Garlic Hot Honey

There’s nothing quite like the aroma of garlic wafting through the kitchen, hinting at a flavorful treat on the way. This Garlic Hot Honey elevates any dish with its mélange of sweet, spicy, and savory notes, taking just about 15 minutes to prepare. The heat from the red pepper flakes perfectly balances the sweetness of the honey, creating a unique condiment that works wonders on everything from pizza to roasted veggies.

This recipe is perfect for spice lovers and those who enjoy a twist on traditional honey. Whether you need a topping for brunch or a zingy addition to your dinner table, this versatile sauce will undoubtedly become a staple. Plus, you can make it ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to three weeks, ensuring you always have a little extra flavor on hand.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• It’s incredibly easy to make with just a few ingredients.
• The flavor profile strikes a perfect balance of sweet and spicy.
• The fresh garlic adds a punchy layer of taste.
• It keeps well in the refrigerator, allowing for quick use.

What You’ll Need

Gather the following ingredients to create your Garlic Hot Honey:

For the Honey Mixture

• 1 cup honey
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons red pepper flakes
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

For the Garnish

• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

Red pepper flakes can be adjusted for spice preference.

Substitutions & Swaps

• Use agave syrup for a vegan option.
• Substitute garlic powder for fresh garlic if in a pinch.
• Use lemon juice instead of apple cider vinegar for brightness.
• Omit parsley for a simpler flavor.

How to Make It

Start crafting your delicious Garlic Hot Honey with these simple steps.

Heat honey

In a small saucepan over medium-low heat, add the honey and heat gently until it becomes fluid and warm, about 2-3 minutes. Do not let it boil.

Infuse with garlic

Add the minced garlic to the warm honey and stir continuously for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. The garlic should infuse the honey without burning.

Add red pepper flakes

Stir in the red pepper flakes and let the mixture simmer gently for 3-4 minutes, allowing the heat to infuse into the honey. Remove from heat.

Combine vinegar and salt

Add the apple cider vinegar and salt, stirring well to combine. The vinegar will thin the sauce slightly and add brightness.

Cool and add parsley

Let the hot honey cool for 5 minutes, then stir in the fresh chopped parsley. Transfer to a clean jar or bottle and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 weeks.

How to Store It

Fridge: store in a clean jar for up to 3 weeks.
Freezer: no, honey doesn’t freeze well.
Reheat: gently warm in a saucepan for 2-3 minutes.

Tips for Best Results

• Use locally sourced honey for the best flavor.
• Make sure to stir continuously when adding garlic to prevent burning.
• Adjust the spice level by increasing or decreasing red pepper flakes.
• Allow the hot honey to cool completely before storing.

Serving Suggestions

• Drizzle over fried chicken for a sweet and spicy kick.
• Use as a glaze for roasted vegetables or meats.
• Serve alongside a cheese platter to complement rich flavors.