Homemade hot honey sauce is one of those recipes I didn’t know I needed—until I made it. The very first time I mixed honey and chili flakes together, it was because I had run out of barbecue sauce and needed something quick to drizzle on grilled chicken. I didn’t expect it to become a regular thing. But the moment that golden heat hit the plate, I knew I had something special.
Growing up in St. Francisville, I remember watching my grandmother finish everything with a spoonful of something sweet—syrup, honey, or a splash of molasses. Living in New Orleans now, I’ve learned to embrace the bold side of Southern flavors, and that’s where this homemade hot honey sauce fits in. It brings both my roots and my city life together—sweet and slow, but with a little fire that sneaks in at the end.
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Homemade Hot Honey Sauce – Sweet Heat in Every Spoonful
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 1 cup 1x
Description
This homemade hot honey sauce blends golden honey, chili flakes, and vinegar into a bold, sweet-heat drizzle or dip ready in just 10 minutes.
Ingredients
1 cup honey (raw or regular)
1 ½ teaspoons crushed red pepper flakes
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
Pinch of salt (optional)
Instructions
1. In a small saucepan over low heat, combine honey and red pepper flakes.
2. Let it gently heat (do not boil) for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally.
3. Remove from heat and stir in the apple cider vinegar and a pinch of salt if using.
4. Let cool slightly and pour into a clean jar or bottle.
5. Refrigerate and warm slightly before each use.
Notes
Adjust heat by adding more or less red pepper flakes.
Leave flakes in for a stronger infusion, or strain for a smoother texture.
Delicious on pizza, chicken, sandwiches, or roasted veggies.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Sauce
- Method: Simmer
- Cuisine: Southern American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 tablespoon
- Calories: 60
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 1mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 17g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: homemade hot honey sauce, sweet spicy honey sauce, chili honey glaze
When I say this sauce is easy, I mean it. You only need a few pantry staples, and it comes together in under 10 minutes. It’s amazing on fried chicken, biscuits, pizza slices, or even a warm buttered cornbread. I’ve used it in so many dishes, from spicy wings to salad dressings, and it never fails to impress.
If you’ve already tried my hot honey mustard sauce, this is where that story began. This homemade hot honey sauce is the original spark—simple, versatile, and made to share.
Whether you’re glazing a roast, drizzling on pizza, or spicing up a cheese board, this is the flavor that brings the sweet heat to the table. It’s bold, bright, and absolutely worth making from scratch.
Table of Contents
Make Homemade Hot Honey Sauce in Just Minutes
Ingredients for the Perfect Homemade Hot Honey Sauce
Homemade hot honey sauce starts with just a handful of ingredients, but each one plays an important role in creating that signature sweet-heat balance. I like to keep it simple and let the chili and honey shine, with just enough vinegar to keep it bright.
Here’s what I use:
- 1 cup honey (raw or regular, both work)
- 1 ½ teaspoons crushed red pepper flakes
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- Pinch of salt (optional)
That’s it. No fancy syrups or additives. This is the same base I use when building other sauces—like the one featured in my full hot honey sauce recipe—and it’s incredibly flexible depending on how bold you like your spice.
Step-by-Step: How to Make It
In a small saucepan, add the honey and crushed red pepper flakes. Set it over low heat and stir occasionally. You don’t want the honey to boil—just warm it gently until the pepper flakes start releasing their heat into the honey. This usually takes about 5 to 7 minutes.
Next, remove the pan from heat and stir in the apple cider vinegar. That splash of acidity balances everything and brightens the overall flavor. If you want a smooth finish, you can strain out the pepper flakes—but I usually leave them in for extra kick.
Let the homemade hot honey sauce cool for 10 minutes before transferring it to a clean jar. Store it in the fridge for up to two weeks. Just warm it slightly before each use if it thickens.
This sauce is where so many of my favorite recipes start. Simple, sweet, and with a little heat that lingers just right.
How to Use Homemade Hot Honey Sauce Every Day
Drizzle, Dip, Glaze—This Sauce Does It All
Homemade hot honey sauce is one of those things that’s always in my fridge because it works on nearly everything. One of my favorite ways to use it is drizzled over fried or baked chicken. It clings to the crispy skin and adds that perfect blend of sweetness and heat that makes each bite craveable.
If you’ve made pizza at home—or even if you’re just reheating a slice—try a drizzle of this sauce right before serving. That sweet heat transforms basic pepperoni or sausage into something bold and restaurant-worthy. I’ve also used it as a finishing glaze on grilled shrimp, roasted carrots, or even Brussels sprouts.
