Easy Jalapeno Infused Hot Honey

This jalapeño hot honey, made with just two ingredients, is a versatile condiment can be drizzled over everything from pizza to fried chicken for a sweet taste and spicy kick. I’ve been a fan of Mike’s Hot Honey for some time and thought it was time to make this recipe on my own! It’s so easy to make and absolutely delicious.

Why To Love This Recipe

• Sweet and spicy: My favorite flavor combo besides salty and sweet! It’s like a culinary yin and yang.
• Versatile: Drizzle it over pizza, put it on your morning toast or drizzle some chicken and waffles – this stuff goes with just about everything. Seriously.
• Customizable: You can adjust the heat level to your liking and even infuse your honey with other spices and seasonings.
• Ridiculously easy: It’s almost too easy. You can impress your friends with your mad culinary skills without breaking a sweat unless your honey is super spicy! Just try not to brag too much.
• It’s a condiment with benefits: The honey can soothe your throat and the jalapeno can clear your sinuses, so it’s practically like medicine, right? Just kidding. But it is lovely in a hot cup of tea.

What is Hot Honey?

Hot honey is a spicy-sweet condiment made by infusing honey with hot peppers. The type of chili pepper used can vary, but some popular options include jalapeños, red pepper flakes, or Thai chili peppers. The sweetness of honey is infused with the heat from the peppers, creating a delicious balance of flavors.

Infusing honey with hot peppers is not a new idea but it has gained popularity in recent years, particularly in the US where artisanal producers are creating unique variations of this delicious condiment. Mike’s Hot Honey, for example, was inspired by founder Michael Kurtz during a trip to Brazil. He discovered this delectable combination of spice with sweet flavors and decided to recreate it back home.

Just Two Ingredients Needed!

1. Honey: Go for the good stuff! Look for high quality honey that’s pure and unprocessed, so you get all the natural goodness. Try looking for locally-sourced honey. Not only does this support your local farmers and businesses, but it can also offer a unique flavor that’s specific to your area.
2. Jalapenos: I chose to use jalapeño peppers in this recipe because I love their flavor profile and gentle heat. If you’re a fan of spicier foods you can easily adjust the recipe by adding more jalapenos or substituting them with hotter peppers such as serranos or habaneros.

How to Make Hot Honey

1. Combine honey and sliced peppers in a small saucepan.
2. Heat the mixture over medium heat, stir occasionally, until the honey is thin and the peppers are softened, about 5-7 minutes.
3. Remove the pan from the heat and let it cool for 5-10 minutes.
4. Optional: Strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve into a clean jar or container, discarding the jalapeno slices. Store in the fridge.

Note: If you’ve strained out the peppers, your hot honey should keep well for up to 2 weeks. If you prefer to keep the peppers in your hot honey for an extra kick of flavor, it’s recommended to consume and eat it within 3 days.

Expert Tips

• For a milder flavor, remove the seeds and membranes from the jalapeño peppers before slicing.
• Adjust the amount of jalapeno peppers to your taste preference. If you like it spicier, add more peppers. If you prefer it less spicy, reduce the amount of peppers.

How to Use Hot Honey

• As a pizza topping: Drizzle over your favorite pizza for a sweet and spicy kick.
• On fried chicken: Hot honey makes a delicious addition to fried chicken, giving it a sweet and spicy flavor.
• On biscuits: Serve alongside warm biscuits for a delicious twist on a classic.
• As a glaze for meat: Brush hot honey onto grilled or roasted meat such as pork shoulder, pork chops, ham and ribs for a sweet and spicy glaze.
• As a dipping sauce: Serve as a dipping sauce for chicken wings, egg rolls, mozzarella cheese sticks, or other fried foods.
• In cocktails: Add a drizzle of hot honey to your favorite cocktail for a sweet and spicy twist.
• On roasted vegetables: Drizzle over roasted vegetables like carrots, sweet potatoes and Brussels sprouts.
• On chicken and waffles: Pour over crispy fried chicken and waffles. It’s a trio made in heaven!

How to Store Hot Honey

• Storing hot honey with unstrained peppers: If you prefer to keep the peppers in the honey, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The honey will thicken and become more viscous over time, but it will still be delicious. The peppers will continue to infuse the honey with flavor, so the longer you store it, the spicier it will become. Be sure to use within 3 -4 days.
• Strained hot honey: Transfer the strained honey to a clean, airtight container and store honey in the refrigerator. It will keep for several weeks.

Hot Honey Variations

There are countless ways to customize this honey recipe, so let your creativity run wild. Here are some hot honey variations to get you inspired:

• Habanero hot honey: Use habanero peppers instead of jalapenos for a hotter, fruitier flavor.
• Garlic hot honey: Crush a clove or two of garlic and add it to your hot honey for a savory twist.
• Ginger hot honey: Add grated fresh ginger to your hot honey for a hint of warmth.
• Cinnamon hot honey: Add a cinnamon stick to your hot honey while it’s cooking for a warm, comforting flavor.

FAQs

Can I use flavored honey instead of plain honey?

While flavored honey can add an extra dimension of flavor to your jalapeno honey, it’s best to start with good ol’ regular honey and add your own flavors. This allows you to control the sweetness level and the intensity.

Can I use dried jalapenos instead of fresh ones?

I haven’t tested this recipe with dried jalapenos so I do suggest sticking with fresh jalapenos. If you do use dried jalapenos, just keep in mind that the flavor profile will be slightly different.

Can I use honey substitutes such as maple syrup or agave nectar?

Absolutely! This recipe will work especially well with maple syrup.

Is infused honey healthy?

Honey has several health benefits. It contains antioxidants, has antibacterial properties, and may help soothe a sore throat or cough. But keep in mind, it’s still a sugar. Honey is a high calorie food so overindulging can potentially negate any health benefits. You know the saying. Always in moderation!

Jalapeno infused hot honey is a delicious and versatile condiment that adds a sweet and spicy kick to a variety of dishes. Making your own spicy honey recipe is easy and allows you to customize the flavor to your liking. You can experiment with different peppers and spices to create your perfect hot honey recipe. Let me know if you have give it a try!