What Is Hot Honey Made Of?

Hot honey has taken the culinary world by storm, adding a perfect combination of sweetness and heat to various dishes. Whether drizzled over pizza, fried chicken, or even used as a dipping sauce, this versatile condiment has become a favorite in kitchens and restaurants alike. But what exactly is hot honey, and what goes into making it? In this article, we’ll break down the ingredients of hot honey, explore different variations, and show you how to make it at home.

What Is Hot Honey?

Hot honey is made by infusing honey with chili peppers or other spicy ingredients to create a sweet, tangy, and spicy sauce. The heat level can vary from mild to fiery, depending on the type and amount of peppers used. The result is a versatile condiment that enhances both sweet and savory dishes with an extra kick of flavor.

The concept of combining sweet and spicy isn’t new, but hot honey has gained popularity in recent years thanks to its ability to enhance dishes in unexpected ways. Its sweetness balances the heat, making it an ideal topping for foods like pizza, biscuits, and fried foods.

Origins

The concept of combining sweet and spicy flavors may seem new, but it has been part of various cuisines for centuries. In Italian and Mediterranean cooking, honey is often paired with hot peppers to create bold, vibrant sauces for meats and cheeses. African and Middle Eastern dishes also feature similar combinations, where sweetness from fruits like dates or honey is paired with spicy ingredients like harissa or chili peppers to create rich, flavorful stews and sauces.

The modern version of this sweet and spicy condiment was popularized in the United States by chef Mike Kurtz in 2010. After traveling to Brazil, where he discovered the tradition of drizzling spicy honey on pizza, he brought the idea back to Brooklyn, New York, and launched Mike’s Hot Honey. Since then, it has gained widespread popularity, inspiring countless variations in homes and restaurants. Today, it is used as a versatile condiment for everything from savory dishes to cocktails.

Ingredients

The beauty of this spicy honey blend lies in its simplicity. It usually requires just a few basic ingredients, yet the flavor can be easily customized to match your personal taste preferences. Here are the key ingredients used in this popular condiment:

1. Honey

• The Base: Honey is the primary ingredient in hot honey, providing the sweet, smooth texture that forms the foundation of the condiment. Any variety of honey can be used, but lighter, milder types like clover or wildflower honey are commonly preferred, as they allow the heat of the chili peppers to shine through without overpowering the flavor.
• Alternative Honeys: Depending on your preference, you can also experiment with different types of honey, such as orange blossom honey for a citrusy note or buckwheat honey for a more robust flavor.

2. Chili Peppers or Red Pepper Flakes

• The Heat Source: Chili peppers or red pepper flakes are what give hot honey its spicy kick. The type of chili used can greatly affect the flavor and heat level. Popular choices include:
  • Red Pepper Flakes: Easy to find and commonly used, red pepper flakes give a consistent, moderate heat.
  • Fresh Chili Peppers: Varieties like jalapeños, habaneros, or Thai chilies can be used to infuse more specific heat profiles and flavors.
  • Dried Chilies: Dried chilies such as ancho or chipotle add both heat and a smoky, rich flavor.
• The heat level can be adjusted by using more or fewer peppers, or by selecting milder or hotter varieties depending on your personal preference.

Different Types of Chili Peppers for Hot Honey

The type of chili pepper you choose for your hot honey can significantly impact the flavor and heat level. Here are a few chili varieties you can experiment with:

1. Jalapeños
   • Jalapeños are one of the most popular peppers to use in hot honey because they provide a moderate heat level that most people can enjoy. They also add a slightly grassy, green flavor that pairs well with the sweetness of the honey. When using fresh jalapeños, slice them thin and let them infuse the honey for a balanced heat.
2. Habanero Peppers
   • If you prefer your hot honey on the spicier side, habanero peppers are a great choice. These fiery peppers pack a serious punch, so use them sparingly. Their fruity undertones complement the honey’s sweetness, but be prepared for some serious heat!
3. Chipotle Peppers
   • For a smoky twist, try using dried chipotle peppers in your spicy honey mixture. Chipotles are smoked and dried jalapeños, adding both heat and a deep, earthy flavor. This version works especially well in barbecue sauces or as a glaze for roasted vegetables.
4. Thai Chilies
   • Thai chilies are small but mighty, offering a high level of heat. They are ideal for those who enjoy a spicier flavor. Their flavor profile is bright and sharp, making them perfect for hot honey intended for Asian-inspired dishes or seafood.

