This Homemade Hot Honey Sauce Recipe Is A Gamechanger!

If you’re looking to add a sweet and spicy kick to your dishes, you’re in for a treat!

Today, I’ll be sharing a recipe that has become a favorite in my kitchen: Hot Honey Sauce.

This sauce combines the natural sweetness of honey with a fiery kick from chili peppers, creating a versatile condiment that can elevate a wide range of dishes.

Now let’s take a look at how you can make your own batch of this liquid gold!

The Ingredients You Need

Honey

This is the base of our sauce, providing natural sweetness and a smooth texture.

Opt for a light, mild-flavored honey like clover or orange blossom for a clean, sweet taste.

If you prefer a more robust flavor, try wildflower or eucalyptus honey.

Red Chili Peppers

These bring the heat to our sauce.

For a moderate kick, use fresh red jalapeños or fresno peppers.

If you’re after more intense heat, try Thai bird’s eye chilies or habaneros.

For a smoky flavor with medium heat, dried chipotle peppers work well.

Apple Cider Vinegar

Adds a tangy note that balances the sweetness of the honey.

Use raw, unfiltered apple cider vinegar for added depth and potential health benefits.

Salt

Enhances all the flavors in the sauce.

Kosher salt or sea salt are great options, but regular table salt works too.

Fresh Garlic

Brings a savory depth to the sauce.

Choose firm, fresh garlic cloves. If you’re in a pinch, you can substitute with 1/4 teaspoon of garlic powder per clove.

Optional additions:

• A splash of bourbon for a rich, oaky flavor
• A teaspoon of smoked paprika for added smokiness
• A tablespoon of fresh ginger for a zesty kick
• A few drops of liquid smoke for a BBQ-like flavor

Remember, the beauty of this sauce lies in its customizability.

Feel free to adjust the quantities and types of ingredients to suit your taste preferences!

How To Make Hot Honey Sauce

Making Hot Honey Sauce is surprisingly simple, and it’s a great way to add excitement to your meals.

Here’s how to do it:

Prepare Ingredients

Finely chop the chili peppers and mince the garlic.

If you prefer a milder sauce, remove the seeds from the peppers.

Combine and Heat

In a small saucepan, combine the honey, chopped chilies, minced garlic, apple cider vinegar, and salt.

Stir well to integrate all the ingredients.

Simmer

Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium-low heat.

Let it cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally.

This allows the flavors to meld and the honey to infuse with the spicy and savory elements.

Cool and Strain

Remove from heat and let the sauce cool slightly.

For a smoother consistency, strain the sauce through a fine-mesh sieve to remove the solid bits of chili and garlic.

Store

Transfer the sauce to a clean jar or bottle. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a month.

What To Serve Your Hot Honey Sauce With

Hot Honey Sauce is incredibly versatile, making it a fantastic addition to many dishes.

Here are some great pairing ideas:

Fried Foods

Drizzle this sauce over fried chicken, crispy french fries, or onion rings for a sweet and spicy twist on classic favorites.

Pizza

Use it as a finishing sauce on pizzas, especially those with salty toppings like prosciutto or pepperoni.

Cheese Boards

Pair it with a variety of cheeses on a charcuterie board.

It’s particularly delicious with creamy brie or sharp cheddar.

Grilled Meats

Brush it onto grilled chicken, pork chops, or even steak during the last few minutes of cooking for a caramelized, spicy-sweet glaze.

Breakfast Dishes

Add a kick to your morning by drizzling it over biscuits, fried eggs, or mixing it into yogurt.

Vegetables

Use it as a glaze for roasted carrots, Brussels sprouts, or sweet potatoes to add depth and excitement to your veggie sides.

Cocktails

A small amount can add complexity to cocktails, particularly those with bourbon or rum bases.

Other Tips and Suggestions

Adjust the Heat

Feel free to experiment with different types of chili peppers to find your perfect level of heat.

Habaneros will give an intense kick, while milder options like jalapeños or red pepper flakes can provide a gentler warmth.

Infuse with Herbs

Consider adding herbs like rosemary or thyme during the simmering process for an extra layer of flavor.

Remove them before storing.

Try Different Honeys

The type of honey you use can significantly impact the final flavor.

Try wildflower honey for a floral note or buckwheat honey for a deeper, more robust flavor.

Make It Smoky

Add a teaspoon of smoked paprika or a few drops of liquid smoke for a smoky dimension that pairs wonderfully with grilled foods.

Preserve The Raw Honey Benefits

If you’re looking to maintain the raw honey’s health benefits, add it after removing the other ingredients from heat.

This method will preserve the honey’s natural enzymes and antioxidants.

Customize with Fruits

Experiment by adding fruit juices or zests. A bit of orange or lime zest can add a bright, citrusy note to your hot honey.

Use as a Marinade

Dilute the hot honey sauce with a bit of oil and use it as a marinade for meats or vegetables before grilling.

Gift It

Hot honey sauce makes for a great homemade gift.

Pour it into small, decorative jars and add a personalized label for a thoughtful present.