Black Pepper Free Classic Hot Honey
Hot honey has taken over restaurant menus and charcuterie boards everywhere, and now you can make a version that skips black pepper entirely without sacrificing any of that signature kick. The heat here comes entirely from red pepper flakes and dried chiles de arbol, which deliver a slow, fruity burn that's genuinely complex and satisfying. A splash of apple cider vinegar brightens the whole thing and keeps the sweetness from feeling one-dimensional. The process is simple — just a gentle warm on the stove, a patient steep, and a quick strain — but the result tastes like something you'd pay a premium for at a specialty shop. It's endlessly versatile: drizzle it over pizza, fried chicken, roasted vegetables, cheese, or even a bowl of vanilla ice cream if you're feeling adventurous. Making it at home also means you control exactly what goes in, so there's no guessing about hidden spices or seasoning blends that might sneak in unwanted ingredients. Once you have a jar of this in your kitchen, you'll find yourself reaching for it constantly.
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Learn more →Ingredients
16 servings
- 1 cup honey
- 2 tbsp red pepper flakes
- 3 dried chiles de arbol, stems removed
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- ¼ tsp kosher salt
Instructions
- 1
Combine the honey, red pepper flakes, dried chiles de arbol, apple cider vinegar, and kosher salt in a small saucepan over medium-low heat. Stir to combine.
- 2
Heat, stirring occasionally, until the honey is fluid and just beginning to bubble at the edges, about 5 minutes. Reduce the heat to low and cook for an additional 3–4 minutes, watching closely so the honey does not boil or scorch.
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