3. Vinegar (Optional)

• For Tanginess: Some hot honey recipes include a splash of vinegar, such as apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar. This addition adds a tangy element to the honey, balancing the sweetness with a slight acidic edge. While not always necessary, it’s a great option for those who enjoy a more complex flavor profile.

4. Garlic (Optional)

• For Extra Depth: Garlic can be added to hot honey to introduce a savory note. Fresh minced garlic or garlic powder can complement the sweet and spicy elements, giving the hot honey a more robust flavor. It’s perfect for pairing with savory dishes like fried chicken or roasted vegetables.

The Health Benefits

While many love hot honey for its flavor, it also offers health benefits thanks to its key ingredients. Honey, for example, is a natural sweetener rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. Unlike refined sugars, honey delivers small amounts of nutrients like vitamin C, calcium, and iron, making it a healthier option for adding sweetness to your dishes.

Chili peppers, on the other hand, contain capsaicin, the compound responsible for their heat. Capsaicin has been linked to various health benefits, including improved metabolism and pain relief. Studies suggest that consuming foods with capsaicin may help boost metabolism by increasing thermogenesis, the process by which your body burns calories. Capsaicin may also have anti-inflammatory properties and is often used in topical creams for pain relief, especially for conditions like arthritis.

Additionally, chili peppers contain vitamin C and antioxidants, which support immune function and help protect cells from oxidative stress. Combined with honey’s natural soothing properties, hot honey can offer a balanced way to enjoy both sweet and spicy flavors while reaping some health benefits in the process.

How to Make Hot Honey at Home

Making hot honey at home is incredibly easy and takes just a few steps. Here’s a simple recipe you can try, with options to customize the heat and flavor to your liking.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup honey
• 1-2 tablespoons red pepper flakes or 2-3 fresh chili peppers (sliced)
• Optional: 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar
• Optional: 1 clove garlic (minced)

Instructions:

1. Combine the Ingredients: In a small saucepan, combine the honey and chili flakes (or fresh peppers). If you’re adding garlic or vinegar, include those ingredients as well.
2. Heat the Mixture: Heat the mixture over low heat, stirring occasionally. Allow the honey to warm through and infuse with the chili for about 5-10 minutes, but be careful not to let the honey boil, as this can alter its flavor and texture.
3. Taste and Adjust: After heating, taste the honey and adjust the spice level by adding more chili flakes or letting the mixture sit for a longer period of time. The longer it infuses, the spicier it will become.
4. Strain (Optional): If you used fresh chili peppers or garlic, you can strain the mixture through a fine mesh sieve to remove the solids. This will result in a smoother honey. If you prefer the texture of the chili flakes, you can leave them in.
5. Cool and Store: Let the hot honey cool to room temperature, then transfer it to a clean jar or bottle. Store it at room temperature, and it will keep for several weeks.

Storing Hot Honey

One of the best things about this sweet and spicy honey is its ease of storage and long shelf life. After preparing it, transfer the mixture to an airtight container, like a glass jar or squeeze bottle, and keep it at room temperature. When stored properly, it can last for several months.

If your honey crystallizes over time, don’t worry—this is a natural process. Simply warm the jar in a pot of hot water or microwave the honey in short bursts to bring it back to its smooth consistency. Stir well, and it’s ready to use again. However, avoid storing hot honey in the refrigerator, as this will cause it to crystallize more quickly.

How to Use Hot Honey

Hot honey is incredibly versatile and can be used in both sweet and savory dishes. Here are some popular ways to enjoy it:

1. Drizzled on Pizza

• This spicy honey pairs especially well with pizza, particularly when combined with salty or savory toppings like pepperoni, sausage, or ricotta cheese. The sweet-spicy kick balances out the richness of the cheese and meats, adding a burst of flavor to each bite.

