What Do People Use Hot Honey For?

Hot honey has become a go-to ingredient in many homes and restaurants. A kitchen staple for those who love combining sweet and spicy flavours, spicy honey is easy to make using common pantry ingredients. Hot honey takes the natural sweetness of honey and infuses it with chilli or pepper, creating a unique taste that works well in both savoury and sweet dishes. But what do people use hot honey for, and why has it become so popular?

What is Spicy Hot Honey?

Hot honey is simply honey that has been infused with chilli peppers or other spices to give it a spicy kick. This sweet and spicy combination makes it incredibly versatile in the kitchen, acting as a marinade or a drizzle, adding a layer of heat to both savoury and sweet dishes. Hot honey is made by gently heating honey with chilli flakes or crushed red pepper flakes to infuse the spicy flavour. Alternatively, dried chilli flakes can be used as a consistent and convenient ingredient. The heat level can vary depending on the type of chilli used, some retailers use jalapeno, while we have chosen to infuse honey with the fiery kick of scotch bonnet peppers.

Its growing popularity can be attributed to its ability to balance flavours. People love hot honey because it enhances a wide variety of dishes with both sweetness and spice, making it a favourite among food enthusiasts and chefs alike. Many are now looking to make hot honey at home due to its simplicity and versatility.

Benefits of Using Hot Honey

Using hot honey can add a unique and exciting dimension to various dishes. Here are some benefits of using hot honey:

• Adds Flavour and Heat: Hot honey is a fantastic way to introduce a sweet and spicy kick to your food. Whether you’re drizzling it over fried chicken or using it as a glaze for roasted vegetables, the combination of sweetness and heat elevates the flavour profile of any dish.
• Versatile: One of the best things about hot honey is its versatility. It can be used on a variety of foods, from pizza and biscuits to desserts like ice cream. This sweet and spicy condiment is a great way to add a unique flavour to your favourite dishes.
• Easy to Make: Making a hot honey recipe at home is a simple process that requires just a few ingredients. This allows you to customise the flavour and heat level to your liking, ensuring you get a perfect balance every time.
• Health Benefits: Honey is known for its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. Adding chilli peppers or hot sauce to honey can provide additional health benefits, such as boosting metabolism and improving digestion.

Top Ways to Use Hot Honey 

Now that you know what hot honey is, let’s dive into the most popular ways people use this sweet and spicy condiment, often referred to as hot honey sauce.

Hot Honey on Pizza

One of the most common uses for hot honey is to drizzle on a pepperoni pizza, a margarita, or a veggie option. Many pizzerias now offer hot honey as a topping as it perfectly complements the rich, cheesy flavours, especially with salty toppings like pepperoni or sausage.

Hot Honey with Chicken

Hot honey pairs incredibly well with fried, grilled, or roasted chicken. Drizzle or glaze, the hot honey chicken recipe is a favourite for those looking to elevate their chicken dishes with a burst of sweet-spicy flavour.

Cheese Pairings

Hot honey and cheese are a match made in heaven. The sweetness of the honey balances the richness of the cheese, while the heat from the chilli adds a delightful spice. Drizzle it over a cheese platter with soft cheeses like brie, blue cheese, or goat cheese.

Hot Honey Cocktails

Hot honey isn’t just for food, it’s also a fantastic addition to cocktails as a natural sweetener and kick. Add a few spoonfuls of hot honey to cocktails like margaritas, whiskey sours, or even mojitos for a sweet and spicy twist.

Marinades & Glazes

Another great use for hot honey is in marinades and glazes. Combine hot honey with garlic, soy sauce, and olive oil to create a delicious marinade for meats like pork, and chicken or ribs.

Creative Homemade Hot Honey Recipe

If you’re looking to get creative in the kitchen, the easy hot honey recipe is a fantastic ingredient to experiment with. A homemade hot honey recipe is practical and versatile, making it a customizable condiment that can enhance a wide range of dishes. Here are some simple recipes to try:

1. Hot Honey Drizzle on Avocado Toast

The sweetness and heat from the honey balance the creamy avocado, making for a unique breakfast. Using organic honey in this hot honey recipe enhances the natural flavours while ensuring you’re enjoying a pure, unprocessed product.

2. Hot Honey Wings

For a game-day treat, toss your chicken wings in a hot honey glaze before baking or frying. The sweet heat pairs perfectly with the crispy skin.

3. Hot Honey Glazed Brussels Sprouts

The honey caramelises in the oven, giving the Brussels sprouts an upgrade to a crispy texture with a hint of spice.

4. Hot Honey on Ice Cream

Believe it or not, hot honey is also delicious on desserts, coupled with raw honeycomb to give the dessert a crunch. Drizzle it over vanilla or salted caramel ice cream for an unexpected sweet-spicy combination.

Hot Honey Sauce in Drinks

If you’re looking for ways to incorporate hot honey into your beverages, you’re in for a treat:

• A spoonful of hot honey in your tea adds a soothing sweetness with a hint of spice. It’s perfect for cold days or when you need an immune boost.
• Swap out your regular simple syrup for hot honey in margaritas. The heat from the honey pairs beautifully with the tang of lime and tequila, creating a cocktail with layers of flavour.
• For a refreshing twist on a summer classic, try adding hot honey to your homemade lemonade. The sweetness balances the tartness of the lemons, while the chilli adds a slight kick.

Hot honey’s ability to add a layer of complexity is why it has found its way into many hot honey recipes. It works well in sauces, as a drizzle, or even as a marinade, making it a true kitchen staple, as well as a delicious one.

Storing and Preserving Hot Honey

Storage and preservation are key to maintaining the quality and flavour of your hot honey. Here are some tips:

• Storage: Store hot honey in a sealed glass jar or container at room temperature in a cool, dark place. It will last several months in this environment, retaining its sweet and spicy goodness.
• Refrigeration: If you store hot honey in the refrigerator, it may become crystallised. To loosen it, simply warm the honey gently before use.
• Freezing: Hot honey can be frozen for up to 6 months. Pour the hot honey into an ice cube tray and freeze. Once frozen, transfer the hot honey cubes to a freezer-safe bag or container. This method allows you to use small portions as needed.
• Preservation: To extend the shelf life of your hot honey, consider adding a few drops of vinegar or lemon juice to the mixture. This helps prevent the growth of bacteria and keeps your hot honey fresh for longer.

By following these tips, you can ensure that your homemade hot honey remains a delicious and versatile addition to your kitchen for months to come.

FAQs

1. What foods pair well with hot honey?
• Hot honey pairs well with pizza, fried chicken, cheese, roasted vegetables, and even desserts like ice cream.
2. Can I use hot honey in cocktails?
• Yes, hot honey is a great substitute for simple syrup in cocktails like margaritas or whiskey sours.
3. Can I use hot honey in baking?
• Absolutely. Hot honey can be used in baked goods like biscuits, and cornbread, or even to glaze muffins.
4. How do I make my own hot honey recipe?
• To make your own, heat honey in a pan with red pepper flakes or pepper of your choice, then strain it after infusing. Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to vary the heat intensity.
5. Can I use hot honey as a marinade?
• Yes, hot honey works great in marinades for meats like pork, chicken, or ribs.
6. What’s the best way to store hot honey?
• Store hot honey in a cool, dry place at room temperature. No need to refrigerate it.
7. Is hot honey gluten-free?
• Yes, hot honey is naturally gluten-free, as it is simply honey infused with spices.
8. How long does hot honey last?
• Hot honey can last for months if stored properly, just like regular honey.