Easy Homemade Hot Honey Recipe

Hot honey has taken the food world by storm, adding the perfect kick to everything from fried chicken to charcuterie boards. But let’s be honest—buying it from the store can get expensive when it’s so easy to make at home!

This Homemade Hot Honey is simple, budget-friendly, and customizable. You control the heat level, the ingredients, and the amount you make, ensuring you always have the perfect spicy-sweet drizzle on hand.

The Inspiration Behind This Recipe

I kept seeing hot honey recipes everywhere, and while I loved the idea, I couldn’t justify the price when I knew I could make it at home. Why spend extra when you can create something even better yourself?

By making it at home, I can adjust the spice level, control the quality of ingredients, and make just the right amount for my needs. Whether you like a mild heat or fiery kick, this homemade version allows you to customize the spice to your liking.

Now, I always have a jar of hot honey ready to drizzle over my favorite foods—trust me, once you start using it, you’ll find endless ways to enjoy it!

What You’ll Need

Ingredients for Homemade Hot Honey:

• 1 cup raw organic honey
• 2 tablespoons red chili flakes
• 1/2 to 1 tablespoon cayenne (adjust to spice preference)
• Dash of kosher salt

How to Prepare

1. Infuse the Honey with Spice:

• In a small pot, add honey, red chili flakes, cayenne, and a dash of kosher salt. Stir to combine.
• Heat over medium heat, allowing the honey to gently simmer for 1-2 minutes.
• Do not boil—you just want small bubbles forming around the edges.

2. Let the Flavors Meld:

• Remove from heat and let the chili-infused honey sit in the pot for 15-20 minutes to continue infusing.

3. Strain and Store:

• Once cooled slightly, strain the honey using a fine mesh strainer into a glass jar or airtight container.
• Use a spoon to press out every last drop of spicy goodness.

4. Store at Room Temperature:

• Keep your hot honey in an airtight glass jar (like a mason jar) at room temperature for up to 3 months.

How to Use Hot Honey

This homemade hot honey is super versatile, adding the perfect sweet heat to all kinds of dishes! Here are some of my favorite ways to enjoy it:

1. On Fried Chicken

• Drizzle over crispy fried chicken, chicken tenders, or wings for a sweet & spicy kick.

2. On Pizza

• A little hot honey over pepperoni or sausage pizza is a total game-changer.

3. With Biscuits & Cornbread

• Try it on buttermilk biscuits, cornbread, or honey butter rolls for an extra layer of flavor.

4. On Charcuterie Boards

• Serve hot honey with cheese, crackers, and nuts for a bold contrast of flavors.

5. In Cocktails & Teas

• Stir a spoonful into bourbon cocktails, hot toddies, or herbal tea for a spicy-sweet twist.

6. On Ice Cream & Desserts

• Yes, really! A drizzle over vanilla ice cream or cheesecake is surprisingly delicious.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

✔️ Budget-Friendly: No need to buy expensive store-bought hot honey—this homemade version is just as good (if not better).
✔️ Customizable Heat Level: Add more or less cayenne and chili flakes to get the spice level just right.
✔️ Quick & Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes with minimal effort.
✔️ Long Shelf Life: Store it for up to 3 months at room temperature.
✔️ Endless Uses: Perfect for sweet, savory, and spicy dishes!

Storage and Shelf Life

• Store hot honey in an airtight glass jar at room temperature.
• It will keep for up to 3 months—no need for refrigeration.
• If the honey thickens over time, simply warm it slightly in the microwave or in a hot water bath before using.

Make This Homemade Hot Honey Today!

Once you try homemade hot honey, you’ll wonder why you ever bought it from the store. It’s simple, customizable, and so deliciously addictive!

Try it out, drizzle it on your favorite dishes, and let me know how you use it! Would you go mild or extra spicy? 🔥🍯