Hot honey is a blend of sweet honey and fiery chili peppers, making it a versatile condiment that can enhance a wide range of dishes. From savory to sweet, hot honey can add depth and a unique flavor profile that elevates the simplest meals. This article dives into the best foods to eat with hot honey and how to incorporate it into your daily cooking.
For a look at how to use other versatile ingredients, check out this sourdough discard recipe collection in order to get inspiring and more creative ideas on turning basic kitchen staples into culinary masterpieces.
What Is Hot Honey?
Hot honey is a condiment made from infusing honey with chili peppers or red pepper flakes, resulting in a sweet-spicy flavor combination. It can be used in both savory and sweet dishes, adding complexity without overwhelming the base flavors. The balance between the sweetness of the honey and the heat from the chili peppers makes hot honey without a doubt an ideal pairing for a wide variety of foods.
Best Savory Pairings for Hot Honey
1. Pizza
Hot honey works exceptionally well as a pizza topping, particularly on pepperoni or sausage pizzas, where it can balance the saltiness of the toppings with a sweet-spicy kick. Here are some ideas to eat hot honey on pizza:
- Pepperoni Pizza: Drizzle hot honey over pepperoni pizza to offset the saltiness and enhance the overall flavor.
- Cheese Pizza: Even a simple cheese pizza can be elevated with a drizzle of hot honey for an unexpected twist.
In addition. for more ways to elevate your pizza, check out this Ooni pizza dough recipe that pairs well with hot honey.
2. Fried Chicken and Wings
Hot honey is also a great accompaniment to fried chicken or chicken wings, where its sticky, sweet, and spicy qualities complement the crispy, savory meat. Here are a few ideas:
- Hot Honey Glaze: Use hot honey as a glaze for fried chicken to give it a crispy, caramelized finish.
- Wings: Toss chicken wings in hot honey for a sticky and spicy coating that’s perfect for game day.
For another fried favorite, consider pairing hot honey with fried corn for a Southern-style meal.
3. Roasted Vegetables
Hot honey can also be used to enhance roasted vegetables, particularly those with naturally sweet flavors like Brussels sprouts, carrots, and sweet potatoes.
- Roasted Carrots with Hot Honey: Drizzle hot honey over roasted carrots for a caramelized, slightly spicy finish.
- Hot Honey Brussels Sprouts: Toss roasted Brussels sprouts with hot honey for a dish that balances bitter, sweet, and spicy elements.
Sweet Pairings for Hot Honey
1. Ice Cream
Hot honey on ice cream may sound unusual, but the combination of cold, creamy ice cream and the warm, spicy honey is a delightful surprise. Try these ideas:
- Vanilla Ice Cream: Drizzle hot honey over vanilla ice cream for a dessert that balances sweetness with heat.
- Hot Honey Sundae: Add hot honey to a sundae for a bold and spicy twist on a classic dessert.
2. Cheeseboards and Cheese Pairings
Hot honey pairs beautifully with cheeses, especially strong, salty varieties like blue cheese or soft, creamy cheeses like brie.
- Blue Cheese and Hot Honey: The tanginess of blue cheese is balanced by the sweetness and spice of hot honey, making it a perfect combination for a cheeseboard.
- Brie and Hot Honey: Drizzle hot honey over a wheel of brie for a crowd-pleasing appetizer.
For more creative ways to pair ingredients, explore this broccoli cauliflower salad recipe that could also pair well with hot honey as a dressing or topping.
Unique Ways to Use Hot Honey
1. Hot Honey in Cocktails
Hot honey isn’t just for food—it can also be used to create unique cocktails. The sweetness of honey combined with its heat can undoubtedly elevate classic cocktails like the whiskey sour or margarita.
- Hot Honey Whiskey Sour: Replace simple syrup with hot honey for a fiery twist on a whiskey sour.
- Hot Honey Margarita: Add hot honey to a margarita for a sweet-spicy balance.
Moreover, for more ideas on using hot honey in drinks, check out Cocktail Recipes with Hot Honey for more drink inspiration.
2. Salad Dressings and Vinaigrettes
In particular, you can use hot honey as the base for a salad dressing or vinaigrette, adding sweetness and heat to balance out fresh greens and fruits.
- Hot Honey Vinaigrette: Combine hot honey with olive oil and vinegar to make a dynamic dressing for spinach, arugula, or fruit-based salads.
- Spinach Salad with Hot Honey: Try a hot honey vinaigrette on a spinach salad with goat cheese and strawberries for a fresh, balanced meal.
3. Marinades and Glazes
Hot honey is also great for marinating meats or using as a glaze. Its sugars caramelize when cooked, adding a sticky, flavorful finish to proteins.
- Hot Honey Pork Chops: Use hot honey as a marinade for pork chops before grilling or roasting for a sweet and spicy glaze.
- Salmon with Hot Honey Glaze: Brush salmon fillets with hot honey before baking or grilling for a rich, caramelized flavor.
Health Benefits of Honey and Chili Peppers
In addition to its flavor, hot honey also offers several health benefits. The following is a breakdown of why it’s good for you:
1. Honey
- Antioxidants: Honey is rich in antioxidants, which can help reduce inflammation and protect cells from oxidative damage.
- Immune Support: Honey is known for its immune-boosting properties and is often used to soothe sore throats and treat colds.
2. Chili Peppers
- Boosts Metabolism: Capsaicin, the compound in chili peppers that creates heat, has been shown to increase metabolism and support fat burning.
- Rich in Vitamins: Chili peppers are high in vitamins A and C, which support immune health and overall wellness.
How to Store Hot Honey
Hot honey is surely easy to store and has a long shelf life thanks to its natural preservative properties. Here’s how to keep your hot honey fresh:
- Room Temperature Storage: Store hot honey in a sealed jar at room temperature for up to six months. Keeping it in a cool, dark place will surely help preserve its flavor.
- Refrigeration: In case you’ve added extra ingredients like garlic or vinegar, you might want to refrigerate your hot honey to extend its shelf life. Keep in mind that refrigeration may cause it to thicken slightly, but a quick reheat will restore its smooth texture.
FAQs About Hot Honey
1. What can I put hot honey on?
You can drizzle hot honey on pizza, fried chicken, roasted vegetables, ice cream, and also cheeseboards. It’s also great in cocktails and marinades.
2. How spicy is hot honey?
The heat level of hot honey depends on the type of chili peppers used. You can adjust the spiciness by selecting milder or hotter peppers.
3. What does hot honey taste good with?
Hot honey pairs well with savory foods like pizza, fried chicken, and roasted vegetables, as well as sweet dishes like ice cream and cheesecake to eat your favorite delights with a little twist.
4. Can you cook with hot honey?
Yes, hot honey can indeed be used in cooking as a glaze, marinade, or salad dressing. Its natural sweetness and spice make it a versatile ingredient in both savory and sweet recipes.
Conclusion: Experiment with Hot Honey in Your Kitchen
Last but not leats, hot honey is an incredibly versatile condiment that adds depth to both sweet and savory dishes. Whether you’re drizzling it over pizza, using it to glaze meats, or adding it to cocktails, hot honey will elevate your meals with its perfect balance of sweetness and spice.
Furthermore, for more culinary inspiration using simple yet bold ingredients, take a look at what you can do with sourdough discard and discover how to make the most of kitchen staples.
This guide shows in general just how adaptable hot honey can be in your kitchen to eat with different pairings, making it a must-try condiment for all kinds of dishes.