Hot Honey Sauce

This Hot Honey Sauce is the perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and savory—all in a quick, 8-minute recipe. Made with real honey, a kick of Tabasco, and rich garlic-infused butter, it’s a flavor-packed condiment you’ll want to drizzle on everything. Whether you’re jazzing up chicken wings, roasted veggies, pizza, or grilled meats, this versatile sauce delivers bold taste with minimal effort.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and easy – Ready in just 8 minutes with pantry staples.

• Customizable spice level – Add more or less hot sauce to suit your heat preference.

• Incredible flavor – Sweet, spicy, buttery, and garlicky all in one.

• Perfect for drizzling – Use it on chicken, vegetables, sandwiches, pizza, and more.

• Small batch – Makes just enough without leftovers going to waste.

• Great for meal prep – Stores well and reheats in seconds.

• Kid-friendly option – Make a milder version for little taste buds.

• Elevates any dish – Instantly upgrades your everyday meals.

• No special equipment – Just a saucepan and a spoon.

• Crowd favorite – Guaranteed to impress at your next gathering.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 4 tablespoons butter

• 2 cloves garlic, peeled and left whole

• 4 tablespoons honey

• 2 tablespoons Tabasco (or your preferred hot sauce)

• Pinch of salt

Directions

1. In a small saucepan over medium heat, add butter and whole garlic cloves. Allow butter to melt completely.

2. Once melted, stir in the honey, Tabasco, and a pinch of salt.

3. Bring to a low simmer and let the sauce cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. This allows the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken slightly.

4. Remove the garlic cloves with a slotted spoon and discard.

5. Transfer the finished sauce to a mason jar or heat-safe container and let cool slightly before using.

6. Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.

Servings and timing

• Servings: 10

• Prep Time: 1 minute

• Cook Time: 7 minutes

• Total Time: 8 minutes

Variations

• Extra spicy: Use more hot sauce or a spicier brand like sriracha or chili crisp.

• Milder version: Reduce Tabasco to 1 tablespoon or use a milder sauce.

• Citrus twist: Add a splash of lemon or lime juice for a tangy note.

• Smoky flavor: Use chipotle hot sauce or add a pinch of smoked paprika.

• Herb-infused: Add rosemary or thyme to the simmering butter for added depth.

• Maple version: Swap honey for maple syrup for a different kind of sweetness.

• Asian-inspired: Use sambal oelek or gochujang instead of Tabasco.

• Vegan option: Use plant-based butter in place of dairy.

• Sweet and sticky glaze: Let it simmer longer to reduce into a glaze for brushing over meats.

• Garlic-forward: Mince the garlic instead of removing it for bolder flavor.

Storage/Reheating

• Refrigerator: Store in a tightly sealed container for up to 1 week.

• Reheating: Microwave for 10–20 seconds to return to a pourable consistency. Stir well before using.

• Freezing: Not recommended, as the texture may separate upon thawing.

FAQs

Can I make this sauce less spicy?

Yes! Reduce the hot sauce to 1 tablespoon or choose a mild variety like Frank’s RedHot Mild.

Can I leave the garlic in?

You can, but removing it ensures a smoother sauce. Mince it if you want a stronger garlic punch left in.

What kind of honey works best?

Any real honey works well, but raw or local honey adds an extra layer of flavor.

Can I use this sauce as a marinade?

Yes, it works great as a marinade for chicken, shrimp, or roasted vegetables.

How do I use hot honey sauce?

Drizzle it on chicken, roasted veggies, pizza, grilled cheese, biscuits, or even ice cream.

Is this sauce keto-friendly?

Traditional honey is not keto-friendly, but you can use sugar-free honey alternatives for a low-carb version.

Can I double the recipe?

Absolutely. Just scale all the ingredients equally and increase the cook time slightly if needed.

Will the sauce solidify in the fridge?

Yes, it may thicken or solidify. Reheat gently and stir before using.

Can I use ghee instead of butter?

Yes, ghee works great and adds an extra nutty depth.

Does the garlic flavor really come through?

Yes, even though it’s removed, simmering whole cloves infuses the sauce with a subtle, rich garlic aroma.

Conclusion

Hot Honey Sauce is your new go-to condiment for elevating everyday meals with just the right balance of sweetness and heat. Quick to make, easy to store, and incredibly versatile, it’s a flavor-packed addition to everything from savory mains to sweet surprises. Whether you like it mild or fiery, this sauce is sure to become a kitchen staple.

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