Quick and Easy Hot Honey Recipe
Ingredients
Method
- In a 2-cup glass measuring cup, combine the honey, hot sauce, and red pepper flakes.
- Microwave on high for 1 minute, then stir. Continue microwaving in 20-second bursts, stirring between each, until the mixture reduces to a generous 1/2 cup (about 8 total intervals). Watch closely to prevent bubbling over.
- Pour the mixture through a fine-mesh strainer into a clean jar to remove the pepper flakes. Use warm or let cool to room temperature before storing.
Nutrition
Notes
Tried this recipe?
Let us know how it was!What is Hot Honey?
Remember that first time you drizzled hot honey on a slice of pizza and your brain just went, whoa? That sweet heat that makes everything taste better? Yeah, I do too. And I remember thinking, I need to make this at home. Turns out, it’s almost embarrassingly easy.
So what exactly is hot honey? It’s basically regular honey that’s been infused with chili peppers or hot sauce. The result is this perfectly balanced condiment that’s sweet, spicy, and incredibly versatile. You’ve probably seen it on trendy restaurant menus, drizzled over fried chicken or pepperoni pizza. But here’s the thing, you don’t need to go out to get it. This homemade hot honey recipe is so simple, you’ll wonder why you ever bought the store-bought stuff.
And let’s be real, the store-bought versions can be pricey. Plus, making your own means you control the heat. Want it mild? Easy. Want it to make you sweat? Go for it. That’s the beauty of a DIY hot honey recipe.
Hot Honey Ingredients
You only need three things for this. Seriously. Three. And you probably already have them in your kitchen.
- Honey: I use a basic clover honey for this. It’s not too floral, so the chili flavor really shines. But you can use whatever you have. Orange blossom, wildflower, even that fancy manuka if you’re feeling fancy. It all works.
- Hot sauce: This is my little shortcut. A couple tablespoons of your favorite hot sauce adds both heat and a tangy vinegar kick. I love using Frank’s RedHot here. It’s got that classic cayenne flavor without being overpowering. But Cholula, Tabasco, or even sriracha would work great.
- Red pepper flakes: These are the workhorses of this spicy honey recipe. They infuse the honey with a deep, toasty chili flavor. Plus, they give it those beautiful little red specks that make it look so pro.
That’s it. No weird ingredients, no complicated steps. Just pantry staples that come together to make something magical.
How to Make Hot Honey
Okay, so here’s where I confess something. I once tried to make hot honey on the stovetop and, well, let’s just say I got distracted. The honey bubbled over, made a sticky mess on my stove, and I spent the next hour scrubbing. Not my finest moment.
That’s why I love this microwave method. It’s faster, cleaner, and honestly, just as effective. No risk of burning the honey. No sticky stovetop disasters. Just pure, delicious homemade hot honey in minutes.
Step 1: Combine Everything
Grab a 2-cup glass measuring cup. You want something microwave-safe with a spout for easy pouring later. Add your honey, hot sauce, and red pepper flakes. Give it a quick stir to combine. It won’t look like much yet, but trust the process.
Step 2: Microwave in Bursts
Pop it in the microwave on high for 1 minute. Then stir. Then microwave in 20-second bursts, stirring between each one. You’ll do this about 8 times total. Watch it closely, okay? Honey can bubble up fast and make a mess. You want the mixture to reduce slightly, down to a generous 1/2 cup. It’ll get a bit thicker and the color will deepen.
Step 3: Strain It
Once it’s done, pour the hot mixture through a fine-mesh strainer into a clean jar. This catches all those red pepper flakes. Unless you want them in there? Some people like the texture. I prefer a smooth, clear honey. Your call.
Step 4: Cool and Store
Let it cool to room temperature before putting the lid on. As it cools, it’ll thicken up a bit. That’s normal. You can use it warm right away, or store it for later.
Recipe Variations
This base recipe is fantastic, but the fun part is making it your own. Here are some ways to switch it up.
- Use fresh chilies: Instead of dried red pepper flakes, try fresh peppers. Serranos give a nice clean heat. Habaneros are for the brave. Just slice them in half (remove seeds if you want less heat) and let them steep in the warm honey. If you use fresh peppers, you’ll need to refrigerate the honey and use it within a week or so.
- Different hot sauces: The hot sauce you use changes the whole flavor profile. Chipotle hot sauce gives a smoky, earthy heat. Sriracha adds a garlicky kick. Play around!
- Add a pinch of salt: A tiny bit of fine sea salt at the end really makes the flavors pop. Don’t skip this if you have it.
- Spice it up more: If you’re a heat seeker, add a pinch of cayenne pepper along with the red pepper flakes. Or use a hotter variety like chiles de àrbol.
