How to make hot honey sauce might sound like a trendy food hack, but in our house, it’s officially a pantry essential. The first time I tried it was a Tuesday night—we had leftover chicken, no energy, and zero plan. I mixed a little honey with crushed red pepper and drizzled it over the crispy bits. Instant magic. Dan was impressed. The kids? Even more so. Since then, hot honey has become our go-to condiment for just about everything.
This post walks you through how to make hot honey sauce at home with just a few ingredients. You’ll get step-by-step instructions, fun variations, and clever ways to use it—from wings and pizza to breakfast and beyond. Whether you’re here because you saw it on TikTok or because you love a good sweet-heat combo, this homemade version is faster, cheaper, and totally customizable.
Before we dive in, if you’re looking for other spicy-sweet comfort ideas, try our crispy chicken alfredo with lemon and garlic or comfort food twist collection—they pair beautifully with a drizzle of this sauce.
You can follow my kitchen adventures or message me directly on Facebook if you ever try your own version—I love hearing from fellow hot honey fans!
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
What You Need to Make Hot Honey Sauce
The beauty of how to make hot honey sauce is how little it takes. Just three main ingredients and a saucepan—no special tools, no mystery additives. And yet, the flavor? Wildly bold, balanced, and versatile.
Here’s what I use every time:
- Honey – Any variety works, but I love raw local honey for its extra depth. If you prefer a thinner drizzle, classic clover honey is perfect.
- Crushed red pepper flakes – Start with 1 teaspoon for mild heat, 1 ½ for more fire. Want to really kick it up? Try Aleppo or Calabrian chili flakes.
- Apple cider vinegar (optional) – Just a splash to brighten the flavor. Totally optional, but I find it adds a little something special.
- Garlic clove or powder (optional) – If I’m pairing it with quick chicken recipes, a hint of garlic gives it a more savory vibe.
- Pinch of salt – Not traditional, but a small pinch rounds out the sweetness and heat.
You can also try a twist with this garlic dill sunflower dip—a creamy cool contrast when served with spicy honey.
How to Make Hot Honey Sauce
Ingredients
- ½ cup honey
- 1 –1½ tsp chili flakes adjust to taste
- 1 tsp apple cider vinegar optional
- 1 garlic clove or ¼ tsp garlic powder optional
- Pinch of salt optional
Instructions
- Add honey, chili flakes, vinegar, and garlic to a small saucepan.
- Warm gently on low heat for about 5 minutes.
- Taste and adjust heat or sweetness.
- Strain (optional) and pour into a clean jar.
- Cool and store. Enjoy as needed!
Notes
Store at room temperature or refrigerate for longer shelf life.
Makes a great gift in small jars.
Nutrition
(Nutrition is estimated and will vary based on actual ingredients used)
How to Make Hot Honey Sauce at Home (Step-by-Step)
Once you know how to make hot honey sauce, it’s almost too easy. But don’t let that simplicity fool you—the flavor payoff is huge. Here’s how I do it:
- Add ingredients to a small saucepan
Combine ½ cup honey, 1–1½ tsp chili flakes, and 1 tsp apple cider vinegar (if using). Toss in a garlic clove or ¼ tsp garlic powder if you like. - Warm gently on low heat
Let it simmer—not boil—for about 5 minutes. Stir occasionally. You want the honey infused, not caramelized. - Taste and adjust
Try a small spoonful. Too sweet? Add more chili. Too fiery? Stir in a bit more honey. - Strain (optional)
For a smooth finish, pour through a fine mesh sieve into a clean jar. Or leave the flakes in for a rustic look and more kick. - Cool & store
Let it cool slightly before sealing. Keeps for up to 3 months at room temp, or longer in the fridge.
Tip: This is also an easy edible gift. I once brought a batch alongside our chicken pot pie with biscuit topping and it completely stole the show.
Flavor Variations to Make Hot Honey Sauce Your Own
One of the reasons I love learning how to make hot honey sauce at home is the freedom to tweak it. Some days, I want full heat. Other times, I’m making it for the kids, so I dial things back and add something unexpected—like citrus or smoke. Here are a few fun ways to change it up:
1. Smoky Chipotle Hot Honey
Add ½ teaspoon of chipotle powder or a splash of adobo sauce. It’s incredible brushed over grilled corn or served with tacos. We’ve even used it to glaze meat in this BBQ pulled chicken macaroni and cheese.
