Hot Honey Recipe

Hot Honey is a spicy and sweet recipe that adds a fiery kick to your culinary creations. From pizza to cocktails, it’s perfect for adding flavor to a variety of dishes!

Sweet Heat: The Delicious Hot Honey Recipe 

If you’re a fan of spicy and sweet flavors, hot honey is a recipe you don’t want to miss. This trendy ingredient has created a culinary “buzz,” and for a good reason! 

The versatile spicy honey has become a go-to ingredient for foodies and chefs alike, bringing a whole new level of flavor to sweet and savory dishes. The flavorful combination of sweet honey and spicy chili peppers offers a unique, elevated taste that can transform any dish!

From breakfast staples like our Vegan Gluten Free Waffles to savory meals or breads like our Jalapeno Bread,or Garlic Rosemary Bread, hot honey sauce can be drizzled, brushed, or dipped to add a delightful depth of flavor!

Why You Will Love This Recipe

• It’s so simple to prepare, and the best part is that you have complete control over how much heat you want to infuse into your honey!
• Not only is hot honey delicious, but it’s also beneficial for health, combining the antibacterial properties of honey with the anti-inflammatory benefits of capsaicin.
• The versatile hot honey sauce can spice up anything from your favorite tea to a pizza dish!
• It’s a low-cost way to add a gourmet touch to your culinary creations.

How To Make Perfect Hot Honey

Choose high-quality honey: For the best spicy honey, use raw, high-quality honey. Industrialized honey may have added sugar which can cause sugar crystals to form in the mixture.

Experiment with different types of peppers: While red pepper flakes are a popular choice for hot honey recipes, try using different types of fresh or dried chili peppers to achieve various levels of heat and flavor!

Heat the honey slowly: When making hot honey, it’s essential to heat the honey slowly over low to medium heat to avoid burning it. Make sure to stir the honey frequently to prevent it from scorching on the bottom of the pan.

Add seasonings to taste: Seasonings like smoked paprika, garlic, and salt can enhance the flavor of spicy honey. Add them slowly and taste as you go to achieve the perfect balance of flavors.

Use a candy thermometer: For more precise temperature control, use a candy thermometer to monitor the heat of the honey.

Avoid boiling the honey: Boiling the honey can cause it to become too thick or even burnt. Keep the heat low and simmer the mixture for just a few minutes.

Store properly: Store your hot honey in a clean, airtight jar in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Avoid storing it in the fridge, as this can cause the honey to crystallize.

Key Ingredients for Hot Honey and their Substitutions

Honey: I prefer to use clover honey, but any raw, high-quality honey can make this delicious spicy treat! Consider purchasing honey from local beekeepers to support the bee populations in your community. Local honey is also great for those with seasonal allergies. 

Red pepper flakes: Red pepper flakes are just one of many spices you can add to your hot honey! You can use jalapeños, habaneros, or dried anchos to experiment with the heat level of this recipe. 

Cloves: If you don’t have cloves on hand, try substituting them with other warming spices such as cinnamon, nutmeg, or allspice. Remember that the hot honey’s flavor may differ slightly depending on the substitution used!

Smoked Paprika: Regular paprika or other spices such as cumin, chipotle powder, or chili powder are great substitutions that beautifully mimic the smoky flavor.

Frequently asked Questions about Spicy Honey

Is hot honey vegan?

Yes, hot honey can be vegan if made with vegan-friendly honey and chili peppers. It’s also gluten-free, containing no wheat, barley, or rye!

What can I use spicy honey for?

The better question is, what can’t you use spicy honey for? Hot honey sauce can be used as a marinade for meats and vegetables, drizzled over pizza or flatbread, to sweeten and spice up cocktails, as a topping for fried chicken, or paired with ice cream for some sweet heat! The possibilities are truly endless, so get creative!

How long does spicy honey last?

When stored properly, hot honey sauce can last for several months. However, the flavor will be best if consumed within a few weeks!

Where does hot honey come from? 

The hot honey trend can be traced back to Mike Kurtz, who discovered the fiery treat in 2003 while studying abroad in Brazil. The addictive blend of sweet and spicy flavors has captured the hearts (and taste buds) of people around the globe! New variations and creative ways to incorporate this delicious condiment into various culinary creations have gained popularity on TikTok!