Hot honey has taken the culinary world by storm, appearing on everything from pizzas and fried chicken to cocktails and desserts.
But what exactly is this sticky, sweet, and spicy condiment, and why has it become so ubiquitous?
A Taste of History
While hot honey feels like a modern trend, its roots are actually quite ancient.
Many cultures have traditions of combining honey with chili peppers for both flavor and medicinal purposes.
Think of it as a sweet and spicy hug for your taste buds!
The modern iteration of hot honey often traces its popularization back to entrepreneur Mike Kurtz, who, after encountering chili-infused honey on his trip to Brazil in 2003.
The Entrepreneur Creating A Buzz Around His Hot Honey Brand – forbes.com
On his return to the U.S. he began experimenting and eventually introduced his creation to a Brooklyn (New York, USA) pizzeria in 2010.
From there, it began its journey from a niche product to a mainstream darling with mass production in 2014 (Source: Mike’s Hot Honey).
The Magic of Flavor Infusion
The appeal of hot honey lies in its masterful balance of opposing flavors.
The natural sweetness of honey is beautifully complemented by the lingering heat of chili peppers.
This creates a complex taste profile that can enhance a wide variety of dishes. It’s that perfect sweet-spicy dance that makes it so addictive.
How to Make Your Own Fiery Elixir
Creating your own hot honey at home is surprisingly simple and allows you to customize the heat and flavor to your exact preferences.
Here’s a wonderful recipe to get you started.
Easy Homemade Hot Honey Recipe
Yields: Approx. 1 cup
Prep time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 10-15 minutes
1 cup organic raw honey
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
1/2 teaspoon Aleppo pepper
1/8 teaspoon salt
In a small saucepan over low heat, add honey and spices. Stir to combine and allow mixture to gently simmer for about 10-15 minutes. This allows the chili flavor to infuse into the honey. Stir occasionally.
Once you’ve reached your desired level of heat, remove the saucepan from the heat.
Let the hot honey cool to room temperature. This allows the flavors to meld together.
If you prefer a smoother hot honey, strain it through a fine-mesh strainer to remove the red pepper flakes. This step is optional though.
Transfer your hot honey to a clean, airtight jar or container for storage.
Beyond the Drizzle: Versatile Uses
Hot honey isn’t just for drizzling! Its unique flavor profile makes it incredibly versatile.
Pizza Perfection: A classic pairing that adds a sweet kick to savory toppings.
Fried Chicken’s Best Friend: Elevates the crispy, savory notes of fried chicken.
Grilled Cheese Sandwiches: For a gourmet twist, a swipe of hot honey inside or drizzled on top takes a simple grilled cheese to a whole new level of deliciousness.
Salad Sensation: Whisk into vinaigrettes for a sweet and spicy dressing.
Cheese Board Champion: Drizzle over cheeses like goat cheese, brie, or cheddar.
Cocktail Concoction: Adds a spicy-sweet twist to margaritas, old fashioneds, or even simple gin and tonics.
Breakfast Booster: Drizzle on pancakes, waffles, or even a savory omelet.
Marinades & Glazes: Use as a base for marinades for chicken, pork, or salmon.
The possibilities are truly endless, and experimenting with hot honey is all part of the culinary fun.
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