Make your own hot honey in under 15 minutes with just three simple ingredients! Sweet, spicy, and irresistibly sticky, this easy recipe is the perfect way to add bold, exciting flavor to any meal.
Honey hot has been one of my favorite condiments for as long as I can remember. I adore the sweet and spicy flavor combination and used to go through endless store-bought bottles, wondering how they were always so expensive.
However, that all changed when I learned how to make a hot honey recipe at home. Not only is it more affordable, but it’s also tastier than store-bought options!
Why you’ll love this hot honey recipe
It’s way too easy to make hot honey at home! Here’s why you’ll love this recipe:
- Minimal ingredients – All you need are three ingredients, and you probably already have most, if not all, of them on hand!
- Quick and easy – Just combine the ingredients and steep. My homemade recipe is ready to use in less than 15 minutes, which is way faster than it takes to run to the local grocery store.
- Flavor – Making your own sauce means you can adjust the ingredients to suit your preferences, adding more or less spice to taste.
Use this recipe to coat hot honey chicken wings or drizzle it over sweet & spicy chicken skewers. You’ll never have a bland or boring meal again!
Key Ingredient Notes
- Honey – I typically use raw honey, but processed honey will also work. Just note that the sweetness may vary, depending on what you use. So, give your sauce a taste, and add more as needed.
- Jalapeno – Be sure to remove all the seeds and the white membrane to prevent the honey from being too spicy. Then, slice the peppers thinly.
- Red pepper flakes – These amp up the heat even further! Add more or less to taste.
How to make hot honey
- Combine the honey, jalapeño slices, and red pepper flakes in a small saucepan.
- Cook the mixture over medium heat until small bubbles appear around the edges.
- Turn off the heat, and let the sauce steep and thicken for 5 minutes.
- Strain the liquid to remove the jalapeno and pepper flakes.
- Store for later, or use right away!
Use a fine mesh sieve
This will allow you to catch all the small seeds and jalapeño pieces, leaving you with a smooth, pourable sauce.
Tips for Success
- Use high-quality honey. If possible, go for raw or local honey. It has a much sweeter, richer taste than processed varieties. Because there are so few ingredients in this hot honey recipe, you’ll really notice a difference!
- Adjust the heat level. If you prefer a milder, sweeter taste, use less jalapeño and red pepper flakes. Or, if you want your sauce to be extra hot, add more jalapeño, include the seeds and membrane, and let it steep a little longer.
- Avoid boiling. Keep your pan over medium heat, and avoid letting the honey boil. It’s okay if small bubbles form, but boiling can overcook the sauce and will create a dull flavor.
- Don’t skip steeping! This allows all the flavors to meld and enhance, creating a delicious taste.
Storing Tips
Let your sauce cool to room temperature. Then, transfer it to a jar or container with a lid and store it in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. Any longer than that, and the honey tends to crystallize. If crystallized, simply warm it up and stir until smooth again.
FAQs
I don’t recommend it! Cooking the ingredients is crucial for infusing the honey with a spicy flavor.
There’s not much this sauce doesn’t pair well with! However, some of my favorite options include hot honey chicken wings, roasted Brussels sprouts, roasted cauliflower, chicken alfredo pizza, and chicken avocado egg rolls.
Some people like to include white wine vinegar for a bit of tang. Or, you can try adding a pinch of salt or garlic powder for a slightly more savory taste.
More Homemade Sauces and Dressings
Hot Honey Recipe
Ingredients
- ½ cup (170 g) honey
- 1 jalapeno pepper thinly sliced, Note 1
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
Instructions
- In a small saucepan, combine honey, jalapeno slices, and red pepper flakes.
- Cook the mixture over medium heat until small bubbles appear around the edges.
- Turn off the heat and let it steep for 5 minutes.
- Strain the honey to remove the jalapeno and pepper.
Tips & Notes
– Store leftover hot honey in an airtight container or jar in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
Nutrition
