How to make hot honey
How to make hot honey is a easy American recipe that serves 16. 64 calories per serving. Recipe by THE FOOD-DEE on YouTube.
Prep: 3 min | Cook: 2 min | Total: 15 min
Cost: $1.10 total, $0.07 per serving
Ingredients
- 1 cup Honey (pure, mild-flavored honey)
- 2 tablespoons Hot Sauce (your favorite hot sauce (e.g., sriracha, Frank's RedHot))
- 2 teaspoons Crushed Chili Flakes (adjust to desired heat level)
Instructions
Measure Honey
Measure 1 cup of honey using a liquid measuring cup and pour it into a small saucepan.
Time: PT1M
Warm Honey
Place the saucepan over low‑medium heat and warm the honey for 1–2 minutes, just until it becomes more fluid. Do not let it boil.
Time: PT2M
Temperature: low‑medium
Add Hot Sauce and Chili Flakes
Turn off the heat. Stir in 2 tablespoons of hot sauce and 2 teaspoons of crushed chili flakes until fully combined.
Time: PT1M
Cool the Mixture
Allow the hot honey to cool to room temperature, about 10 minutes, so the flavors meld.
Time: PT10M
Store
Transfer the cooled hot honey into a clean storage jar or bottle, seal tightly, and label.
Time: PT1M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 64
- Protein
- 0g
- Carbohydrates
- 17g
- Fat
- 0g
- Fiber
- 0g
Dietary info: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free
Allergens: Honey
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Honey: Maple syrup, Agave nectar
- Instead of Hot Sauce: Chili garlic sauce, Tabasco
- Instead of Crushed Chili Flakes: Cayenne pepper powder, Red pepper flakes
Equipment Needed
- Small Saucepan
- Measuring Cup
- Tablespoon
- Teaspoon
- Stirring Spoon
- Storage Jar or Container
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Do not let the honey boil; overheating can cause caramelization and a bitter taste.
- Allow the mixture to cool before sealing the container to prevent pressure buildup.
Chef Tips from the Video
- Use a light-colored saucepan so you can see the honey’s color change.
- For extra depth, add a pinch of smoked paprika or a splash of apple cider vinegar.
- If you prefer a smoother texture, blend the mixture briefly with an immersion blender after adding the hot sauce.
Troubleshooting
Honey scorches or turns dark.
Reduce heat immediately, remove from burner, and stir. Use a lower heat setting next time.
The sauce is too thin.
Add a small pinch of additional chili flakes or a dash more hot sauce; the honey will thicken as it cools.
Flavor is not spicy enough.
Increase the amount of hot sauce or chili flakes, or use a hotter variety of hot sauce.
Storage
Refrigerator: Up to 1 month
Freezer: Not necessary; can be frozen but texture may change
Room temperature: Up to 2 weeks in a cool, dark place
Make-Ahead Tips
- Make the hot honey a day ahead; flavors improve after resting.
- Store in a squeeze bottle for easy drizzling.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of hot honey in American cuisine?
Hot honey has become a popular American condiment in the last decade, especially in Southern and fast‑food circles. It blends the traditional sweetness of honey with the growing love for spicy sauces, creating a versatile topping for comfort foods.
How did hot honey become a trendy topping for fried chicken in the United States?
Restaurants in Nashville and other Southern cities started drizzling honey‑hot‑sauce mixtures on fried chicken to balance heat with sweetness, and the trend spread through social media, making it a staple at food festivals and fast‑casual menus.
What regional variations of hot honey exist within American cuisine?
Some regions add bourbon or maple syrup for a smoky note, while others incorporate Asian hot sauces like gochujang. The base of honey remains constant, but the heat source and additional flavorings differ by locale.
What occasions or celebrations is hot honey traditionally associated with in American culture?
Hot honey is often featured at casual gatherings, brunches, and food‑truck festivals. It’s also a favorite topping for game‑day snacks like chicken wings and pizza.
What authentic traditional ingredients are used in classic hot honey versus common substitutes?
Traditional hot honey uses pure honey, a simple vinegar‑based hot sauce, and dried chili flakes. Substitutes include maple syrup for honey, sriracha for hot sauce, and cayenne powder for chili flakes, which still deliver the sweet‑spicy balance.
What other American dishes pair well with hot honey from THE FOOD-DEE?
Hot honey pairs beautifully with fried chicken, biscuits, pizza, roasted carrots, grilled pork chops, and even drizzled over ice cream for an adventurous dessert.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making hot honey at home?
The biggest mistakes are overheating the honey, which can cause bitterness, and adding too much hot sauce before the honey has cooled, which can make the mixture too thin. Always warm honey gently and taste before adjusting heat.
Why does this hot honey recipe use low‑medium heat instead of boiling the honey?
Low‑medium heat gently loosens the honey without caramelizing it. Boiling can change the flavor, make the honey too dark, and create a risk of burns.
Can I make hot honey ahead of time and how should I store it?
Yes, hot honey can be prepared a day or even a week in advance. Store it in a clean, airtight glass jar in the refrigerator; it will keep for up to a month and the flavors will meld further.
What does the YouTube channel THE FOOD-DEE specialize in?
The YouTube channel THE FOOD-DEE specializes in quick, approachable home‑cooking tutorials that focus on everyday comfort foods, sauces, and creative twists on classic dishes.
How does the YouTube channel THE FOOD-DEE's approach to American comfort food differ from other cooking channels?
THE FOOD-DEE emphasizes minimal equipment, short prep times, and clear visual cues, often using pantry staples to create flavorful condiments like hot honey, whereas many other channels may rely on more elaborate techniques or specialty ingredients.
Last updated: August 21, 2026
