5-Minute Hot Honey

This 5-Minute Hot Honey is the perfect blend of sweet and spicy — an easy homemade condiment that adds a bold kick to fried chicken, pizza, biscuits, roasted veggies, or even ice cream! Ready in minutes and endlessly versatile.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
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Quick & Easy – Made in just 5 minutes with simple pantry ingredients.
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Customizable Heat – Adjust the spice level to suit your taste.
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Versatile Condiment – Perfect for drizzling, dipping, and glazing.
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Better Than Store-Bought – Fresh, flavorful, and preservative-free.
Ingredients
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1 cup honey
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1–2 tablespoons hot sauce (adjust to taste)
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1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
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1/2 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
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Pinch of salt
Prep Time: 2 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 7 minutes
Yield: About 1 cup
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Combine Ingredients
In a small saucepan, add honey, hot sauce, red pepper flakes, apple cider vinegar, and a pinch of salt.
Step 2: Heat the Mixture
Place the saucepan over low-medium heat and stir occasionally until the mixture is warm and fully combined, about 5 minutes.
Step 3: Strain If Desired
For a smoother texture, strain the hot honey through a fine mesh sieve to remove pepper flakes.
Step 4: Cool and Store
Let the hot honey cool slightly before transferring it to a jar or bottle. Store at room temperature.
Tips & Variations
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Extra Spicy: Add more red pepper flakes or use a hotter hot sauce.
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Milder Version: Reduce the amount of hot sauce and flakes for a subtle kick.
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Citrus Twist: Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for a tangy note.
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Infused Flavor: Toss in a garlic clove or a sprig of fresh thyme while heating for extra depth.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How long does homemade hot honey last?
Stored in a sealed jar at room temperature, it lasts up to 3 months.
2. Can I use fresh chili peppers instead of flakes?
Yes! Slice them thinly and simmer with the honey. Strain before storing for a smooth finish.
3. Does hot honey need refrigeration?
No. Since honey is naturally shelf-stable, it can be stored at room temperature.
4. What can I use hot honey on?
Drizzle it over fried chicken, biscuits, pizza, cheese boards, roasted vegetables, or even ice cream for a sweet-spicy contrast.
Final Thoughts
This 5-Minute Hot Honey is a quick, flavor-packed condiment that elevates any dish with just the right balance of sweetness and heat. Keep a jar on hand — once you try it, you’ll want to drizzle it on everything!