Hot honey in a jar next to a honey stick and chopped jalapenos, all on top of a cutting board.

10 Minute Hot Honey Recipe

This is a quick hot honey recipe that's both delicious and easy to make. You can easily adjust the heat by modifying both the type and quantity of peppers. We'll also show you how to use chili flakes in case you don't have peppers on hand. It only takes 6 steps, so let's get started!

Ingredients

  • 2-3 fresh hot chili peppers (such as Fresno, Thai or Jalapeño) or 2 tbsp dried red chili flakes
  • 1 cup honey
  • 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
  • ⅛ tsp salt

Directions

Jalapeño peppers being chopped on a cutting board.

Step 1

Prepare the peppers. If you are using fresh peppers, slice them thinly. Remove the seeded membrane to reduce the heat if necessary. If you are using dried peppers, crush them into smaller pieces in a mortar and pestle.

Jalapeño peppers in a sauce pans with the honey.

Step 2

In a small saucepan, combine the honey and chili peppers. Place the saucepan over medium-low heat.

The sliced jalapeño peppers simmering with the honey in a pan.

Step 3

Once you see small bubbles forming around the edges, lower the heat to a gentle simmer, and allow the honey to infuse for 5-10 minutes. Stir occasionally, to avoid boiling and burning.

A saucepan simmering with the jalapeños next to a cup of apple cider vinegar (on a cutting board).

Step 4

Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the apple cider vinegar. Allow the mixture to cool for about 10 minutes.

The hot honey mixture being poured through a fine mesh strainer.

Step 5

Strain the mixture through a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth into a clean jar, and discard the chili solids.

The hot honey on a cutting board next to the jalapeños and honey stick.

Step 6

Season the hot honey with salt and mix well. Let the honey cool completely before sealing and store it in a cool, dark place for up to one month.

Hot honey being drizzled into a jar.

Bonus Tips

1. Adjust the spice level by varying the type and quantity of chili peppers. If you prefer mild heat, use fewer peppers or opt for varieties like jalapeño. For more intense heat, try habanero peppers. 

2. Add additional flavors like garlic, ginger, rosemary, or thyme for complexity. Just make sure to strain them out before storing.

3. Serve your hot honey drizzled over fried chicken and pizza or as a spicy addition to a charcuterie board.

4. Use 100% pure honey from either a trusted online brand or a local honey seller. Imported honey at Walmart, Aldi, and other grocery stores could contain artificial sweeteners and/or high fructose corn syrup.

Leave Your Two Cents Below!

Once you've tried it, make sure to rate the recipe and leave a comment below. We hope that helped! Oh, and if you need some pure honey, make sure to check out our Grade A clover honey.

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