Why You’ll Love 5-Minute Hot Honey Recipe for Irresistible Sweet Heat Recipe

I enjoy this recipe because it’s fast, customizable, and made with ingredients I usually already have. I like how I can control the spice level easily, and the result works just as well drizzled over pizza as it does stirred into sauces or spooned over roasted vegetables.

Ingredients

(Note: All ingredient amounts are listed in the recipe card below.)

1 cup honey
1–2 tablespoons hot sauce (adjust to taste)
1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
1/2 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
Pinch of salt

Directions

I start by combining the honey, hot sauce, crushed red pepper flakes, apple cider vinegar, and salt in a small saucepan. I place the pan over low to medium heat and warm the mixture gently, stirring occasionally, until everything is well combined and heated through, which takes about five minutes.

Once warmed, I remove the saucepan from the heat and let the hot honey cool slightly. If I want a smoother texture, I strain it through a fine mesh sieve. I then transfer the hot honey to a jar or bottle and let it cool completely before using.

Servings and Timing

I get about 1 cup of hot honey from this recipe. The prep time takes around 5 minutes, the cook time is about 5 minutes, and the total time comes to roughly 10 minutes.

Variations

I sometimes increase the crushed red pepper flakes when I want extra heat. For a milder version, I use less hot sauce and strain out the pepper flakes. I also like experimenting with different hot sauces to change the flavor profile.

Storage/Reheating

I store the hot honey in a sealed jar at room temperature for up to 1 month. If it thickens over time, I gently warm it to loosen the texture before using.

FAQs

Is hot honey very spicy?

I find it moderately spicy, but I can easily adjust the heat level to my preference.

Can I skip straining the honey?

I often leave it unstrained because I like the texture from the pepper flakes.

What hot sauce works best?

I use whatever I enjoy, since the recipe works with most styles.

Can I double the recipe?

I double it often and store the extra for later use.

Does the vinegar affect the flavor?

I think it adds balance and keeps the sweetness from being overwhelming.

Can I use this as a glaze?

I love brushing it on roasted vegetables or proteins near the end of cooking.

Is this good on pizza?

I think it’s amazing drizzled over pizza, especially with salty toppings.

Will it crystallize?

I haven’t had issues, but gentle warming fixes it if it thickens.

Can I refrigerate it?

I don’t need to, but refrigeration won’t hurt if preferred.

What else can I use it for?

I use it as a dip, drizzle, glaze, or even stirred into sauces.

Conclusion

I keep this hot honey recipe in my regular rotation because it’s quick, flavorful, and endlessly useful. With just a few ingredients and minutes, I get a sweet-and-spicy condiment that instantly upgrades so many meals.