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Homemade hot honey in a glass jar with a honey dipper and dried red pepper flakes

Homemade Hot Honey Recipe

This easy homemade hot honey combines sweet honey, spicy red pepper flakes, and a splash of apple cider vinegar for a glossy, sweet-and-spicy sauce. Ready with just three ingredients, it is perfect for drizzling over pizza, chicken, roasted vegetables, biscuits, eggs, and more.
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Prep Time 2 minutes
Cook Time 3 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Servings: 8 tablespoons
Course: Condiment, Sauce
Cuisine: American
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Hot Honey
  • 1/2 cup honey Use a mild liquid honey such as clover or wildflower.
  • 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes Use 1/2 teaspoon for mild heat or up to 2 teaspoons for a hotter sauce.
  • 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar Optional; adds brightness and balances the sweetness.

Equipment

  • Small heavy-bottomed saucepan
  • Silicone spatula or spoon
  • Fine-mesh strainer Optional, for a smooth hot honey.
  • Clean dry glass jar with lid

Method
 

  1. Add the honey and crushed red pepper flakes to a small heavy-bottomed saucepan and stir to combine.
  2. Place the saucepan over low heat. Warm gently for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the honey becomes thinner and a few tiny bubbles appear around the edge. Do not allow the honey to reach a rolling boil.
  3. Remove the saucepan from the heat and let the pepper flakes steep in the warm honey for 5 minutes.
  4. Place a small drop of honey on a cool spoon and carefully taste it. For additional heat, continue steeping for up to another 5 minutes.
  5. Stir in the apple cider vinegar until completely incorporated and the sauce looks smooth and uniform.
  6. For a smooth hot honey, strain the mixture through a fine-mesh strainer into a clean, dry glass jar while it is still warm. For a stronger, textured sauce, leave the pepper flakes in.
  7. Allow the hot honey to cool completely before covering the jar with its lid. Use as a finishing drizzle or sweet-and-spicy condiment.

Notes

Heat level: For mild hot honey, use 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes and steep for about 5 minutes before straining. For medium heat, use 1 teaspoon and steep for 5 to 10 minutes. For a hotter version, use up to 2 teaspoons and taste carefully before deciding whether to leave the flakes in.
Too spicy: Strain out the pepper flakes and stir in additional plain honey 1 tablespoon at a time until the heat is balanced.
Variations: Add 1/8 teaspoon smoked paprika for smoky flavor or a small pinch of cayenne for additional heat. For a two-ingredient version, omit the apple cider vinegar.
Storage: Cool completely and keep in a clean, tightly covered glass jar away from heat and direct sunlight. For best quality, use within one month and always use a clean, dry spoon. Recipes containing fresh peppers, garlic, citrus juice, or other moist additions require different storage precautions and should not use the same pantry-storage guidance.
If the honey crystallizes, place the closed jar in a bowl of warm water until the honey loosens, taking care not to introduce water into the jar.