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Hot Honey Recipe

Homemade Hot Honey

This easy homemade hot honey recipe combines sweet honey with spicy peppers to create the perfect condiment for pizza, fried chicken, biscuits, and more. With just 3 ingredients and 20 minutes, you'll have a versatile spicy-sweet sauce that elevates any dish.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Infusing Time 10 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 16 tablespoons
Course: Condiment
Cuisine: American
Calories: 64
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 1 cup honey preferably clover or local variety
  • 2-3 teaspoons crushed red pepper flakes or 1 fresh jalapeño pepper, sliced
  • 1-2 teaspoons apple cider vinegar or red wine vinegar

Equipment

  • Medium saucepan
  • Fine-mesh strainer
  • Clean glass jar
  • Wooden spoon

Method
 

  1. Heat the mixture: Add honey and crushed red pepper flakes (or jalapeño slices) to a medium saucepan. Heat over medium heat until the honey just begins to simmer lightly. Stir once to combine, then immediately remove from heat.
  2. Infuse flavors: Let the honey and pepper mixture rest for 10-15 minutes to allow the flavors to infuse and develop heat.
  3. Test spice level: Using a clean spoon, taste the honey to check the heat level. If you want it spicier, add more pepper flakes and/or let it infuse for another 10 minutes. If too spicy, add plain honey to dilute.
  4. Strain and finish: Pour the honey through a fine mesh strainer into a clean glass jar to remove the pepper pieces. Stir in the apple cider vinegar until well combined.
  5. Store or serve: Use immediately or let cool to room temperature before storing. The hot honey is ready to drizzle on your favorite foods!

Notes

Storage: Store at room temperature for up to 3 months when using dried peppers. If using fresh peppers, refrigerate and use within 1 week.
Heat variations: Start with less pepper and gradually increase to find your preferred spice level. Different pepper varieties will create unique flavor profiles.
Uses: Perfect for pizza, fried chicken, biscuits, cocktails, salad dressings, and cheese boards.