Learn how to make Hot Honey Sauce with this easy recipe. Using just 3 ingredients – honey, chili flakes, and vinegar, it comes together quickly in less than 10 minutes, and is a sweet and spicy sauce that pairs perfectly with chicken, fried foods, and more.
Jump to:
Hot honey has been trending for a few years now, and rightfully so. It's a versatile condiment (and pantry staple) that strikes the perfect balance combining wholesome sweet honey with the fiery spice of chili. With simple ingredients – honey, chili flakes and, a splash of vinegar, homemade hot honey comes together quickly.
Customizable to your comfortable level of heat, making your own homemade hot honey sauce is a fun and approachable way to lean into a food trend while experimenting in the kitchen. Transforming every dish into something bold, drizzle hot honey sauce over our curry fried chicken (this is the best hot honey sauce for fried chicken), sauteed butternut squash, or even on the side of a cheese and charcuterie board alongside warm olives. Plus, it's a must for almost any Super Bowl recipe!
What we love most about homemade hot honey is how giftable it is! Packaged in a jar with a handwritten label on it – hello, gifts for teachers, neighbors, or even Christmas! And trust us, they'll love it.
Why You’ll Love This Hot Honey Recipe
- It's quick and easy: all it takes is about 15 minutes and a few pantry ingredients to make your own homemade hot honey.
- It elevates any dish: a drizzle of hot honey can enhance any dish – pizza, grilled cheese, chicken, and more, and adds a unique depth of flavor that’s bold and exciting.
- It's customizable: depending on how much heat you can take, the best part of hot honey is that you have complete control over the level of spiciness, making it perfect for customizing to your preferences.
Drizzle this hot honey recipe over our Sweet Potato Cornbread, Fig Grilled Cheese, or Prosciutto Pizza, Spread it on toast with homemade ricotta cheese, or spread it on top of your favorite sandwich recipe for added richness.
Ingredient List
- Honey: Use your favorite raw honey. There is no particular honey that works better than others, however, keep in mind that some honey has a floral taste, so many people opt for local clover honey, or mass-produced honey, for a more uniform and sweet flavor.
- Hot Peppers: Crushed red pepper flakes are classic for hot honey recipes, especially if trying to imitate Mike’s Hot Honey.
- Cider Vinegar: The secret to the unique flavor you only get with hot honey sauce is apple cider vinegar. It balances the sweetness and heat, and it gives your homemade hot honey a tangy flavor. Alternatively, you can use white wine vinegar, or distilled vinegar, or leave the vinegar out altogether if that is your preference.
See the recipe card for full information on ingredients and quantities.
Recipe Substitutions and Modifications
- Honey: For a unique take on hot honey, try replacing the honey with maple syrup or agave syrup and prepare just as you would with honey.
- Hot Peppers: While chili flakes are classic, we often make hot honey with alternate peppers such as fresh jalapeno, Thai bird’s eye peppers, or habanero peppers to mix up the flavor. You can also use hot sauce in place of the peppers.
- Add-ins: Add garlic, ginger, or scallions to flavor and add aroma to the hot honey for savory applications.
Recipe Steps: How to Make Homemade Pumpkin Pie Spice
1. Warm the honey and steep.
Add the honey and hot peppers to a small saucepan. Heat over medium until the honey just begins to simmer - you will see bubbles forming around the edge of the saucepan.
2. Infuse the honey, taste, and cool.
Remove the saucepan from the heat and allow the honey to infuse for at least 10-15 minutes. Stir in the vinegar and transfer the hot honey to a storage container.
Chef's Tips
- Adjust the heat level: If you find the hot honey too spicy, add some more honey. If the hot honey is mild, add more chili flakes or hot sauce to increase the heat level.
- Use low heat: To ensure the honey retains its flavor and benefits, use low heat when warming the honey and remove it from the heat just as it comes to a simmer. Avoid using the microwave.
- Storage: Keep your hot honey in a sealed container or honey jar at room temperature for up to 3 months.
- Season: A pinch of salt can enhance the flavor of the hot honey, especially for savory applications.
Recipe FAQs
Both work, but raw honey has a richer flavor and more natural enzymes, making it a better choice for robust-tasting hot honey. Processed honey works fine if preferred, but it may lack depth of flavor.
Cayenne or chili powder dissolves easily and gives consistent heat but lacks the texture and layered flavor of fresh or dried chilies.
Yes, however, it’s not recommended, as it is difficult to control the heat level, and overheating the honey can cause it to lose flavor and thicken too much. We advise making hot honey on the stove for the best flavor and results.
Avoid freezing honey, as it can alter the texture and make infusion flavors less prominent.
Craving More Unique Pantry Recipes?
Did you make this Hot Honey Sauce? Please leave a ⭐️ star rating and let us know your thoughts in the 📝 comments below. And don't forget to sign up for our email newsletter so you don't miss any recipes. Thanks for cooking with us!
Recipe Card
Homemade Hot Honey Sauce
Ingredients
- 2 cups honey raw or pasturized
- 4 tablespoon red pepper flakes
- 2 tablespoon cider vinegar
Instructions
- Add the honey and hot peppers to a small saucepan. Heat over medium until the honey just begins to simmer - you will see bubbles forming around the edge of the saucepan.
- Remove the saucepan from the heat and allow the honey to infuse for at least 10-15 minutes. Stir in the vinegar and transfer the hot honey to a storage container.
Recipe Notes
- Adjust the heat level: If you find the hot honey too spicy, add some more honey. If the hot honey is mild, add more chili flakes or hot sauce to increase the heat level.
- Use low heat: To ensure the honey retains its flavor and benefits, use low heat when warming the honey and remove it from the heat just as it comes to a simmer. Avoid using the microwave.
- Storage: Keep your hot honey in a sealed container or honey jar at room temperature for up to 3 months.
- Season: A pinch of salt can enhance the flavor of the hot honey, especially for savory applications.
Isabella says
Such a quick and effective way to make hot honey and especially love the fact that I am using all natural ingredients and ones I already have at home