How To Make Hot Honey At Home
I love adding a bit of spice to dishes and the sweet and spicy combination of hot honey is a great way to add more flavor to your favorite dishes. I absolutely love to drizzle it on honey cornbread. Even better it is super easy to make your own hot honey.
This year I am storing a couple of jars of hot honey including one made with one of our favorite honey bistures dandelion jelly. to help add flavor to meals and a hint of space that’s perfect for warming up on a cold winter day.
What is hot honey?
Hot honey is a sweet and spicy condiment made by combining honey with chili peppers or chili flakes. The process typically involves infusing honey with the heat of chili peppers to create a flavorful and versatile sauce. The level of spiciness can vary depending on the type and amount of chili used, making it possible to adjust the heat to personal preference.
Hot honey is a popular addition to a wide range of dishes. It can be drizzled over pizza, fried chicken, biscuits, grilled cheese, and more. The combination of sweet and spicy flavors creates a unique and delightful taste experience.
You can find hot honey in some grocery stores, or you can make it at home by steeping chili peppers or chili flakes in honey and then straining them out. Keep in mind that homemade versions may vary in spiciness depending on the type and amount of chilies used.
How to use hot honey
Pizza: Drizzle hot honey over your favorite pizza for a sweet and spicy contrast to the savory toppings.
Fried Chicken: Brush or drizzle hot honey over fried chicken for a mouthwatering combination of crispy, spicy, and sweet flavors.
Biscuits: Spread hot honey on biscuits for a delicious twist on a classic treat.
Cheese and Charcuterie Boards: Pair hot honey with cheeses, cured meats, and crackers for a dynamic flavor profile.
Grilled Cheese: Add a layer of hot honey inside a grilled cheese sandwich for an unexpected burst of flavor.
Salads: Use hot honey as a spicy-sweet dressing for salads, especially those with ingredients like goat cheese, pecans, or bacon.
Glazes for Meat or Seafood: Brush hot honey onto grilled or roasted meats like pork, salmon, or shrimp for a flavorful glaze.
Marinades and Sauces: Use hot honey as a base for marinades or sauces for dishes like chicken wings, ribs, or stir-fries.
Desserts: Drizzle hot honey over desserts like ice cream, cheesecake, or fruit for a unique and spicy-sweet finish.
Cocktails: Add a touch of hot honey to cocktails for a spicy kick. It pairs well with drinks like margaritas, whiskey sours, or even a spicy version of a Moscow Mule.
Dipping Sauces: Mix hot honey with mayonnaise or other condiments to create a spicy dipping sauce for fries, nuggets, or vegetables.
Breakfast Foods: Drizzle hot honey over pancakes, waffles, or oatmeal for a sweet and spicy morning treat.
Sandwiches and Wraps: Use hot honey as a spread or drizzle it over sandwiches, wraps, or sliders for an extra burst of flavor.
Stir-Fries: Add a splash of hot honey to stir-fries for a touch of sweetness and heat.
Salsas and Dips: Incorporate hot honey into salsas or dips for a spicy-sweet twist. It pairs well with ingredients like tomatoes, onions, and avocados.
How to make your own hot honey
Ingredients:
- 1 cup honey
- 1-2 tablespoons dried chili flakes (adjust to taste, depending on how spicy you want it)
Instructions:
Choose Your Chili: You can use dried chili flakes, whole dried chilies, or fresh chilies. The type of chili you choose will affect the flavor and spiciness of the hot honey. For a milder version, you can start with less chili and add more if needed.
Infusion: In a small saucepan, combine the honey and chili flakes. You can adjust the quantity of chili flakes to achieve your desired level of spiciness. If you’re using fresh chilies, you may want to slice them to release more flavor and heat.
Heat Gently: Warm the mixture over low to medium heat. Be careful not to bring it to a boil, as this can alter the flavor of the honey. Instead, you want to gently infuse the honey with the chili’s heat and flavor.
Simmer and Steep: Let the mixture simmer for about 5-10 minutes. This allows the flavors of the chili to meld with the honey. Keep an eye on it to ensure it doesn’t get too hot.
Cool and Strain: Remove the saucepan from heat and let the mixture cool for a few minutes. Strain out the chili flakes using a fine-mesh strainer or cheesecloth. This will leave you with a smooth hot honey.
Store: Pour the hot honey into a clean, airtight container. It can be stored at room temperature for several weeks to a few months. If you use fresh chilies, consider storing it in the refrigerator for a longer shelf life.
Remember, the longer the honey and chilies sit together, the spicier it may become. You can taste it periodically and adjust by adding more honey if it gets too spicy for your liking.
Feel free to experiment with different types of chilies and adjust the quantities to suit your taste preferences. Homemade hot honey can be a fun and flavorful addition to your kitchen creations!