2. Lemon-Garlic Infused
A squeeze of lemon juice plus one grated garlic clove makes this version bright and savory. It’s a winner over roasted veggies or baked salmon.
3. Extra-Hot Habanero Style
Feeling bold? Add a few slices of fresh habanero while simmering, then strain. This one is not for the faint of heart but pairs beautifully with fried chicken or even mixed into a spicy vinaigrette.
4. Sweet & Mild for Kids
Use just a pinch of chili flakes and a drizzle of maple syrup. It’s perfect over air-fried chicken tenders or as a dip for roasted sweet potatoes.
5. Keto-Friendly Hot Honey
Swap traditional honey for an allulose or monk fruit blend and keep the rest the same. It’s a smart option if you’re cooking from our keto recipes archive.
Delicious Ways to Use Hot Honey Sauce
Once you’ve figured out how to make hot honey sauce, you’ll start seeing opportunities everywhere. Here are some of our favorite ways to enjoy it—tested and approved by my family:
- Drizzled over pizza – Pepperoni, sausage, or even plain cheese. Trust me.
- Poured on crispy chicken – Wings, thighs, tenders—you name it. Try it with leftovers from our comfort food twist collection.
- Spread on toast with ricotta or goat cheese – Add a sprinkle of thyme for an easy appetizer.
- Tossed with roasted Brussels sprouts or carrots – A little heat wakes up earthy veggies beautifully.
- Swirled into salad dressings – Add it to a mustard vinaigrette for a spicy-sweet punch.
- Brushed onto bacon during the last minute of cooking – Yep, candied hot honey bacon is as good as it sounds.
- Dolloped over vanilla ice cream – Sounds weird. Tastes incredible.
The beauty is that once you’ve made it, a whole world of flavor opens up. Keep a jar on hand and you’ll never look at leftovers the same way again.
How to Store Hot Honey Sauce (And Make It Last)
You’ve learned how to make hot honey sauce, now let’s talk about keeping it fresh. Good news: it stores beautifully. Even better? The flavor deepens over time.
Room Temperature
If you’ve strained out the chili flakes and garlic, store it in a clean glass jar at room temp for up to 3 months. Just keep it in a cool, dark place—like a pantry or cupboard.
Refrigeration
Want to be extra cautious, especially with fresh ingredients like garlic or citrus? Pop it in the fridge. It’ll thicken slightly but still spoon easily. Bring to room temp or give it a short zap in the microwave before using.
Gift Idea
I’ve filled small mason jars with homemade hot honey, tied a simple ribbon around the lid, and gifted them with cheese boards or chicken and rice in rice cooker recipes. It’s an easy, thoughtful homemade treat—especially around the holidays.
FAQs About How to Make Hot Honey Sauce
What is hot honey made of?
Hot honey is made from just a few ingredients—usually honey, chili flakes (or hot sauce), and sometimes vinegar or garlic. That’s it! It’s simple, flexible, and packs a ton of flavor.
Can I use hot sauce instead of chili flakes?
Absolutely. Just heat your honey gently and stir in your favorite hot sauce. I recommend starting small and tasting as you go. This method gives a smoother finish and lets you mix flavors like chipotle or sriracha.
Do you refrigerate hot honey sauce?
Not always. If your hot honey is strained and doesn’t include fresh ingredients like garlic or citrus, you can safely keep it at room temperature. For anything more perishable, the fridge is best.
How long does homemade hot honey last?
If stored properly, it lasts up to 3 months in the pantry and even longer in the fridge. Just be sure to use a clean spoon each time to avoid contamination.
Wrapping It Up: Time to Make Your Own
Now that you know exactly how to make hot honey sauce at home, I hope you’ll give it a try. Just a jar, a spoon, and a few pantry basics—that’s all you need to create something that takes dinner from “fine” to “wait, what’s in this sauce?!”
Whether you’re spicing up pizza night, adding zip to crispy chicken, or just looking for a new favorite condiment, this recipe’s got your back. I promise—once you make it, you’ll start putting it on everything.
If you enjoyed this, don’t miss the original post that started it all: Hot Honey Sauce: The Sweet & Spicy Secret Your Pantry’s Been Missing. It’s where I first shared how this little drizzle became a family obsession.
📌 Want to save this for later? Pin it to your board or browse more flavor-packed ideas on Pinterest.
💬 And if you make your own version, I’d love to see it—share your dish or tag me over on Facebook. This kitchen’s better when it’s shared.
