Hot honey is a popular condiment that blends sweet and spicy flavors. People drizzle it on pizza, fried chicken, desserts, and even cocktails. Its ability to enhance both savory and sweet dishes has made it a kitchen staple for food lovers everywhere. But how spicy is hot honey really?
In this article, we’ll answer the question, Is hot honey actually spicy? We’ll explore the types of peppers used in making hot honey, how it compares to other spicy condiments, and how to use it in various dishes. Plus, we’ll provide tips on making your own homemade hot honey so you can adjust the heat level to your preference.
Hot honey is simply honey infused with chili peppers. This gives it a signature sweet and spicy flavor. The heat level depends on the type of chili pepper used and how long it infuses with the honey. Some versions use mild peppers like jalapeños, while others use hotter ones like Scotch Bonnet or habaneros. The result is a unique condiment that can spice up a wide variety of dishes.
Popular brands like Mike’s Hot Honey have helped bring this condiment into mainstream popularity. But homemade versions are also common, allowing people to control the spice level. Whether you buy it or make it yourself, hot honey brings a sweet heat that transforms simple meals into bold experiences.
Pairing hot honey with baked goods can also be exciting. Try drizzling it over the Pumpkin Banana Loaf for a surprising blend of sweet, moist cake and spicy honey. This combination works because the sweetness of the banana loaf balances the mild heat from the honey.
Is Hot Honey Actually Spicy?
Now, the big question: Is hot honey actually spicy? The answer depends on the brand, the type of chili pepper used, and how sensitive you are to spice. Generally, hot honey is mildly spicy. The sweetness of the honey balances out the heat from the chili peppers, resulting in a pleasant burn rather than an overwhelming one.
Heat Level
Most hot honey offers a mild to moderate spice level. For example, Mike’s Hot Honey uses chilies that provide a gentle kick. It’s not intense, so even those sensitive to spice can enjoy it.
Here are key factors that influence how spicy hot honey is:
- Type of pepper: Jalapeños, Serranos, and Scotch Bonnet are commonly used. Jalapeños are mild, while Scotch Bonnet packs more heat.
- Infusion time: The longer the chili infuses in the honey, the spicier the honey becomes.
If you enjoy foods with a bit more fire, try hot honey made with spicier peppers like habaneros or Scotch Bonnet. These types of peppers can deliver a much hotter experience. However, for many people, the balance of sweet and spicy makes hot honey more accessible than traditional hot sauces.
For cocktail enthusiasts, hot honey can even add a spicy twist to drinks. The Spicy Margarita Recipe pairs well with a drizzle of hot honey for a sweet heat that complements the tangy flavors.
How Hot Honey Became Popular
The idea of combining honey with chili peppers isn’t new. Sweet and spicy flavors have been used together in many cultures for centuries. But hot honey as we know it today became popular thanks to Mike Kurtz, founder of Mike’s Hot Honey. Kurtz got the idea for hot honey while visiting Brazil, where chili-infused honey was commonly used.
Inspired by this, he began experimenting with honey and chili peppers, eventually launching his product in 2010. Since then, the popularity of hot honey has grown significantly, and today you can find it in restaurants, grocery stores, and online. Many chefs use it as a go-to ingredient to add a layer of complexity to both savory and sweet dishes.
What Peppers Are Used in Hot Honey?
The type of chili pepper used is what determines how spicy hot honey will be. Below are some of the most common peppers used in hot honey and their spice levels based on the Scoville scale:
- Jalapeño: With 2,500 to 8,000 Scoville Heat Units (SHU), jalapeños are mildly spicy and provide just a hint of heat.
- Serrano: More intense than jalapeños, Serrano peppers range from 10,000 to 23,000 SHU.
- Scotch Bonnet: Known for their extreme heat, Scotch Bonnets range from 100,000 to 350,000 SHU. These are used in spicier versions of hot honey.
The peppers infuse the honey with varying degrees of spice, depending on their SHU rating. If you’re making hot honey at home, you can control the spice by selecting the type of pepper and adjusting how long you let the peppers infuse.
How Spicy is Hot Honey Compared to Other Hot Sauces?
Compared to traditional hot sauces like Tabasco or Sriracha, hot honey generally offers a milder, sweeter heat. While hot sauces can deliver a sharp, intense burn, hot honey balances that intensity with its sweetness. This balance makes hot honey more palatable for those who prefer milder spice.
- Traditional hot sauces: Most hot sauces have a vinegar-forward flavor and deliver heat in a sharp, instant burst.
- Hot honey: With hot honey, the spice builds slowly, tempered by the natural sweetness of honey. It’s more of a lingering heat that enhances the flavor of the dish rather than overwhelming it.
For people who like a little heat but don’t want to burn their mouths, hot honey is the perfect middle ground. It’s less about fiery heat and more about creating a sweet-heat harmony that works well with a variety of foods.
Best Ways to Use Hot Honey
Hot honey is incredibly versatile. You can use it in both sweet and savory dishes to enhance flavors and add depth to meals. Here are some popular ways to use it:
- Drizzle on pizza: The combination of sweet and spicy complements savory toppings, especially on pepperoni or meat lover’s pizza.
- Glaze for fried chicken: Hot honey works as a delicious glaze, adding sweetness and a little heat to crispy fried chicken.