The key is to taste as you go. Remember, you can always add more heat, but you can’t take it away. I once used too many habaneros and my honey turned into a fire alarm. So learn from me, start mild!
Ways to Use Hot Honey
Okay, so you’ve made your hot honey. Now what? Honestly, the possibilities are endless. But here are my favorite ways to use it.
- On pizza: This is the classic for a reason. A drizzle over a pepperoni pizza is pure magic. The sweet heat cuts through the grease perfectly.
- On fried chicken: Hot honey chicken is a thing of beauty. Drizzle it over crispy chicken tenders or wings. It’s sweet, sticky, and spicy.
- On cheese: Try it on a cheese board. A little drizzle over some sharp cheddar or creamy brie is incredible. Or mix it with cream cheese for a quick dip.
- On vegetables: Roasted broccoli, Brussels sprouts, or sweet potatoes get a whole new life with a drizzle of this stuff.
- On biscuits or toast: Breakfast just got an upgrade. Spread some butter on a warm biscuit and drizzle this over the top. You’re welcome.
- In dressings: Whisk it into a vinaigrette for a spicy-sweet salad dressing. It’s amazing on a simple green salad with goat cheese.
- On ice cream: Don’t knock it till you try it. A drizzle over vanilla ice cream with some flaky salt is a dessert revelation.
Once you start using it, you’ll find yourself putting it on everything. It’s that good.
How to Store Hot Honey
Storing your homemade hot honey is easy, but there are a few things to know.
First, let it cool completely before sealing the jar. Then, store it in an airtight container in a cool, dry place. Your pantry is perfect. Because this recipe uses dried red pepper flakes and hot sauce (which already has vinegar), it’s shelf-stable. It’ll last for up to a month at room temperature.
If you used fresh peppers, you need to refrigerate it. And use it within a week or so. The moisture from fresh peppers can cause spoilage.
What if it crystallizes? That’s normal. Honey does that over time. Just pop the jar in the microwave for a few seconds (or place it in a bowl of warm water) and stir. It’ll go back to its liquid glory. Just don’t overheat it.
Frequently Asked Questions
So there you have it. My super simple hot honey recipe that takes just 7 minutes and three ingredients. It’s become a staple in my kitchen, and I bet it’ll become one in yours too. The best part? You can customize it exactly how you like it. Mild, medium, or hot enough to make your eyes water. It’s all up to you.
I’d love to see what you drizzle it on! Tag me in your hot honey creations over on Pinterest. I’m always looking for new ideas and inspiration. Happy drizzling!
Source: Research Source
How do you make a quick hot honey recipe in the microwave?
Combine 1/2 cup honey, 2 tablespoons hot sauce, and 2 tablespoons red pepper flakes in a microwave-safe cup. Microwave on high for 1 minute, then stir. Continue in 20-second bursts, stirring between each, until reduced to a generous 1/2 cup. Strain and enjoy!
Can I use this homemade hot honey on pizza or chicken?
Absolutely! That’s exactly what it’s made for. Drizzle it over pepperoni pizza, fried chicken, or chicken wings for a perfect sweet and spicy kick. It’s also amazing on roasted vegetables and cheese boards.
What is the best ratio of honey to hot sauce for a hot honey recipe?
For this recipe, use a 4:1 ratio of honey to hot sauce. That’s 1/2 cup honey to 2 tablespoons hot sauce. It gives a balanced sweetness with a tangy, spicy kick. Adjust to your taste by adding more or less hot sauce.
How long does homemade hot honey last when stored properly?
When stored in an airtight jar at room temperature, this hot honey recipe lasts up to 1 month. If you use fresh peppers instead of dried, refrigerate and use within 1 week. The vinegar in the hot sauce helps preserve it.
Can I substitute red pepper flakes with other spices in a hot honey recipe?
Yes! You can use fresh chili peppers like serrano or habanero, or other dried chilies like ancho or guajillo. Each gives a different flavor. Just remember, fresh peppers require refrigeration and a shorter shelf life.
Should or could this honey be water-bath preserved?
I don’t recommend water-bath canning for this recipe. The honey is shelf-stable on its own, and the hot sauce adds acidity. Just store it in a clean jar at room temperature. It’ll last a month without any special processing.
How do you store this hot honey?
Store your homemade hot honey in an airtight glass jar in a cool, dark place like your pantry. No need to refrigerate if you used dried red pepper flakes. Just make sure it’s completely cool before sealing the lid.
How long will this keep? Refrigerated or just in cupboard?
This hot honey recipe keeps for up to 1 month in the cupboard. No refrigeration needed if you used dried spices. If you used fresh peppers, refrigerate and use within 1 week. The cupboard is perfectly fine for the standard recipe.
