Hot Honey

A close-up of a spoon holding a spicy, reddish-brown sauce with visible chili flakes, above a white bowl filled with the same sauce. Some chili flakes are scattered around, enhancing the spicy appearance.

This Hot Honey is a quick and easy way to add sweet heat to your dishes. With just two ingredients and 20 minutes, you can make a versatile condiment that works great on everything from pizza to roasted veggies. It’s simple enough for beginners and a fun way to try something new in the kitchen.

Prep Time5

Cook Time15

Total Time20

Course: Sauce

Cuisine: American

Keyword: hot honey, how to make hot honey, what is hot honey

Servings: Tablespoons

Calories: 65kcal

Ingredients

1 cup honey
2-3 teaspoons red chili flakes (adjust for spice level)

Instructions

Heat Honey: Add honey to a small saucepan. Place over low heat and warm gently, stirring occasionally, for 3-4 minutes. Do not let the honey boil; it should just be warm enough to flow easily.
Add Chili Flakes: Stir chili flakes into honey. Continue heating over low heat for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. If honey starts bubbling, lower the heat immediately to avoid burning.
Taste and Adjust: Carefully taste a small amount with a spoon (be careful! It will be hot). If you want more heat, add an additional ½ teaspoon chili flakes and heat for 2-3 more minutes.
Strain (Optional): If you prefer smooth honey, strain it through a fine mesh strainer into a jar. For added texture, leave the flakes in.
Cool and Store: Let honey cool completely in the jar before sealing with a lid. Store at room temperature. If honey thickens over time, gently warm it in the microwave or a bowl of warm water to make it pourable again.

Notes

Room Temperature Storage: Store hot honey in an airtight jar at room temperature. It doesn’t need refrigeration.

Shelf Life: Hot honey made with dried chili flakes can last several months if stored in a clean, airtight container at room temperature. For the best flavor and safety, use it within 3-6 months. Check for any signs of spoilage, such as mold, an off smell, or changes in texture, and discard it if these occur. Refrigeration can extend its shelf life but may cause it to thicken; simply warm it gently to make it pourable again.

Crystallization: If the honey thickens or crystallizes over time, warm the jar gently in a bowl of warm water or microwave it in short time increments to bring it back to a pourable consistency.

Nutrition