Hot honey has quickly become a favorite among foodies and spice lovers. This sweet and spicy condiment adds a delightful kick to everything from pizza to ice cream, making it a must-have in kitchens everywhere.
But what is hot honey, how does it taste, and more importantly, how can you make it at home?
At a hot sauce company, we love experimenting with different flavors and ingredients, so let's dive into everything you need to know about hot honey... starting with the basics, what is it?
Key Takeaways |
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Hot honey is a sweet-and-spicy condiment made by infusing honey with chili peppers or flakes. |
It’s simple to make at home using just a few ingredients and can be customized to your spice preference. |
There are two main methods to prepare it: a quick stovetop method and a slower heat-free infusion method. |
Proper storage in an airtight container at room temperature ensures it stays fresh for months. |
Hot honey is incredibly versatile—use it to enhance pizza, breakfast dishes, desserts, cocktails, cheese boards, and more! |
What Is Hot Honey?
Hot honey is a fusion of sweet and heat, typically made with honey and chili peppers. Yup, that's it!
Sometimes other ingredients like apple cider vinegar are added for extra tanginess. It’s versatile and can be used as a condiment, topping, or even as a secret ingredient in marinades and dressings.
What Does Hot Honey Taste Like?
In terms of taste, hot honey combines the natural sweetness of honey with a warm, spicy heat that builds slowly. The sweetness balances the spice, creating a complex flavor that's both satisfying and addictive.
Depending on the type of chili used—like red pepper flakes, habaneros, or cayenne peppers—the heat level can vary from mild warmth to fiery hot.
The exact texture and flavor profile of hot honey will depend on the preparation method and the combination of ingredients used, but it’s always deliciously sweet with a punch of spice.
Why Make Hot Honey at Home?
Making hot honey at home is quick, easy, and completely customizable.
Here’s why you should try your hand at it:
Simple Ingredients: All you need is honey and chili peppers (or red pepper flakes), which are likely already in your pantry.
Customizable Heat: Love intense spice? Add more chili. Prefer a subtle kick? Go for mild peppers.
Freshness & Quality: When you make it yourself, you control the quality of the ingredients.
Cost-Effective: Making it at home is often cheaper than buying pre-made versions.
It's fairly easy to make hot honey at home, and the end result is a unique and delicious condiment that you can enjoy in so many ways.
How to Make Hot Honey
Now that you have a good idea about what exactly hot honey is, what it tastes like, and what is in it, let's talk about how to make honey at home.
There are two main methods for making hot honey at home—the stovetop method and the heat-free infusion method.
Both are fairly easy, thank goodness!
Ingredients You'll Need:
Honey: Use raw or local honey for maximum flavor (or swap it with maple syrup if you're vegan).
Chili Flakes or Peppers: Dried chili flakes work perfectly, but fresh chilies like habanero, cayenne, or jalapeño can also be used.
Optional: A splash of apple cider vinegar for added tang.
Method 1: Stovetop Hot Honey
For a fast and flavorful batch of hot honey, follow these steps:
Prepare Your Saucepan: Add 8 ounces of honey and 1 teaspoon of dried chili flakes (or the equivalent fresh chili pieces) to a small saucepan. Optionally, include a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar for tanginess.
Heat the Mixture: Warm the mixture over medium-low heat until small bubbles form around the edges of the pan. Avoid boiling—it’s important to preserve the natural flavors of the honey.
Infuse the Honey: Remove from heat and allow the mixture to steep for 5–10 minutes. Taste as it infuses to check the spice level.
Strain (Optional): Use a fine-mesh strainer to remove chili flakes or seeds for a smooth texture.
Store: Pour your hot honey into a clean, airtight jar. Keep at room temperature.
Method 2: Heat-Free Hot Honey Infusion
If you want to preserve the raw nutritional properties of honey, try this slower, heat-free method:
Combine Ingredients: Add 8 ounces of honey and 1 teaspoon of dried chili flakes to a clean glass jar. Stir until the chili flakes are evenly distributed.
Seal and Store: Close the jar tightly and store it in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.
Infuse Over Time: Allow the honey to infuse for at least one week, shaking the jar occasionally to distribute the flavors.
Strain (Optional): Once your desired spice level is reached, strain out the chili flakes or seeds for a smoother finish.
Storing Hot Honey
Now that you know how to make it, we need to talk about properly storing hot honey. Knowing how to store your hot honey is an important part of keeping it fresh and safe to eat.
Proper storage ensures your hot honey stays fresh and flavorful.
Here are some tips for storing hot honey:
Airtight Container: Use a clean jar with a tight seal to prevent crystallization or exposure to air.
Cool, Dry Place: Keep at room temperature, away from direct sunlight and heat sources.
Avoid Refrigeration: Refrigerating honey can cause it to become thick and hard.
When stored properly, your homemade hot honey can last for several months, although we doubt it will stick around that long once you start using it!
How to Use Hot Honey
There are endless possibilities for using hot honey, but here are some of our favorite ways to enjoy it:
Drizzle on Pizza: A game-changer for pepperoni or margarita pizzas.
Elevate Breakfast: Add it to avocado toast, pancakes, or waffles.
Pair with Cheese: Drizzle over goat cheese, brie, or a cheese board to impress your guests.
Sweeten Desserts: Perfect over vanilla ice cream or roasted fruits.
Upgrade Cocktails: Add a kick to drinks like a hot toddy or bourbon-based cocktails.
BBQ Glaze: Use it on grilled meats or roasted vegetables.
Dress Salads: Mix it into vinaigrettes for sweet-and-spicy salad dressings.
As you can see, there are a TON of delicious ways to use hot honey. Get creative and try it in your favorite dishes!
FAQs
How spicy is hot honey?
The spice level of hot honey is entirely customizable! You can adjust the amount or type of chili peppers used to make it as mild or fiery as you like.
Can I use fresh chilies instead of dried chili flakes?
How long does homemade hot honey last?
What is hot honey made out of?
What can I do if my hot honey is too spicy?
Can I make hot honey vegan?
Final Thoughts On Hot Honey
Whether drizzled over charcuterie boards or stirred into cocktails, hot honey is a delightful blend of sweet heat that transforms any dish. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create your own batch at home and customize it to suit your spice preference.
Now that you know what it is and how to make hot honey, it's time to get in the kitchen and start experimenting! Trust us, once you try it, you'll be hooked.
We’d love to hear how you use it, share your recipes and ideas in the comments below!
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