Hot Honey Recipe

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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

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.

hot honey

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

hot honey

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!
hot honey

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.
hot honey

FAQs

It will last for months when stored in an airtight container in a cool dry place. Honey is naturally shelf stable, so this keeps very well.

No, just store it the same way you would regular honey. Refrigeration is not needed.

Yes, simply reduce or add the amount of crushed red pepper to your preference.

No, that is completely up to you. Leaving it in will continue to infuse more heat, while straining it will give you a smoother, more controlled flavor.

hot honey pin
hot honey

Hot Honey Recipe

Prep Time: 2 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 7 minutes

Ingredients

  • 8 Ounces Honey
  • 1 Tablespoon Apple Cider Vinegar
  • ½ Tablespoon Crushed Red Pepper

Instructions

  1. Combine all the ingredients in a small pot, over low/medium heat.
  2. Slowly heat, without stirring, until little bubbles start popping up on the edges of the honey and the honey has thinned.
  3. 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. 

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