2. Fried Chicken

• One of the most popular uses for hot honey is drizzling it over fried chicken. The result is an irresistible combination of crispy, savory chicken with sweet and spicy honey. In fact, it’s perfect for Southern-style fried chicken or chicken wings.

3. Biscuits and Cornbread

• Add a drizzle of hot honey to homemade biscuits or cornbread for a sweet and spicy twist. The honey complements the buttery, flaky texture of biscuits, making it a standout breakfast or snack option.

4. Cheese Boards

• Hot honey is a fantastic addition to cheese boards, pairing beautifully with a variety of cheeses such as sharp cheddar, creamy brie, or tangy blue cheese. It adds a new dimension of flavor to the cheese, making it a crowd-pleasing snack.

5. Cocktails

• You can even use hot honey in cocktails! Try adding a spoonful to whiskey-based drinks, margaritas, or lemonades to create a unique sweet-heat balance. The honey dissolves easily and enhances both warm and cold drinks.

6. Roasted Vegetables

• For a sweet and spicy glaze, drizzle hot honey over roasted vegetables such as carrots, Brussels sprouts, or sweet potatoes. The honey caramelizes as it roasts, giving the vegetables a beautifully balanced flavor.

For a balanced meal, pair your hot honey dishes with protein-packed options like these Cottage Cheese Wraps.

Creative Uses for Hot Honey

1. Hot Honey Ice Cream Topping

   • It may sound unusual, but hot honey is fantastic as a topping for vanilla or chocolate ice cream. The contrasting flavors of sweet and heat work beautifully with the creaminess of the ice cream, creating a unique dessert experience. You can also try drizzling it over frozen yogurt or sorbet for a lighter, tangy treat.

2. Hot Honey BBQ Glaze

   • You can easily mix hot honey with your favorite barbecue sauce to create a sweet, tangy, and spicy glaze for grilled meats. For example, brush it over ribs, chicken wings, or grilled vegetables in the final minutes of cooking so that you achieve a sticky, caramelized finish with a kick.

3. Hot Honey Marinade for Proteins

   • Use a spicy honey blend as a marinade for proteins like chicken, shrimp, or tofu. The sweetness helps tenderize the protein, while the heat adds bold flavor. For a simple marinade, mix the honey with olive oil, garlic, and a splash of soy sauce, then let your protein soak for at least 30 minutes before grilling or roasting.

4. Hot Honey Salad Dressing

   • Add a teaspoon of hot honey to your favorite vinaigrette recipe to spice up your salads. Not only does the heat from the honey pair well with fresh greens, but it also complements grilled vegetables and even fruits like apples or pears. For example, try it in a honey mustard dressing or mix it with balsamic vinegar to create an extra punch of flavor.

For a truly unique dessert, try pairing hot honey with something unexpected, like our Crab Brûlée Recipe for a blend of savory and sweet flavors.

Variations

Hot honey is highly customizable, and you can adjust the recipe to suit your taste. Here are a few variations to try:

1. Citrus-Infused Hot Honey

• Add a squeeze of lemon or orange juice to the honey for a citrusy twist. This brightens the flavor and adds an extra layer of complexity, especially when paired with seafood or salads.

2. Smoky Hot Honey

• Use smoked chili peppers like chipotle or ancho to add a rich, smoky flavor to the honey. This variation works particularly well with grilled meats and barbecue dishes.

3. Herb-Infused Hot Honey

• Infuse your hot honey with herbs like rosemary or thyme for an earthy, savory undertone. As a result, this blend is perfect for drizzling over roasted meats or vegetables. Additionally, it adds a new depth of flavor to your dishes, making them more aromatic and flavorful.

For a perfect pairing, try serving hot honey with our Crispy Chicken Fries for a flavorful combination.

Conclusion

Hot honey combines simple ingredients like honey and chili peppers to create a flavorful condiment. With just a few ingredients, you can create a versatile, sweet, and spicy sauce that enhances a wide range of dishes. Whether drizzled over pizza, paired with fried chicken, or used in cocktails, hot honey brings a unique balance of heat and sweetness that elevates your culinary creations. The best part? You can easily make it at home and adjust the flavors to suit your taste, making it the perfect addition to your pantry.