Hot Honey Recipe: What It Is, How to Make It and 10 Delicious Ways to Use It

Hot honey is one of the most talked about food trends right now. From pizza restaurants to viral recipes online, this sweet and spicy condiment is appearing everywhere.

The concept is simple: honey infused with chilli heat. But the flavour combination is incredibly addictive and surprisingly versatile.

Hot honey can be drizzled over pizza, fried chicken, roasted vegetables, cheese, and even desserts. Best of all, it only takes a few minutes to make at home.

In this guide we’ll explain exactly what hot honey is, why it’s become so popular, and how you can make your own in just a few simple steps.

What Is Hot Honey?

Hot honey is honey that has been infused with chilli peppers or chilli flakes to create a sweet and spicy sauce.

The sweetness of the honey balances the heat of the chilli, creating a flavour that works well with both savoury and sweet foods.

This combination of sweet and spicy flavours has become extremely popular in recent years, especially in restaurants and food trends on social media.

The result is a condiment that can instantly upgrade everyday dishes.

Why Hot Honey Is Trending

Hot honey has exploded in popularity over the past few years. There are several reasons why people can’t get enough of it.

Sweet and Spicy Flavours Are Everywhere

Many chefs and food lovers are experimenting with sweet and spicy flavour combinations. This trend is sometimes referred to as “swicy” food.

Hot honey is the perfect example of how these flavours can work together.

Viral Recipes on Social Media

Hot honey chicken, hot honey pizza and hot honey halloumi have all gone viral on platforms like TikTok and Instagram.

As a result, more people are searching online for hot honey recipes and ideas for how to use it.

It’s Incredibly Versatile

Unlike many sauces or condiments, hot honey can be used in dozens of different ways.

You can add it to savoury meals, snacks, marinades or desserts.

Hot Honey Recipe (Easy Homemade Version)

Making hot honey at home is incredibly easy and only requires two main ingredients.

Ingredients

• 240ml runny honey

• 1–2 teaspoons chilli flakes

• 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar (optional)

Method

1. Add the honey and chilli flakes to a small saucepan.

2. Warm gently over low heat for around 3–5 minutes. Do not let the honey boil.

3. Remove from the heat and allow the chilli to infuse for around 10 minutes.

4. Stir in apple cider vinegar if you want a slightly tangy flavour.

5. Strain the chilli flakes if you prefer a smooth honey, or leave them in for stronger heat.

Pour the finished hot honey into a clean jar and store at room temperature.

Tips for Making the Best Hot Honey

Although the recipe is simple, a few tips can make a big difference.

Use good quality honey
The flavour of the honey will affect the final result, so choose a honey you enjoy.

Adjust the heat level
Start with one teaspoon of chilli flakes and add more if you prefer a spicier honey.

Don’t overheat the honey
Too much heat can affect the flavour and texture.

Let it infuse
Allowing the chilli to sit in the honey for longer will create a stronger flavour.

10 Delicious Ways to Use Hot Honey

Once you make hot honey, you’ll quickly find lots of ways to use it in everyday cooking.

Here are some of the most popular ideas.

1. Drizzle Over Pizza

Hot honey on pizza has become extremely popular in restaurants.

It works particularly well with pepperoni or spicy sausage because the sweetness balances the salty flavours.

2. Add to Fried Chicken

Hot honey fried chicken is one of the most famous ways to use this condiment.

Drizzle it over crispy chicken or mix it into a glaze for chicken wings.

3. Roast Vegetables

Hot honey can transform simple roasted vegetables.

Try drizzling it over:

• roasted carrots

• sweet potatoes

• Brussels sprouts

• cauliflower

4. Serve with Cheese

Sweet and spicy honey pairs beautifully with cheese.

Try it with:

• baked brie

• goat’s cheese

• halloumi

• cheddar

It’s also a great addition to a cheese board.

5. Upgrade Your Breakfast

Hot honey works surprisingly well with breakfast dishes.

Try it on:

• toast

• waffles

• pancakes

• fried eggs

6. Add to Salad Dressings

Mix hot honey with olive oil, mustard and vinegar to create a sweet and spicy salad dressing.

It works especially well with salads that include roasted vegetables or grilled chicken.

7. Glaze Grilled Meat

Hot honey can be used as a glaze for grilled meat or barbecue dishes.

It pairs particularly well with:

• chicken

• pork

• ribs

8. Stir into Marinades

Adding hot honey to marinades gives dishes a balanced flavour of sweetness and heat.

Combine it with soy sauce, garlic and lime juice for a quick marinade.

9. Drizzle Over Pizza or Flatbreads

Hot honey also works beautifully with flatbreads topped with vegetables, cheese or cured meats.

The contrast of flavours makes the dish more exciting.

10. Try It with Ice Cream

It might sound unusual, but hot honey on vanilla ice cream is surprisingly delicious.

Add a pinch of sea salt and crushed nuts for an easy dessert.

Variations of Hot Honey

Once you’ve mastered the basic recipe, you can experiment with different flavours.

Some popular variations include:

Garlic hot honey
Add a lightly crushed garlic clove while heating the honey.

Smoked chilli hot honey
Use smoked chilli flakes for a deeper flavour.

Lemon hot honey
Add lemon zest for a bright, fresh taste.

Extra spicy hot honey
Use fresh chillies instead of chilli flakes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is hot honey very spicy?

Most hot honey recipes create a mild to medium heat. You can easily adjust the spice level by adding more or less chilli.

How long does homemade hot honey last?

Homemade hot honey can last for several months when stored in a sealed jar at room temperature.

Do you need to refrigerate hot honey?

No, hot honey does not need to be refrigerated. Keeping it at room temperature prevents the honey from crystallising.

Can you buy hot honey in supermarkets?

Some supermarkets and speciality stores now sell hot honey, but homemade versions are often cheaper and fresher.

The Bottom Line

Hot honey is one of the easiest ways to add bold flavour to everyday meals.

With just a jar of honey and a little chilli, you can create a sweet and spicy condiment that works with everything from pizza and fried chicken to cheese boards and desserts.

Once you start using hot honey in your cooking, it’s likely to become a regular ingredient in your kitchen.