Hot honey dipping sauce recipe is one of those recipes I never knew I needed until it changed everything. The first time I made it, I was pulling a tray of crispy chicken tenders out of the oven—my kids were hungry, and ketchup just wasn’t going to cut it. I drizzled hot honey over a bit of mayo and mustard, gave it a stir, and the first dip was pure magic. Now, I make this honey hot dipping sauce often, and today, I’m sharing my go-to recipe so you can make it at home too.
Back in St. Francisville, I watched my grandmother create sauces without recipes—just intuition. She taught me that sauces bring life to simple meals, and this hot honey dipping sauce carries on that tradition with a bold Southern twist. Living in New Orleans, I use it on so much more than chicken: it’s a game-changer on pizza crust, roasted Brussels sprouts, and even grilled cheese sandwiches.
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Hot Honey Dipping Sauce Recipe – Sweet Heat That Elevates Every Bite!
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 1 cup 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This hot honey dipping sauce is the perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and creamy. Ready in just 5 minutes, it pairs perfectly with chicken tenders, fries, pizza, and more.
Ingredients
1/2 cup honey
2 teaspoons hot sauce (or more to taste)
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
1. In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the honey and hot sauce until smooth.
2. Add in the Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, and garlic powder.
3. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper to taste.
4. Continue whisking until all ingredients are well combined.
5. Serve immediately or refrigerate for up to 1 week.
Notes
For a spicier version, increase the amount of hot sauce or add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
Try different types of mustard for a unique twist.
Great as a dip or even as a drizzle over roasted vegetables or grilled meats.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Sauce
- Method: Whisking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 tablespoon
- Calories: 65
- Sugar: 11g
- Sodium: 80mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 17g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
The best part? This hot honey dipping sauce comes together in minutes using ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen. And it’s incredibly versatile—use it for dunking chicken, brushing on grilled meats, or even drizzling over flatbread. Whether you’re dipping fries or spicing up pizza night, this sauce adds just the right mix of sweet and heat. If you’ve tried my hot honey dressing, this one’s thicker, bolder, and made for serious dipping.
Table of Contents
Ingredients for the Best Hot Honey Dipping Sauce
What You Need to Make Honey Hot Dipping Sauce Recipe at Home
Making honey and hot dipping sauce is quick, easy, and requires just a few staple ingredients. I’ve tested this recipe again and again to make sure it’s perfectly balanced—sweet, spicy, and creamy in all the right ways. This sauce pairs beautifully with fried chicken, grilled shrimp, roasted vegetables, or even as a drizzle over pizza crust.
To make your own hot dipping sauce, here’s what you’ll need:
- 3 tablespoons hot honey (store-bought or homemade)
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
- Salt to taste
How to Make Hot Honey Dipping Sauce in 5 Minutes
Start by combining all ingredients in a small mixing bowl. Whisk the hot honey, mayo, and Dijon mustard together until smooth. Add the vinegar, garlic powder, paprika, and a pinch of salt. Mix well until everything is fully incorporated.
Taste the sauce and adjust to your preference—add more hot honey if you want it sweeter or more mustard if you prefer it tangy. The texture should be thick but pourable, ideal for dunking chicken tenders or spooning onto sandwiches.
For a bolder twist, swap regular hot honey with a variation like my hot honey pizza sauce—which adds a tomato-rich depth. Store any leftover honey hot dipping sauce in an airtight jar in the fridge for up to one week. Just stir before serving if it separates.
Hot honey dipping sauce takes simple meals to the next level. Whether you’re prepping snacks for a party or jazzing up leftovers, this sauce belongs on your table.
Best Ways to Use Hot Honey Dipping Sauce
Delicious Pairings for Every Bite
Hot honey sauce isn’t just good—it’s downright addictive. Once you’ve made it, the next question is how to use it. Honestly? The answer is just about everything. This flavorful sauce delivers the kind of sweet-heat balance that works across appetizers, mains, and even a few unexpected dishes.
I first made this honey hot sauce dip for fried chicken tenders, and that combo remains unbeatable. But don’t stop there. It’s a dream drizzled over grilled shrimp skewers, brushed on roasted Brussels sprouts, or served with spicy cauliflower bites. You can even use it as a dressing base by thinning it with a touch of vinegar or olive oil. It’s incredibly versatile.
My kids love dipping sweet potato fries into hot honey dipping sauce. The caramelized sweetness of the fries pairs perfectly with the spicy kick of the sauce. For sandwiches, I spread a little on both slices of bread before adding crispy chicken or leftover pork—it gives each bite a bold, tangy edge.
