Hot Honey Recipe
This 3-ingredient hot honey recipe comes together in minutes and delivers the perfect balance of sweet heat. Made with raw honey, red pepper flakes and apple cider vinegar, it’s a versality condiment that elevates everything from roasted carrots to Brussels sprouts to homemade pizza.
This post may contain affiliate links. Please see our disclosure policy.
If you’ve ever drizzled hot honey over roasted vegetables or onto a slice of leftover pizza (stay with me!), then you know the magic of the sweet-and-spicy condiment that really started having a moment a few years ago.
This 3-ingredient hot honey recipe is one of my favorite condiments, and it transforms everything it touches. While store-bought is fine, making your own allows you to control the amount of heat in your jar.
Once you’ve made a batch, you can try it on my Roasted Carrots with Whipped Feta, Brussels sprouts or even a slice of Detroit-Style Pizza.
How to Make Hot Honey
Making a batch of homemade hot honey requires only three ingredients and a few simple steps. Here is the simple ingredient list and step-by-step directions for how to make hot honey:
- 1 cup raw honey
- 1 ½ teaspoons red pepper flakes
- 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
Heat the honey. Combine raw honey and red pepper flakes in a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir well.
Infuse the spice. Once the honey just begins to bubble (after about 1 to 2 minutes), remove from heat and let it rest for 20 minutes to absorb the pepper’s flavor.
Add acidity. Stir in apple cider vinegar, which balances the sweetness and adds a subtle tang.
Strain (optional). For a smooth consistency, pour through a fine-mesh strainer to remove flakes.
Store and enjoy. Transfer to a glass jar, seal tightly and store in a cool, dry place for up to 3 months.
Recipe Notes & Suggestions
- Want it milder? Start with ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes or strain the honey after 10 to 15 minutes. The longer the red pepper flakes stay in the honey, the higher the heat index.
- Prefer extra heat? Simply go heavier on the chili flakes – up to 3 teaspoons – then strain out or skim some off the top once you transfer to a jar.
- Don’t overheat the honey. Gentle warming helps preserve its natural flavor and nutrients.
Hot Honey Storage Tips
Keep hot honey in a sealed jar at room temperature for up to 3 months. Over time, your hot honey may thicken slightly. You can warm up the jar by sitting it in a bowl of hot tap water, or microwave it for 5-second bursts before using.
This hot honey recipe is great for your own use, or make a larger batch to share with friends and family. It’s a simple, homemade gift for special occasions and holidays.
Hot Honey Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 cup raw honey
- 1 ½ teaspoons red pepper flakes
- 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
Instructions
- Add honey and red pepper flakes to a small saucepan and place over medium heat. Stir to combine.
- Heat until the honey just begins to bubble, about 1 to 2 minutes. Avoid boiling for too long to prevent scorching.
- Remove from heat and let steep for 20 minutes to infuse the spice.
- Stir in apple cider vinegar.
- Transfer to a small jar and allow to cool completely before securing with a lid. Store in a cool, dry place for up to 3 months.
Notes
- For a smoother honey, strain through a fine-mesh sieve to remove red pepper flakes.
- Leaving the flakes in will increase the heat level slightly over time.
- If flakes float to the top after cooling, use a clean spoon to skim off a few for a milder flavor balance.
- Warm gently before using if honey thickens in storage.
Like this? Leave a comment below!
