Hot Honey Recipe
Introduction
Hot honey is a versatile and flavorful condiment that combines the natural sweetness of honey with a spicy kick from red pepper flakes. It’s perfect for drizzling over pizza, fried chicken, or even roasted vegetables to add a unique blend of heat and sweetness.

Ingredients
- 1 cup honey
- 1 tablespoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
Instructions
- Step 1: Combine the honey and red pepper flakes in a glass jar and stir well to mix.
- Step 2: Fill a pot with about 1 inch of water and place it over medium heat. Carefully set the glass jar into the pot, ensuring it does not touch the sides.
- Step 3: Let the water simmer gently for 5 to 10 minutes. This heating process melts the honey and infuses it with the spicy flavor of the red pepper flakes.
- Step 4: Remove the jar carefully from the water bath, stir the honey again, and allow it to cool to room temperature. Once cooled, seal the jar with a lid.
- Step 5: The hot honey can be used immediately or placed on a windowsill for 4 to 5 days to deepen the infusion.
- Step 6: If you prefer honey without the flakes, gently warm the jar again in the water bath, then strain the honey into a separate jar and seal.
Tips & Variations
- Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to control the spiciness—use less for a mild touch or more for a bolder heat.
- Try substituting the red pepper flakes with other chili varieties like chipotle or ancho for a smoky flavor.
- Use raw or local honey for a richer and more complex taste.
Storage
Store the hot honey in a sealed jar at room temperature. It will keep well for several months. If the honey crystallizes, warm it gently in a water bath to return it to a liquid state before use.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use fresh chili peppers instead of red pepper flakes?
Yes, you can substitute fresh chopped chili peppers, but reduce the quantity and monitor the infusion closely since fresh peppers can be more intense and introduce moisture.
Will the honey lose its flavor or heat over time?
The flavor and heat will mellow slightly as it sits, especially if left to infuse longer. However, storing it properly will preserve its taste for several months.
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Hot Honey Recipe
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: About 1 cup of hot honey 1x
- Diet: Halal
Description
This Hot Honey recipe blends sweet honey with spicy red pepper flakes to create a versatile condiment perfect for drizzling over pizza, fried chicken, vegetables, or breakfast dishes. The honey is gently heated in a water bath to infuse it with chili flavor, resulting in a balanced, flavorful, and mildly spicy honey that can be enjoyed immediately or allowed to develop deeper heat over time.
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 1 cup honey
- 1 tablespoon red pepper flakes (adjust based on spice preference)
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: Add the honey and red pepper flakes into a clean glass jar and stir well to combine.
- Prepare Water Bath: Fill a pot with water to about 1 inch depth and place it over medium heat. Carefully set the jar in the pot ensuring it does not touch the sides.
- Heat to Infuse: Allow the water to gently simmer and let the honey warm for 5 to 10 minutes. This melts the honey and infuses it with the spice from the chili flakes.
- Cool and Seal: Remove the jar carefully from the water bath, stir again thoroughly, and let it cool to room temperature. Seal with a lid once cooled.
- Optional Flavor Development: Use the hot honey immediately or place it on a windowsill for 4 to 5 days to let the flavors intensify.
- Optional Strain: To remove the chili flakes, rewarm the jar in the water bath for a few minutes until the honey is liquid, then strain into a separate jar and seal tightly.
Notes
- Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to control the heat level to your preference.
- Use a heat-proof glass jar to prevent cracking or breaking in the water bath.
- Do not overheat the honey; keep the water at a gentle simmer to avoid degrading the honey’s flavor.
- Storing on the windowsill for several days intensifies the infusion but is optional.
- Straining the flakes is purely for texture preference; leaving them in adds visual appeal and extra heat.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Condiment
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: hot honey, spicy honey, chili honey, infused honey, sweet and spicy condiment, easy homemade hot honey

