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Hot Honey Sauce

A quick and versatile hot honey sauce that balances cloying sweetness with a gentle heat, perfect for drizzling over fried chicken, roasted vegetables, and more.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Total Time 10 minutes
Servings: 16 servings
Course: Sauces and Condiments
Cuisine: American, Contemporary
Calories: 65
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main
  • 1 cup raw honey
  • 2 to 3 teaspoons red pepper flakes
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper optional, for extra heat
  • 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika optional, for depth
  • Pinch of sea salt
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter optional, for richness

Equipment

  • Small saucepan or skillet
  • Wooden spoon or heat-resistant spatula
  • Measuring spoons
  • Glass measuring cup or small bowl
  • Heat-resistant jar or container
  • Thermometer (optional)

Method
 

  1. Measure out all ingredients and prepare equipment.
  2. Pour 1 cup raw honey into a small saucepan.
  3. Add 2 tablespoons unsalted butter to the cold honey.
  4. Heat mixture over medium heat until honey reaches 180 to 190°F, about 3 minutes.
  5. Add 2 to 3 teaspoons red pepper flakes and a pinch of sea salt, stirring to combine.
  6. Stir in 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper, and 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika, cooking for 2 minutes.
  7. Remove saucepan from heat and let sauce cool for 2 minutes.
  8. Taste and adjust heat or sweetness as desired.
  9. Transfer sauce to a heat-resistant jar or container and let sit at room temperature for 1 hour before using.

Notes

Let your finished hot honey sauce sit at room temperature for one hour before using to allow the flavors to fully integrate.