One recipe I love pairing it with is my hot honey BBQ sauce. The two work beautifully together—one creamy and smoky, the other sweet and sharp. Try the BBQ on pulled pork and the hot honey sauce on the sandwich bun, and you’ve got a flavor bomb on your hands.
Elevate Your Snacks and Sides
This isn’t just a sauce for meats—it brings magic to snack boards and appetizers too. A little dish of homemade hot honey sauce next to soft pretzels, crispy chicken tenders, or even cheese cubes makes for an unexpected, delicious dip.
I’ve also mixed it into salad dressings or brushed it on warm biscuits straight from the oven. And don’t get me started on cornbread—just a spoonful on top of a buttered slice takes it to a whole new level.
Once you start using homemade hot honey sauce in your kitchen, you’ll find new ways to enjoy it every single week. It’s versatile, flavorful, and adds that little spark that makes meals feel special.
Tips, Variations & Storing Homemade Hot Honey Sauce
Adjust the Heat and Sweetness to Your Taste
The beauty of homemade hot honey sauce is how easily you can tweak it. Like it extra spicy? Add more red pepper flakes or stir in a splash of your favorite hot sauce—Louisiana, sriracha, or even chipotle. Want it a bit milder for the kids? Use fewer chili flakes or steep them for less time.
You can also experiment with different types of honey. I love using local raw honey for its floral notes, but clover honey or wildflower honey work just as well. If you want more depth, try adding a touch of smoked paprika or even a dash of soy sauce for savory undertones.
Sometimes I swirl this into vinaigrettes or creamy sauces, especially if I’m serving a salad with something rich like roasted sweet potatoes or bacon. In fact, I’ve even used this base to build a sweet-spicy hot honey dressing that’s perfect over greens.
How to Store and Reheat for Easy Use
After making a batch of homemade hot honey sauce, pour it into a clean glass jar with a tight-fitting lid. Let it cool completely before refrigerating. It’ll keep for up to two weeks in the fridge. Over time, the flakes will infuse even more flavor, making the sauce better by the day.
If the honey thickens too much, just warm it in the microwave for 10 seconds or place the jar in warm water for a few minutes. Always give it a good stir before serving to redistribute the spices.
Whether you’re meal prepping or planning for a party, this homemade hot honey sauce is one of those little details that transforms ordinary food into something unforgettable.
FAQs About Homemade Hot Honey Sauce
How to make homemade hot honey sauce?
To make homemade hot honey sauce, gently heat honey and crushed red pepper flakes in a small saucepan over low heat. Let the flakes infuse for about 5 to 7 minutes, then stir in a splash of apple cider vinegar. Cool slightly and store in a jar. It’s ready in under 10 minutes and can be used on everything from pizza to chicken.
What is hot honey sauce made of?
Hot honey sauce typically includes honey, red pepper flakes, and vinegar. Some versions add hot sauce or garlic for more depth. My favorite blend keeps it simple with pantry staples and a slow steep to extract the right level of heat from the chili flakes.
How to make a simple honey sauce?
For a quick honey sauce, whisk together honey, a little vinegar (like apple cider or white wine), and a pinch of salt. You can add mustard, garlic, or chili flakes depending on whether you want it sweet, tangy, or spicy. It takes just a few minutes and pairs beautifully with roasted meats and vegetables.
What is honey hot wing sauce made of?
Honey hot wing sauce is often a combination of honey, hot sauce (like buffalo or sriracha), butter, and sometimes garlic. It’s sweet, sticky, and spicy—the perfect coating for crispy wings or nuggets. You can use homemade hot honey sauce as a base, then blend it with butter for an instant wing glaze.
How to make spicy honey sauce for pizza?
Use the base recipe for homemade hot honey sauce and keep the pepper flakes in for extra heat. Drizzle it over pizza right after baking so it melts slightly into the toppings. It pairs especially well with pepperoni, sausage, or even veggie pies that need a flavor boost.
Conclusion
The Sauce You’ll Reach for Again and Again
There’s something about creating a simple recipe that becomes a staple in your kitchen. This one did just that for me. Homemade hot honey sauce started as a quick solution, and now I make it regularly because it makes everything taste better—from a lazy weeknight meal to a full weekend spread.
What I love most is how easily it adapts. You can keep it sweet and subtle or turn up the heat for a spicy kick. Either way, you get that Southern blend of comfort and boldness in every drop. Whether you’re drizzling it over wings, cornbread, or your favorite sandwich, it brings that golden glow of something made with heart.
So go ahead—whisk up a jar and make it your own. This homemade hot honey sauce is more than just a condiment; it’s the flavor that brings the whole table together. Want more easy and delicious ideas from New Easy Recipe? Check out our full collection on Pinteres
