Hot Honey Recipe
Hot honey is having a serious moment right now, and once you try it, you’ll understand why. That perfect balance of sweet and heat can take just about anything to the next level, from pizza and fried chicken to biscuits and even roasted vegetables. The best part is you do not need to spend a fortune buying it at the store when you can make your own at home in just a few minutes with this easy hot honey recipe.
Hot Honey Recipe
If you love easy, flavor packed recipes like this, you are going to want to check out some of my other favorites too. This pairs perfectly with bacon wrapped chicken thighs, drizzles beautifully over this chicken sandwich, and adds the perfect finishing touch to honey butter chicken & biscuit. Once you start using hot honey, you will find yourself reaching for it all the time.
What makes this homemade hot honey recipe so good is how incredibly simple it is. With just three ingredients and about seven minutes, you get a rich, smooth honey with just the right amount of heat. You can easily adjust the spice level to make it mild or give it a little extra kick, and you can even strain it for a smoother finish if you prefer. It is one of those recipes that feels fancy but could not be easier to make.

What You Will Love About This Recipe
Only 3 simple ingredients you probably already have at home
Ready in about 7 minutes from start to finish
Easy to adjust the heat level to your taste
Much more affordable than store bought hot honey
Perfect for drizzling on pizza, chicken, biscuits, and more
Can be made smooth or left with crushed red pepper for extra flavor
Ingredients:
- 8 Ounces Honey
- 1 Tablespoon Apple Cider Vinegar
- ½ Tablespoon Crushed Red Pepper
Items Needed:
- Small Pot
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
- Fine Mesh Sieve (optional)
Directions:
- Combine all the ingredients in a small pot, over low/medium heat.
- Slowly heat, without stirring, until little bubbles start popping up on the edges of the honey and the honey has thinned.
- Remove from the stove and you can either use it immediately, or if you would like it to thicken up a bit, place it in a mason jar, cover it, and let it rest for about an hour. Enjoy!


Tips & Tricks
- Use low to medium heat and do not rush it. Heating too quickly can affect the flavor and texture of the honey.
- Watch for small bubbles forming around the edges. That is your sign it is ready. You do not need to bring it to a full boil.
- If you want a milder flavor, reduce the crushed red pepper slightly. You can always add more next time.
- For a smoother hot honey, strain out the crushed red pepper using a fine mesh sieve while the honey is still warm and thin.
- If you leave the crushed red pepper in, the honey will continue to get spicier over time.
- Store in a mason jar or airtight container in a cool dry place. No need to refrigerate.

FAQs
Hot Honey Recipe
Ingredients
- 8 Ounces Honey
- 1 Tablespoon Apple Cider Vinegar
- ½ Tablespoon Crushed Red Pepper
Instructions
- Combine all the ingredients in a small pot, over low/medium heat.
- Slowly heat, without stirring, until little bubbles start popping up on the edges of the honey and the honey has thinned.
- Remove from the stove and you can either use it immediately, or if you would like it to thicken up a bit, place it in a mason jar, cover it, and let it rest for about an hour. Enjoy!
Notes
- Store in an airtight container (I like mason jars best) and keep it anywhere you normally keep your honey (a cool, dry place). This will keep for many months (still haven’t had it expire on me). Do not place in the freezer.
- You can reduce the amount of crushed red peppers to your preferences.
- I tend to leave my crushed red peppers in the honey, but some people prefer they were removed. There are two reasons for this. One, people want the honey to be smooth and two, the honey continues to increase in spiciness while the crushed red peppers remain in the honey. If you would like the crushed red peppers removed, simply pour them through a fine mesh sieve right as it comes off the stove and is still thin.
I’m Melissa, the imaginative force behind Sparkles to Sprinkles, where creativity comes to life, and sprinkles of joy are scattered generously. Melissa is a proud Jersey girl who found love with a New York boy. As a mom to four wonderful boys and a few fur babies, her journey into the world of blogging began after making the life-changing decision to stay home and raise her children. Previously a dedicated workaholic, Melissa’s blog became her creative outlet and passion project. Inspired by her mother-in-law, a masterful cook renowned for her delicious home-cooked meals and legendary holiday feasts (think mouthwatering sausage stuffing), Melissa honed her culinary skills through a combination of family recipes and countless cooking classes. She often attended these classes with her son Michael, who shared her enthusiasm for cooking from a young age. Melissa’s love for learning extends beyond familiar cuisines, as she enjoys exploring international recipes in hands-on cooking classes. Her blog features a diverse array of recipes, showcasing her expertise with various kitchen appliances such as the Instant Pot, air fryer, Slow Cooker, Ninja Foodi, Instant Vortex Plus, and more. Join Melissa on her culinary adventures as she shares tried-and-true family favorites alongside exciting new discoveries!







