Citrus Free Classic Hot Honey
Hot honey has become one of those condiments that makes everything it touches taste more exciting, and this version delivers serious depth with just a handful of pantry staples. The heat comes from red pepper flakes and dried chiles de arbol, which steep slowly in warm honey to build a layered, slow-burning spice that's nothing like a simple chili sauce. A splash of apple cider vinegar adds just enough brightness and balance without relying on any citrus, making this a genuinely safe option for anyone navigating lemon- or lime-heavy recipes with frustration. So many store-bought hot honeys sneak in citrus juice or zest for acidity, which can make label-reading a tedious chore. Here, that tangy lift comes entirely from the vinegar, so you get a well-rounded condiment without any of the worry. The technique is simple — gentle heat, a patient steep, and a quick strain — but the result tastes like something you'd find at a fancy specialty shop. Drizzle it over pizza, fried chicken, roasted vegetables, or a good cheese board and watch it disappear fast.
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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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