Does this require refrigeration?
Nope! Because this recipe uses dried red pepper flakes and hot sauce (which contains vinegar), it’s shelf-stable. Store it in your pantry or a kitchen cabinet. Only refrigerate if you added fresh chili peppers.
How do you store it? Fridge or left out on shelf? For how long?
Leave it on the shelf! Store in an airtight jar in a cool, dark place. It’ll stay good for up to 1 month. If it crystallizes, just reheat it gently. No fridge needed for the standard dried pepper version.
Can you taste the heat right away or does it take time as it sits?
You’ll taste the heat right away, but it does deepen a bit as it sits. If yours isn’t hot enough, let it steep longer next time or add more red pepper flakes. Tasting as you go is always a good idea!
How do you store the hot honey after you put in glass containers? Does it need to be refrigerated? If you make large batches should it be pressure canned?
Store in a glass jar at room temperature. No refrigeration or pressure canning needed. The honey is naturally shelf-stable. Just keep it in a cool, dark place and it’ll be perfect for up to a month.
How long will this last in a jar on the shelf?
Your homemade hot honey will last up to 1 month on the shelf. Keep it in an airtight jar away from direct sunlight. If it crystallizes, simply reheat it gently in the microwave or a warm water bath.
For fresh peppers (habanero or scotch bonnet), do you recommend putting them in whole or chopped up?
Slice them in half lengthwise to expose the flesh and seeds. This helps the flavor infuse faster. Remove the seeds if you want less heat. For a milder honey, use just one pepper. For serious heat, use two or three.
How is this stored? Room temperature or refrigerator? I just made it using one Scotch Bonnet and its delicious.
Since you used a fresh Scotch Bonnet, you need to refrigerate it. Fresh peppers introduce moisture, which can lead to spoilage at room temperature. Use it within 1 week. Glad you love it!
Do you have to refrigerate this since introducing apple cider vinegar to the recipe?
This recipe doesn’t call for apple cider vinegar, but if you add it, you still don’t need to refrigerate. The vinegar actually helps preserve it. Just store in a cool, dark place. The hot sauce already provides enough acidity.
Hi there! What’s the shelf life on this? Can it remain in the pantry or does it need to go into the fridge because of the vinegar?
It can stay in the pantry for up to 1 month. The vinegar in the hot sauce helps preserve it, so no fridge needed. Just keep it in an airtight jar away from heat and sunlight. Easy peasy!
Where should this be stored, in the fridge? Also how long does it keep?
Store it in your pantry or kitchen cabinet at room temperature. It keeps for up to 1 month. Only refrigerate if you used fresh chili peppers. Otherwise, the shelf is perfect.
How long will this hot honey keep? Not that it will last long but IMWTK.
Haha, I know what you mean! It disappears fast. But if you manage to have leftovers, it’ll keep for up to 1 month in an airtight jar at room temperature. Just keep it away from direct sunlight.
How do you store it after it cools?
Once it’s completely cool, pour it into a clean glass jar with a tight-fitting lid. Store it in your pantry or a kitchen cabinet. No refrigeration needed for the standard recipe with dried peppers.
Do you refrigerate after cooling? And how long does it last??
No need to refrigerate! Just let it cool, seal the jar, and store in your pantry. It’ll last up to 1 month. If you see crystallization, just reheat it gently and it’ll be good as new.
Can you can this? Water bath?
I don’t recommend canning this hot honey recipe. Honey is naturally shelf-stable, and the hot sauce provides enough acidity. Just store it in a clean jar at room temperature. It’s simple and safe without any canning.
How long does hot honey last?
Homemade hot honey lasts up to 1 month when stored properly in an airtight jar at room temperature. If you used fresh peppers, refrigerate and use within 1 week. Store-bought versions can last longer due to preservatives.
How do you use hot honey?
Drizzle it on pizza, fried chicken, wings, roasted vegetables, cheese boards, biscuits, or even ice cream. It’s also great in salad dressings, on grilled meats, or mixed into dipping sauces. The possibilities are endless!
Q: How long does hot honey last?
This homemade hot honey recipe lasts up to 1 month in an airtight jar at room temperature. If you used fresh chili peppers, refrigerate and use within 1 week for best quality and safety.
Q: Can I use fresh chili peppers instead of chili flakes?
Absolutely! Slice fresh peppers like serrano or habanero in half and let them steep in the warm honey. Just remember, using fresh peppers means you need to refrigerate the honey and use it within 1 week.
Q: Doesn’t heating honey negate its health benefits?
Heating honey can reduce some of its raw enzymatic benefits, but it’s still a delicious natural sweetener. This recipe uses gentle microwave heating, which is less damaging than prolonged high heat. Enjoy it for the flavor!
