Our Top 10 Uses for Hot Honey

If you have never tried hot honey, you are in for a flavor upgrade. The combination of heat and sweet is addictive. It adds depth to savory dishes, gives desserts a playful twist, and can even spice up your drinks.

At Astor Apiaries, our Habanero Infused Honey is one of our best-sellers. It is mildly spicy with a lingering kick, enough to make your taste buds dance without sending you running for a glass of water.

Here are our top 10 favorite ways to enjoy hot honey:

1. Pizza

A hot honey drizzle over a fresh slice is legendary. The sweetness balances the salty cheese, while the spice enhances the savory sauce and crust. We have seen pizzerias right here in Queens making this a signature move, and a little goes a long way.

2. Cheese Boards

Hot honey is a natural partner for cheese. As Carol Johnson of Monger's Palate told us...

"Two cheeses I love with hot honey are Italian Taleggio style water buffalo cheese Quadrello Di Bufala from Quattro Portoni dairy and an alpine style cow cheese called Alp Blossom from Germany. The hit of spice and sweetness complements the mushroomy richness of the buffalo cheese while the floral notes of the honey play well with the herbs and flowers pressed on the surface of Alp Blossom.( Both are good melted on a sandwich with honey as well...)"

3. Breakfast Sandwiches

Upgrade your bacon, egg, and cheese with a swipe of hot honey. The sweet and spicy combination cuts through the richness and gives you an extra kick to start your day.

4. Roasted Vegetables

Once your vegetables are roasted, add a quick drizzle of hot honey. The caramelized edges soak up the sweetness while the spice livens up the flavor. This is a great way to make even the most reluctant vegetable eaters go back for seconds.

5. Ice Cream

Vanilla ice cream with hot honey is a sweet, spicy, creamy masterpiece. The cold and heat contrast makes it fun to eat.

6. Chicken & Waffles

Hot honey fits perfectly into this sweet and savory Southern classic. Fried chicken in particular soaks it up beautifully, making each bite sticky, spicy, and crave-worthy.

7. BBQ

Hot honey works wonderfully with BBQ. Stir it into your sauce for a kick, glaze ribs before serving, or drizzle over smoked chicken. It pairs well with pork, brisket, and grilled vegetables.

8. Cheesecake

The tang of cream cheese combined with the gentle burn of hot honey is unforgettable. Try it on a plain New York-style slice for the best flavor contrast.

9. Greek Yogurt

Swap your usual plain honey for hot honey. The spice works well with yogurt’s tang, whether you are eating it for breakfast or using it as a savory sauce in Mediterranean dishes.

10. Cocktails

Hot honey adds intrigue to drinks. Mix it into a hot honey whiskey sour, margarita, or Bloody Mary. The sweetness softens the bite of the alcohol while the spice adds a memorable finish.

Hot honey is one of the most versatile condiments in your kitchen. You can use it for brunch, BBQ, or dessert.

Do you have a go-to hot honey pairing we missed? Share your ideas in the comments.