Quick Stovetop Hot Honey
This homemade hot honey is a quick and easy condiment that adds a spicy-sweet kick to fried chicken, pizza, cheese boards, and more.
- Prep5 min
- Cook10 min
- Total15 min
- DifficultyEasy
- Servings4
Forget store-bought versions—making your own hot honey at home takes just 15 minutes and lets you control the heat level. The combination of honey, chili flakes, and a touch of cayenne creates a balanced, fiery sweetness that clings to everything it touches.
A splash of apple cider vinegar brightens the flavor and helps preserve the honey, while straining out the chili flakes gives you a smooth, versatile sauce. Keep a jar on your counter for drizzling over roasted vegetables, grilled meats, or even vanilla ice cream.
Ingredients
Servings
Converted amounts are rounded.
Method
- In a small saucepan, combine the honey, chili flakes, and cayenne pepper (if using).
- Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 5–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the honey is infused with the chili.
- Remove the saucepan from the heat and let it cool for a few minutes. Stir in the apple cider vinegar.
- If you prefer a smooth hot honey, pour the mixture through a fine-mesh strainer to remove the chili flakes. Transfer the hot honey to a clean jar or bottle and store at room temperature.
💡 Tips
- Adjust the amount of chili flakes and cayenne to your preferred spice level.
- For a chunkier texture, skip the straining step.
- Hot honey keeps for months at room temperature; no refrigeration needed.
Inspired by a recipe from Host the Toast