Hey there, folks! Austin here from Beyond the Bayou Blog. Today, we’re cooking up something really special – my grandma’s famous “Hot Honey” recipe!

Let me take y’all back to my childhood days in Louisiana. I can still smell the sweet aroma of Grandma’s kitchen as she simmered up her signature hot honey. We’d gather ’round the table, watchin’ her every move, just waiting to get a taste of that liquid gold.

She’d drizzle it over hot biscuits fresh from the oven, and oh man, was it heavenly! That perfect balance of sweet honey and a little kick of heat…it’s a flavor I’ve been chasing ever since.

Well, today’s the day I finally share grandma’s secret recipe with y’all. I’ve put my own little twist on it, but it’s still got all those nostalgic flavors that’ll transport you straight to the South. Get ready to experience a taste of my childhood!

Why to Love This Recipe?

For such a simple condiment, there’s a lot to love. Here are my top 3 reasons for always keeping a jar of hot honey on hand:

Quick and Easy: With just 4 ingredients and minimal prep time, this recipe is a breeze to make and have ready whenever you crave it.
Adjustable Heat: Whether you like it fiery hot or with just a hint of spice, you can adjust the amount and type of chili flakes to suit your taste.
Versatile: Hot honey is a versatile sauce that can be used on pizza, roasted vegetables, meats, sweets, and more. A drizzle can make countless dishes more delicious.

Hot Honey Recipe

This Spicy Honey adds a sweet and fiery kick to any dish, perfect for drizzling over cheese, meats, or desserts.

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Course: Condiment

Cuisine: American

Prep Time: 5

Cook Time: 10

Total Time: 15

Calories: 58kcal

Author: Austin Carter

Servings: Cup

Equipment

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Medium sauté pan or saucepan
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Fine-mesh strainer
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Clean storage jar
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Spoon for stirring

Ingredients

▢ 1 cup honey
▢ 3 tablespoons crushed red pepper flakes or 1 fresh jalapeño pepper sliced
▢ 1 to 2 teaspoons apple cider vinegar

Instructions

Add honey and red pepper flakes (or jalapeño slices) to a medium saucepan.
Heat over medium heat until the honey lightly simmers.
Stir the mixture briefly, then remove from heat.
Let it rest for 10-15 minutes to infuse flavors.
Taste and adjust spice level if needed.
Strain the honey into a clean storage jar.
Stir in apple cider vinegar until combined.
Serve immediately or store as desired.

Nutrition

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Variations that Must Be Tried!

Add Citrus Zest: Infuse your honey with a fresh twist by adding the zest of an orange or lemon. It adds a bright, tangy note that complements the heat beautifully.
Use Smoked Peppers: Try using smoked chili flakes or smoked jalapeños (chipotles) for a smoky depth of flavor. This adds complexity and a delightful smoky finish.
Herb-Infused: Add a sprig of fresh rosemary or thyme while heating the honey. The subtle herbal notes blend wonderfully with the spicy and sweet elements.
Garlic-Infused: For a savory kick, add a few crushed garlic cloves to the honey as it heats. Remove the garlic before storing for a spicy, sweet, and savory combination.
Spiced Up: Experiment with a pinch of ground cinnamon or star anise for a warm, spiced flavor profile that adds an interesting twist to your hot honey.
Chili Oil Fusion: Mix in a bit of chili oil for an extra layer of heat and richness. This variation adds a robust and nuanced spice level to your honey.

These variations will not only enhance the flavor but also make your hot honey unique and versatile for various dishes. Enjoy experimenting!

How to Use Hot Honey?

Looking for some fun ways to use hot honey? Here are a few of my favorites:

Pizza: Drizzle hot honey on any pizza, especially pepperoni.
Biscuits and Breads: It tastes amazing on warm biscuits, cornbread, or French toast. Try it on any of your favorite breads.
Vegetables: Add a drizzle to grilled or roasted vegetables, stir-fry, or corn on the cob.
Meats, Seafood, and Tofu: Hot honey chicken wings are a classic! It’s also delicious on steak, pork, shrimp, sausage, bacon, fish, scallops, tofu, and other proteins.
Fried Foods: Try it on fried chicken, fried fish, french fries, and other fried foods.
Charcuterie Boards: Serve hot honey as a dip with your next cheese board or drizzle it on a baked brie.
Vinaigrettes: Sweeten your salad dressing with hot honey for a touch of heat.
Desserts: Drizzle it over ice cream, brownies, cheesecakes, and more.
Drinks and Cocktails: Use hot honey as a spicy sweetener in cocktails like an old-fashioned, mojito, or gimlet, or stir it into hot tea or a hot toddy.