Hot Honey Recipe
This easy-to-make Hot Honey Recipe blends sweet and spicy in under 10 minutes—no fancy gear needed, making it a perfect homemade sauce to drizzle on pizza or glaze for meat.
Ingredients
- 1 cup raw local honey or any mild flavored honey
- 1-2 tablespoons red pepper flakes substitute 1 fresh chopped jalapeño for milder heat
- 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar optional, brightens flavor
- Pinch flaky sea salt enhances depth
- 1 garlic clove garlic smashed (optional twist)
Instructions
- Pour honey into a small saucepan over low heat. Stir gently—keep it under 170°F to preserve flavor.
- Toss in pepper flakes and smashed clove, stirring until you see little bubbles around the edges.
- Remove from burner, cover, and let steep for 10 minutes—this is where that heat and sweet magic happens.
- If you prefer a silky homemade sauce, pour through a fine-mesh sieve into a heatproof jar; otherwise, scoop everything in.
- Stir in apple cider vinegar and sea salt while still warm—this adds bright notes.
- Let cool to room temperature, then cap and label. Store at room temperature or in the fridge for thicker texture.
Notes
I learned from testing that too-high heat dulls honey’s floral notes—keep it gentle. Letting the chilies steep longer intensifies heat, so taste after 5 minutes to dial it in. Using a glass jar ensures no residual flavors; I recommend Ball or Weck. If your honey is super thick, stir in a teaspoon of warm water before heating. For a fun crunch, leave seeds in and call it “rustic” on your cheese board.
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