Hot Honey

The aroma of sweet and spicy wafts through the kitchen as you create a vibrant bottle of hot honey. This delightful blend of honey, red pepper flakes, and apple cider vinegar comes together in just 15 minutes and adds a unique kick to so many dishes. The balance of sweetness and heat works wonders, elevating everything from fried chicken to roasted veggies to a whole new level.

This recipe is perfect for spice enthusiasts who love a touch of heat in their meals. It’s great for drizzling over pizza or adding a punch to dipping sauces. You can easily make a batch ahead of time, and it stores beautifully for later use.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• It takes just 15 minutes to prepare, making it a quick and easy addition to your kitchen staples.
• The combination of sweet and spicy adds depth to your favorite dishes.
• Simple ingredients come together with minimal effort for maximum flavor.
• You can customize the heat level by straining or leaving the red pepper flakes in.

What You’ll Need

Here’s everything you’ll need to make hot honey.

For the Honey Sauce

• 1 cup honey
• 3 teaspoons red pepper flakes
• 2 1/2 teaspoons apple cider vinegar

Use raw honey for a more complex flavor.

Substitutions & Swaps

• Maple syrup for honey (vegan option)
• Chili flakes for red pepper flakes (different heat profile)
• White vinegar for apple cider vinegar (slightly different taste)

How to Make It

Creating hot honey is quick and simple.

Combine Ingredients

In a small saucepan, add the honey, red pepper flakes, and apple cider vinegar. Stir well.

Simmer the Sauce

Turn the heat to medium-low and allow the honey sauce to simmer. Once it is simmering, remove from the heat.

Let It Set

Allow the honey to set at room temperature for one hour.

Strain If Desired

Strain your honey if you would like to remove some spice. Alternatively, leave the red pepper flakes in for a spicier sauce.

How to Store It

Fridge: up to 2 months in a sealed container.
Freezer: no, the texture may change.
Reheat: gently warm on the stove for about 5 minutes.

Tips for Best Results

• Use mild honey if you prefer a subtle sweetness.
• Adjust red pepper flakes to control the heat level.
• Store in a glass jar for longer freshness.
• Don’t skip the resting time; it enhances the flavor.

Serving Suggestions

• Drizzle over fried chicken or wings for an irresistible kick.
• Use as a topping on pizza to elevate the flavors.
• Mix into salad dressings for a sweet and spicy twist.