Spicy chili-infused honey for drizzling
Hot Honey
Prep Time
2 min
Cook Time
10 min
Total Time
12 min
Servings
16
1 cup
Difficulty
Easy
Cost
Budget
$
Hot Honey
Spicy chili-infused honey for drizzling
★4.8(11)
A sweet-heat condiment that transforms pizza, fried chicken, and biscuits with its addictive kick. This chili-infused honey takes just 10 minutes and keeps for months.
2m
Prep Time
10m
Cook Time
12m
Total Time
16
Servings
Easy
Difficulty
Budget $
Cost
Sarah Chen
(Updated )
Hot honey has taken the food world by storm, and homemade is incredibly simple. Gently warming honey with chili flakes infuses it with a slow-building heat that complements rather than overpowers.
This is the kind of recipe that defines American home cooking at its best — straightforward, satisfying, and built on flavors that everyone loves.
This recipe represents the best of American home cooking — unpretentious, generous, and built to satisfy. Hot Honey is the kind of dish that brings people to the table and keeps them coming back for seconds. It draws on the diverse culinary traditions that have shaped American food culture, combining familiar flavors with techniques that produce consistently excellent results.
The best side dishes complement without competing. They should add contrast to the main course — something bright alongside something rich, something crunchy alongside something soft. Think about the whole plate when you cook, and your meals will feel more complete and satisfying.
Ingredients
Instructions
- 1
Combine honey and red pepper flakes in a small saucepan over low heat.
- 2
Warm gently for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally—do not let it boil.
- 3
Remove from heat and stir in vinegar, cayenne, smoked paprika, and salt.
- 4
Let steep for 10 minutes for mild heat, or longer for more spice.
- 5
Strain through a fine-mesh sieve for smooth honey, or leave the flakes in for extra heat.
Serving Suggestions
Ways to Serve This Dish
Serve with classic coleslaw and cornbread on the side
Pair with fresh-cut fries or roasted potato wedges
Substitutions
Red pepper flakesFresh Thai chilies, sliced
More intense, different heat profile
HoneyAgave nectar
Vegan option with a milder sweetness
Tips & Storage
Pro Tips
Keep the heat low—boiling will darken the honey and make it bitter.
Leave the chili flakes in for hotter honey that intensifies over time.
Let the protein rest for 5-10 minutes after cooking to allow the juices to redistribute for maximum tenderness.
Season each component individually rather than seasoning at the end — this builds deeper, more complex flavor throughout.
Storage
Store at room temperature in a sealed jar for up to 3 months.
Reheating
Warm briefly in the microwave or hot water bath to make it pourable.
Recipe Notes from Our Kitchen
Editor's Note
Editor's note: Season assertively. Side dishes that taste perfectly seasoned on their own will complement the main course rather than fading into the background.
Nutrition Facts
Per serving (0mg) · 16 servings
Calories65
LowModerateHigh
A light, low-calorie option · based on a 2,000 cal daily diet
Protein0g
Carbohydrates0g
Fat17g
Fiber5mg
Sugar0g
Sodium17g
Nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients and preparation methods.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How spicy is hot honey?
- Medium heat with a slow burn. Adjust chili flakes and cayenne to your preference.
- What do you put hot honey on?
- Pizza, fried chicken, biscuits, cheese boards, roasted vegetables, and cocktails.
- Can I make this ahead?
- Yes. Most side dishes hold well for up to 2 days in the refrigerator. Reheat in the oven at 350 degrees for 10 to 15 minutes, or on the stovetop over medium heat.
- Can I double this recipe?
- This scales easily. Use a larger sheet pan or cooking vessel to avoid crowding, which leads to steaming rather than browning. You may need to increase cooking time by a few minutes.
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About Sarah Chen
Sarah Chen is a professional recipe developer and food editor with over a decade of experience in test kitchens and food media. She trained at the Culinary Institute of America before spending six years developing and testing recipes for national food publications, where she honed her ability to translate restaurant techniques into approachable home cooking. At RecipePool, Sarah leads recipe development, ensuring every dish is tested at least three times for clarity, accuracy, and genuine deliciousness. When she is not in the kitchen, she is browsing farmers markets and collecting vintage cookbooks.
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