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    Category Home » Sauces and Condiments » Sweet & Spicy Hot Honey

    Sweet & Spicy Hot Honey

    Published: Aug 24, 2022 by Leigh Anderson · This post may contain affiliate links

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

    Hot Honey is having a moment–and for good reason! It’s floral and sweet with just the right kick of peppery heat. Hot Honey can be drizzled on pizza, wings, avocado toast and even…ice cream! Sweet heat lovers this ones for you!

    A honey dipper coated and dripping with honey and crushed red pepper flakes on a white background.

    There’s a delicate balance between achieving the right level of sweet and spicy. This hot honey gets the perfect kick of heat not only from crushed red pepper but also from toasted black peppercorns and fennel seeds which add a whole extra layer of floral peppery spice. A splash of apple cider vinegar adds just the right amount of acidity to balance everything out.

    Hot Honey can be drizzled on fried chicken, wings, pizza, ribs, avocado toast, creamy whipped feta and so much more! Once you make a batch you’ll want drizzle it on just about everything!

    Ingredients You’ll Need

    Here’s every thing you need to make this recipe: honey, crushed red pepper flakes, whole black peppercorns, fennel seeds and apple cider vinegar.

    *See recipe card for additional notes and ingredient substitutions.*

    A small glass bee hive shaped pot of honey, a black pepper mill, a jar of chili flakes and a jar of fennel seeds.

    How to Make Hot Honey:

    Step 1. Toast the Spices

    Briefly toasting the fennel seeds and black peppercorns in a dry pan gives the honey an extra depth of flavor. Keep a close eye on them while they’re toasting and swirl the pan often so that they don’t burn.

    Step 2. Simmer

    Once the spices are fragrant and toasty, pour in the honey and crushed red pepper flakes. Let the honey simmer and bubble over low heat just for a few minutes to let the flavors meld together then stir in the vinegar.

    Step 3. Cool, Strain and Store

    Let the honey cool to room temperature then strain it through a fine mesh sieve into a clean glass jar.

    A small glass jar filled with honey and a wooden honey dipper hanging out the side.

    FAQs and Expert Tips:

    What is Hot Honey?

    Hot Honey is a spicy and sweet condiment made by infusing honey with dried or fresh chilis. It can be used many different ways. Most commonly it’s drizzled over pizza and fried chicken.

    How long does Hot Honey stay fresh?

    Hot Honey will stay fresh for up to three months. Store it in a cool dark place like a spice cabinet.

    Check Out More Flavorful Condiments:

    • *All Craving California Sauces and Condiments*
    • Zhoug (Spicy Green Hot Sauce)
    • Oven-Roasted Garlic Confit
    • The Best Spicy Mayo (Quick + Easy)
    • Quick Pickled Shallots

    I love to hear from readers and always do my best to respond to each and every comment. If you make this recipe be sure to leave a comment and/or give it a rating! Don’t forget to follow along on Pinterest, Facebook, and Instagram for all the latest updates!

    A honey dipper coated and dripping with honey and crushed red pepper flakes on a white background.

    Sweet & Spicy Hot Honey

    Hot Honey can be drizzled on pizza, wings and even…ice cream! It's floral and sweet with just the right kick of peppery heat.
    5 from 1 vote
    Print Pin Rate
    Prep Time: 5 minutes
    Cook Time: 5 minutes
    Servings: 8
    Calories: 133kcal
    Author: Leigh Anderson

    Ingredients

    • 1 cup honey
    • ½ tsp fennel seeds optional
    • ½ tsp whole black peppercorns optional
    • 1 tbsp crushed red pepper flakes
    • 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar

    Instructions

    • Toasting the fennel seeds and black peppercorns gives the honey an extra depth of flavor. To get started, add the pepprcorns and fennel seeds to a small pot and place over medium heat. Swirl the spices around in the pan as they toast, about 1-2 minutes. As soon as they begin to smell toasty and fragrant, add in the honey and chili flakes.
    • Gently heat the honey until you see small bubbles forming along the edges of the pan. Let the honey simmer on low for 2-3 minutes then remove the pan from the heat and pour in the vinegar.
    • Let the hot honey cool competley then strain through a fine mesh sieve into a clean glass jar. Store in a cool, dark cabinet for up to three months.

    Notes

     
    Ingredient Notes and Substitutions:
    • Honey: Any runny honey works for this recipe. You don’t need anything too fancy!
    • Crushed Red Pepper Flakes: Classic crushed red pepper flakes work great. Alternatively, you can use Korean chili flakes or substitute 1 ½ tsp cayenne pepper or similar chili powders.
     
    Storing and Re-heating Leftovers:
    • Leftover hot honey can be stored in a cool, dark cabinet for up to three months.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 133kcal | Carbohydrates: 36g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 18mg | Potassium: 49mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 35g | Vitamin A: 298IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 9mg | Iron: 1mg
    Did you make this recipe?Share a picture on Instagram and tag me: @Craving_California and use the hashtag: #CravingCalifornia!
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    Welcome to Craving California!

    I'm so glad you're here. My name is Leigh and this is my food blog where I share California inspired recipes and tons of tips and tricks for better home cooking!

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