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Home » hot honey recipes

Hot Honey Recipe

Published: Feb 9, 2026 by Betsy · This post may contain affiliate links · Leave a Comment

If there is one sauce that instantly makes a meal feel more exciting, it is this hot honey recipe. Sweet, a little spicy, and incredibly easy to make, this is one of those recipes I reach for when dinner needs a quick upgrade.

Hot Honey Recipe this sugar

I started making hot honey at home after realizing how quickly we were going through store bought bottles. Between pizza nights, chicken dinners, and snack boards, it was becoming a regular thing around here. Once I realized how simple it was to make from scratch, I never looked back.

This hot honey recipe fits perfectly with life at Potluck Eats. It is simple, reliable, and works for busy families who want big flavor without extra steps.

Why I Love This Hot Honey Recipe

  • Made with just three ingredients
  • Ready in about twenty minutes
  • Easy to adjust for mild or spicy tastes
  • Stores well for future meals
  • Works for dinners, snacks, and entertaining

It is one of those recipes that earns a permanent spot in the fridge or pantry.

What Is Hot Honey

Hot honey is a sweet and spicy condiment made by infusing honey with chili heat. The honey is gently warmed so it can soak up the flavor from the peppers, then strained so you are left with a smooth, pourable sauce.

The flavor starts sweet and finishes with a warm kick. It is perfect for drizzling, dipping, or brushing onto your favorite foods.

Hot Honey Recipe Ingredients

You only need a few basic ingredients to make this hot honey recipe.

Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card at the bottom of this post.

  • Honey
    Use a mild honey like clover, or whatever you already have on hand. Local honey is always a great option if you can find it.
  • Crushed red pepper flakes or fresh jalapeno
    Red pepper flakes are easy and pantry friendly. Fresh peppers work too if you want a brighter heat.
  • Apple cider vinegar
    Just a small splash helps balance the sweetness. You can leave it out if you prefer.

How To Make Hot Honey

Hot Honey Recipe
Hot Honey Recipe

Hot Honey Recipe
Hot Honey Recipe

Making hot honey at home is simple and mostly hands off.

  1. Add the honey and red pepper flakes or sliced jalapeno to a small saucepan.
  2. Heat gently over medium heat until the honey just begins to lightly simmer. Stir once, then remove from heat.
  3. Let the mixture rest for ten to fifteen minutes so the flavors can infuse.
  4. Taste the honey and adjust the heat if needed.
  5. Strain the honey into a clean jar and stir in the apple cider vinegar.

Once it cools slightly, it is ready to use.

How Spicy Is This Hot Honey Recipe

The spice level is completely up to you. That is one of my favorite things about making hot honey at home.

For milder honey, use fewer pepper flakes and strain sooner. For more heat, let the peppers infuse longer or add a bit more. It is easy to customize for your family.

Ways I Use Hot Honey

This hot honey recipe works with so many meals. Here are a few favorites in our house.

  • Drizzled over fried chicken or chicken tenders
  • Spoon over pizza, especially pepperoni
  • Served with biscuits or cornbread
  • Tossed with roasted vegetables
  • Added to a charcuterie board
  • Drizzled over baked brie
  • Mixed into salad dressing
  • Spoon over vanilla ice cream

It is especially helpful on busy nights when dinner needs something extra.

How To Store Hot Honey

  • Let the honey cool completely
  • Store in a sealed glass jar
  • Keep at room temperature for up to three months

If you use fresh peppers, store the honey in the refrigerator and use within one week.

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Hot Honey Recipe

Hot Honey Recipe


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  • Author: Betsy
  • Total Time: 20 minutes
  • Yield: About 1 cup 1x
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Description

This hot honey recipe is sweet, gently spicy, and easy to make at home with just a few ingredients. Warming the honey allows it to absorb chili heat, creating a smooth, pourable sauce that upgrades everything from pizza to chicken dinners.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup honey
  • 2 to 3 teaspoons crushed red pepper flakes or 1 fresh jalapeno sliced
  • 1 to 2 teaspoons apple cider vinegar


Instructions

  1. Add the honey and red pepper flakes or jalapeno slices to a small saucepan.
  2. Heat over medium heat until the honey just begins to lightly simmer. Stir once and remove from heat.
  3. Let rest for ten to fifteen minutes to infuse.
  4. Taste and adjust heat if needed.
  5. Strain into a clean jar and stir in the apple cider vinegar.
  6. Use immediately or store for later.

Notes

For milder hot honey, use fewer pepper flakes and strain sooner. For extra heat, let the peppers infuse longer or add a bit more. If using fresh peppers, store the honey in the refrigerator and use within one week.

  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Sauce
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 tablespoon
  • Calories: 64
  • Sugar: 17 g
  • Sodium: 2 mg
  • Fat: 0 g
  • Saturated Fat: 0 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 0 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 17 g
  • Fiber: 0 g
  • Protein: 0 g
  • Cholesterol: 0 mg

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Betsy Whitten, Potluck Eats

Recipe developed and tested by Betsy Whitten.
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I’m Betsy, the cook behind Potluck Eats. Here you’ll find reliable, easy-to-follow recipes made with everyday ingredients, designed to help busy families enjoy flavorful meals together.

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