It’s a warm summer evening, and the enticing aroma of sweet honey and spicy red pepper is wafting through the air. This Easy Homemade Hot Honey is a simple yet delightful condiment, taking only about 15 minutes to prepare. It’s the perfect balance of sweetness and heat, elevating everything from pizza to fried chicken.
This recipe is for anyone looking to add a little zest to their meals or gifts for friends who love a kick. Consider making a batch for your next picnic or barbecue. Store the hot honey in a cool, dark place for maximum freshness.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It combines sweet and spicy flavors perfectly.
- The preparation time is incredibly quick, just 15 minutes.
- You can customize the heat level by adjusting the red pepper flakes.
- It makes for a unique and thoughtful homemade gift.
What You’ll Need
Gather these ingredients to create your hot honey.
For the Honey Mixture
- 1 cup honey
- 2 teaspoons crushed red pepper flakes
- 1 ½ teaspoons apple cider vinegar
- pinch of sea salt
Use raw honey for a richer flavor.
Substitutions & Swaps
- Honey: Agave nectar for a vegan option
- Apple cider vinegar: White vinegar
How to Make It
Get ready to mix, simmer, and enjoy your homemade delicacy.
Combine
Add honey and red pepper flakes to a medium-sized saucepan. Turn heat to medium and bring to a low simmer, stirring frequently. Simmer for one additional minute.
Rest
Remove the pan from heat and allow the honey mixture to rest for an additional 10 minutes.
Mix
Add apple cider vinegar and a pinch of sea salt to the pan and mix well.
Store
Pour the hot honey mixture into a glass jar. Let it cool before placing the lid on the jar and storing it in a cool, dark place.
Optional Strain
If preferred, strain the red pepper flakes out. Let the mixture cool slightly, then strain it through a fine-mesh sieve into a clean jar to remove the pepper solids. Seal the jar.
How to Store It
Fridge: Up to 6 months in an airtight jar.
Freezer: No, because honey does not freeze well.
Reheat: Warm gently on the stovetop for 1-2 minutes.
Tips for Best Results
- Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes according to your spice preference.
- Use a fine-mesh sieve for a smoother consistency if straining.
- Make sure the jar is clean to prolong shelf life.
Serving Suggestions
- Drizzle over pizza for an unexpected twist.
- Pair with fried chicken for a sweet and spicy contrast.
- Use as a topping for cornbread to elevate breakfast.