Before this became our go-to dipping sauce, I was using a spicier version for wings and grilled chicken—thicker, with more kick. That one turned into its own recipe Spicy Honey Sauce for Chicken. But when we needed something smoother for fries, breaded tenders, or veggie platters, this version quickly took the spotlight.
Pizza, Charcuterie & Party Platters
This sauce is also perfect for entertaining. Add a small bowl of hot dipping sauce to your next cheese or charcuterie board—it pairs beautifully with sharp cheddar, creamy brie, and salty cured meats. You can even drizzle it over thin-crust pizza for a sweet, spicy finish that complements meats and veggies alike.
Planning game day snacks? Try dunking mozzarella sticks, jalapeño poppers, or chicken nuggets into this sauce for instant flavor. No matter the meal, hot honey dipping sauce brings the kind of bold twist that keeps everyone coming back for more.
Store and Customize Your Hot Honey Dipping Sauce
Tailor the Flavor to Match Your Taste
Hot honey dipping sauce is incredibly easy to customize depending on what you’re serving or who you’re cooking for. Like it sweeter? Add a little extra honey. Need more kick? Stir in a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce or a pinch of cayenne pepper. You can even add a hint of lemon juice for extra brightness.
I’ve found that this honey and hot sauce dip adapts well to a lot of different flavor profiles. When I’m pairing it with seafood, I’ll add a touch of Old Bay seasoning. For barbecue night, I sometimes mix in a spoonful of smoky chipotle paste. The key is to start with the base recipe and then adjust it to match your meal or mood.
How to Store It for Later Use
After making your honey and hot dipping sauce, pour it into a glass jar or squeeze bottle. Let it cool to room temperature before sealing. Store it in the fridge and use it within 5 to 7 days for the best flavor. If the sauce thickens while chilled, just let it sit out for a few minutes or give it a quick stir.
You can also prep a larger batch and divide it into smaller containers—perfect for lunches, parties, or anytime snacking. This hot honey dipping sauce holds up well, making it a reliable go-to in your fridge all week long.
FAQs About Hot Honey Dipping Sauce
How to make hot honey dipping sauce?
whisk together hot honey, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, and a few spices like garlic powder and smoked paprika. You can adjust the heat by adding more hot honey or your favorite hot sauce. This creamy, spicy-sweet dip takes just five minutes and is perfect for chicken, fries, or roasted vegetables.
What is hot honey sauce made of?
Hot honey sauce typically includes honey, chili flakes or hot sauce, and a bit of vinegar for balance. In hot honey dipping sauce, those ingredients are combined with creamy elements like mayo or mustard to create a thick, flavorful dip that clings perfectly to whatever you pair it with.
How to make hot honey dip?
You can make a simple hot honey dip by combining hot honey with a base like Greek yogurt, sour cream, or mayo. Add spices like garlic powder and a touch of mustard for depth. The result is a thick, spoonable sauce that works with everything from chicken nuggets to sweet potato fries.
What hot sauce goes with honey?
Any hot sauce with balanced heat works great in hot honey dipping sauce. I personally love Sriracha, chipotle, or Louisiana-style hot sauce for their smooth heat and bold flavor. Choose one that complements your dish without overpowering the honey’s sweetness.
How to make spicy honey sauce for pizza?
To make a pizza-ready spicy honey sauce, warm honey in a saucepan with chili flakes or a splash of vinegar. Let it simmer briefly, then cool slightly before drizzling over pizza. If you want a thicker version for dipping your crusts.
conclusion
Hot honey dipping sauce is more than just a quick recipe—it’s a flavor booster that turns everyday meals into something memorable. Whether you’re cooking up crispy chicken tenders, hosting a game day snack table, or just craving a bold dip for pizza crust, this sauce delivers every time. Sweet, spicy, and creamy, it checks all the right boxes.
What I love most about this recipe is how easy it is to make and customize. It’s one of those sauces I always have in the fridge because it fits into every part of our busy family meals. The best part? You probably already have everything you need to make it.
Now that you’ve seen how to make your own hot honey dipping sauce, I hope it becomes as much a staple in your kitchen as it is in mine. Just like my grandmother taught me—great food doesn’t have to be complicated. It just needs a little heart, a little spice, and the right sauce to bring it all together. Want more easy and delicious ideas from New Easy Recipe? Check out our full collection on Pinterest.