- Roasted vegetables: Drizzle hot honey over roasted vegetables like carrots or Brussels sprouts for an extra layer of flavor.
- Cocktail sweetener: Use it in cocktails to add a sweet and spicy twist to drinks like margaritas or old fashioneds.
- Ice cream topping: Yes, you read that right—hot honey is excellent over vanilla ice cream. The sweetness of the ice cream balances the heat from the honey, creating an interesting contrast.
If you’re looking for a savory dish to complement your hot honey, try it with this Lemon Butter Garlic Shrimp Pasta. The sweetness and mild heat of the hot honey pairs perfectly with the rich, buttery pasta.
Homemade Hot Honey Recipe
Making your own hot honey at home is easy and allows you to control how spicy it is. Follow this simple recipe to create a batch of homemade hot honey.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup honey
- 2-3 chili peppers (Serrano, jalapeño, or Scotch Bonnet, depending on your spice preference)
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (optional)
Instructions:
- Slice the chili peppers. If you prefer less heat, remove the seeds.
- Heat the honey in a small saucepan over medium heat.
- Add the chili peppers to the honey and let it simmer for 5-10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Remove from heat and let it cool. Strain out the chili peppers and transfer the honey to a jar.
- Store the hot honey in the refrigerator for up to two months.
You can adjust this recipe based on your preferred spice level. If you want a hotter batch, leave the seeds in or use spicier peppers like Scotch Bonnet. For a milder version, stick with jalapeños and reduce the infusion time.
Health Benefits of Hot Honey
Beyond its delicious flavor, hot honey also comes with some potential health benefits:
- Rich in antioxidants: Honey contains antioxidants that can help fight inflammation and protect the body from free radicals.
- Capsaicin benefits: Chili peppers contain capsaicin, which has been shown to boost metabolism and reduce pain.
- Natural remedy: Honey has long been used as a natural remedy for sore throats and coughs. When infused with chili peppers, it can help open nasal passages and relieve congestion.
While hot honey should still be enjoyed in moderation due to its sugar content, incorporating it into your diet in small amounts can provide some health benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is hot honey really spicy?
The spice level of hot honey varies depending on the type of chili pepper used. Most commercially available hot honeys offer a mild to moderate level of spice. However, hot honeys made with peppers like Scotch Bonnet or habaneros can be much spicier.
What foods pair well with hot honey?
Hot honey is incredibly versatile and can be paired with a variety of foods. It works well on pizza, fried chicken, roasted vegetables, and even desserts like ice cream or waffles. You can also use it as a glaze for meats or in cocktails.
How long does homemade hot honey last?
Homemade hot honey can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two months. The honey may crystallize over time, but you can reheat it gently to restore its smooth texture.
Can I make hot honey at home?
Yes! Making hot honey at home is simple and allows you to control the spice level by choosing different types of chili peppers. Follow the recipe above to create your own batch of homemade hot honey.
In conclusion,
hot honey offers a unique balance of sweet and spicy flavors that can elevate a wide range of dishes. Whether you prefer a mild kick or a fiery punch, there’s a version of hot honey for everyone. By making your own at home, you can customize the spice level to suit your taste.
Try experimenting with hot honey on different dishes, from savory meals like One Pan Autumn Chicken Roast to desserts and even cocktails. With its growing popularity and versatility, hot honey is here to stay as a must-have condiment for food lovers everywhere.
Is Hot Honey Actually Spicy?
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 1 cup 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Hot honey is a popular condiment that blends sweet and spicy flavors. People drizzle it on pizza, fried chicken, desserts, and even cocktails. Its ability to enhance both savory and sweet dishes has made it a kitchen staple for food lovers everywhere. But how spicy is hot honey really?
In this article, we’ll answer the question, Is hot honey actually spicy? We’ll explore the types of peppers used in making hot honey, how it compares to other spicy condiments, and how to use it in various dishes. Plus, we’ll provide tips on making your own homemade hot honey so you can adjust the heat level to your preference.
Ingredients
- 1 cup honey
- 2–3 chili peppers (Serrano, jalapeño, or Scotch Bonnet, depending on desired spice level)
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (optional)
Instructions
- Slice the chili peppers. For less heat, remove the seeds before slicing.
- In a small saucepan, heat the honey over medium heat.
- Add the sliced chili peppers to the honey and let it simmer for 5-10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Remove the honey from heat and allow it to cool slightly. Strain the chili peppers out if you prefer a smoother texture.
- Transfer the honey to a jar and store in the refrigerator. The honey can be kept for up to 2 months.
Notes
hot honey offers a unique balance of sweet and spicy flavors that can elevate a wide range of dishes. Whether you prefer a mild kick or a fiery punch, there’s a version of hot honey for everyone. By making your own at home, you can customize the spice level to suit your taste.
Try experimenting with hot honey on different dishes, from savory meals like One Pan Autumn Chicken Roast to desserts and even cocktails. With its growing popularity and versatility, hot honey is here to stay as a must-have condiment for food lovers everywhere.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Condiments
- Method: Infusion
- Cuisine: American, Fusion
Keywords: hot honey, homemade hot honey, chili-infused honey, spicy honey, sweet and spicy honey, how to make hot honey, hot honey recipe, honey with chili peppers, honey spice