saucepan over medium-low heat. Stir gently to combine.
Step 2: Infuse the Flavor
Allow the mixture to heat gently for 5–7 minutes. Avoid bringing it to a boil, as this can alter the honey’s natural flavor.
Step 3: Add the Vinegar
Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the apple cider vinegar. This step adds that irresistible tangy kick.
Step 4: Strain and Store
For a smoother finish, strain the mixture through a fine mesh sieve to remove the chili flakes. Store your hot honey in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 month.
Substitutions
Honey: Use agave syrup for a vegan option.
Chili Flakes: Fresh red chilies, cayenne powder, or even smoked paprika can be used to tweak the spice profile.
Apple Cider Vinegar: Swap with white vinegar or lemon juice for a different flavor nuance.
Tips & Tricks
Infusion Time: For a more intense chili flavor, infuse the honey for a longer time (10 minutes or more).
Storage: Use a sterilized jar to keep your hot honey fresher for longer.
Versatility: Experiment with different types of chili flakes, like chipotle or Korean gochugaru, for unique variations.
Test Spice Levels: Start with less chili, taste as it infuses, and add more if needed.
FAQs:
Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely! Hot honey tastes even better after sitting for a day or two, allowing the flavors to meld.
How can I use hot honey?
It’s delicious on so many things… try it drizzled on pizza, roasted vegetables (like Roasted Delicata Squash), drizzled over cheeses on a cheese boards, as a glaze for fish like salmon, or combined with butter for a delicious spread for warm bread.
My hot honey crystallized, what should I do?
Gently reheat the honey in a warm water bath to dissolve the crystals.
Can I make this less spicy?
Absolutely! Reduce the chili flakes or use milder peppers to make this less hot.
If you make this Hot Honey be sure to leave a comment below. I’d love to hear from you. And if you do make this recipe, don’t forget to tag me on Instagram, I’d love to see!
Heat the Honey: Place the honey and chili flakes in a small saucepan over medium-low heat. Stir to combine and gently heat.
Infuse the Flavor: Heat gently for 5–7 minutes allowing the chili peppers to infuse the honey. Avoid bringing it to a boil, as this can change the honey’s natural flavor.
Add the Vinegar: Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the apple cider vinegar. The vinegar adds a delicious tang that rounds out the flavor.
Strain and Store: For a smoother finish, if you wish, strain the mixture through a fine mesh sieve to remove the chili flakes. Store your hot honey in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 month.
Notes
Infusion Time: For a more intense chili flavor, infuse the honey for a longer time (10 minutes or more).
Storage: Use a sterilized jar to keep your hot honey fresher for longer.
Versatility: Experiment with different types of chili flakes, like chipotle or Korean gochugaru, for unique variations.
Test Spice Levels: Start with less chili, taste as it infuses, and add more if needed.
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