12 Hot Honey Recipes That Prove Sweet Heat Belongs on Everything

The first time you taste hot honey, something clicks. Sweet, then a slow warm kick, then you reach for another bite before you even think about it. It is no wonder this sticky little jar has taken over dinner tables and social feeds. Here are our favorite ways to use it, from protein packed dinners to a few sweet treats, plus how to make your own in five minutes..

Hot Honey Chicken Sliders

These are the sliders that keep popping up on everyone’s feed, and one bite tells you why. Crispy chicken, soft buns, cool slaw and a shiny drizzle of hot honey over the top. Chicken breast gives you a good dose of protein, so they work for game day and a filling weeknight dinner. How spicy do you like it: (A) mild, (B) medium or (C) bring on the fire?

You will need: 1 1/2 lb chicken breast cut in slider pieces, 1 cup buttermilk, 1 cup flour, 1 teaspoon paprika, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, salt and pepper, oil for frying or air fryer spray, 12 slider buns, 2 cups coleslaw, pickle slices, 1/3 cup hot honey.

How to make it: Soak chicken in buttermilk for 30 minutes. Mix flour with spices. Dredge each piece. Air fry at 400 F for 12 to 14 minutes, flipping once, or fry in oil until 165 F inside. Toast the buns. Add slaw, chicken and pickles. Drizzle generously with the spicy honey and serve right away.

Sweet Potato Beef Bowl With Cottage Cheese

This bowl went viral for a reason. Roasted sweet potato cubes, seasoned ground beef, a scoop of creamy cottage cheese and a drizzle of hot honey to tie it all together. It is filling, high in protein and great for meal prep. Sounds odd? Try it once and you will get it.

You will need: 1 lb lean ground beef, 2 sweet potatoes cubed, 1 tablespoon olive oil, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, salt, 1 1/2 cups cottage cheese, 2 green onions, 3 tablespoons hot honey, cooked rice (optional).

How to make it: Toss sweet potatoes with oil, paprika and salt and roast at 425 F for 25 minutes. Brown the beef with garlic powder and salt. Divide potatoes and beef into bowls with rice if you like. Add a scoop of cottage cheese, green onions and a drizzle of hot honey.

Hot Honey Salmon Bites

Little cubes of salmon, seared until crispy at the edges and tossed in a sticky glaze. They cook in about 8 minutes and even people who say they do not like fish keep coming back for more. Serve over rice or with a big salad. Salmon is a great source of protein too.

You will need: 1 1/2 lb skinless salmon cut in 1 inch cubes, 1 tablespoon cornstarch, salt and pepper, 1 tablespoon oil, 3 tablespoons hot honey, 1 tablespoon soy sauce, 1 teaspoon lime juice, sesame seeds.

How to make it: Pat salmon dry and toss with cornstarch, salt and pepper. Heat oil in a skillet over medium high. Sear salmon 2 minutes per side until golden. Mix the honey, soy sauce and lime juice, pour into the pan and toss for 30 seconds. Top with sesame seeds.

Crispy Chicken Tenders With a Sweet Heat Dip

Kids love chicken tenders. Grown ups love them more with a sweet and spicy dip. Make one batch and set out two sauces: honey mustard for the little ones and hot honey for the brave ones. Which one would you dunk into first: (A) hot honey, (B) ranch or (C) honey mustard?

You will need: 2 lb chicken tenders, 2 eggs, 1 1/2 cups panko, 1/2 cup grated Parmesan, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon paprika, salt, cooking spray, 1/2 cup hot honey for dipping.

How to make it: Heat oven to 425 F and set a rack on a sheet pan. Beat eggs. Mix panko, Parmesan and spices. Dip each tender in egg, then crumbs. Spray with oil. Bake 15 to 18 minutes until golden and 165 F inside. Serve with the warm honey dip.

Pepperoni Pizza With a Hot Honey Drizzle

If you have not tried this yet, tonight is the night. Crispy pepperoni cups fill with a little hot honey and the whole slice tastes like something from a fancy pizza place. It works on homemade, store bought or even frozen pizza. Just drizzle after baking.

You will need: 1 pizza dough or crust, 1/2 cup pizza sauce, 2 cups shredded mozzarella, 30 slices cup and char pepperoni, 2 tablespoons hot honey, fresh basil, red pepper flakes.

How to make it: Heat oven as hot as it goes, 500 F if you can. Stretch dough on a pan. Spread sauce, add cheese and pepperoni. Bake 10 to 12 minutes until bubbly and crisp. Drizzle the honey right away and top with basil and a pinch of pepper flakes.

Sweet and Spicy Roasted Brussels Sprouts and Carrots

This is the side dish that converts vegetable haters. Roast Brussels sprouts and carrots until crispy and brown, then toss them in hot honey while they are still sizzling. Sweet, salty, a little spicy, and gone in minutes. It is a perfect addition to a Thanksgiving table.

You will need: 1 lb Brussels sprouts halved, 4 carrots cut in sticks, 2 tablespoons olive oil, salt and pepper, 2 tablespoons hot honey, 1 teaspoon lemon juice, flaky salt.

How to make it: Heat oven to 425 F. Toss vegetables with oil, salt and pepper and spread on a sheet pan, cut side down. Roast 22 to 25 minutes until deep golden. Warm the honey with lemon juice. Toss the hot vegetables in it and sprinkle with flaky salt.

Hot Honey Butter Cornbread

Searches for this one are climbing fast, and once you try it you will understand. Warm skillet cornbread gets brushed with melted butter mixed with hot honey, so it soaks into every crumb. Serve it next to chili, soup or barbecue. Grandma never made it like this, but she would ask for the recipe.

You will need: 1 cup cornmeal, 1 cup flour, 1/4 cup sugar, 1 tablespoon baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1 cup milk, 2 eggs, 1/3 cup melted butter. Topping: 3 tablespoons butter, 3 tablespoons hot honey.

How to make it: Heat oven to 400 F with a greased cast iron skillet inside. Mix dry ingredients. Whisk milk, eggs and butter and stir in. Pour into the hot skillet. Bake 20 to 22 minutes. Melt the topping butter with the honey and brush over the warm cornbread.

Sticky Glazed Hot Honey Meatballs

Meatballs are always the first thing to disappear at a party. These get a sticky glaze of hot honey, garlic and soy, and you can make them in the oven or slow cooker. Stick toothpicks in them for game day, or serve over rice for a protein rich dinner.

You will need: 2 lb lean ground beef or turkey, 1/2 cup breadcrumbs, 1 egg, 2 cloves garlic minced, salt and pepper. Glaze: 1/2 cup hot honey, 1/4 cup soy sauce, 1 tablespoon rice vinegar, 1 teaspoon cornstarch.

How to make it: Heat oven to 400 F. Mix meat, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic, salt and pepper. Roll into 1 1/2 inch balls and bake 15 to 18 minutes. Simmer the glaze ingredients until thick, about 3 minutes. Toss the meatballs in the glaze until shiny.

Whipped Feta Dip With a Spicy Honey Swirl

This dip looks so fancy, but it takes five minutes in a blender. Salty feta and creamy Greek yogurt whip into a cloud, then you swirl hot honey on top and add some cracked pepper. Serve it with warm pita, crackers or crunchy veggies. Guests will hover around the bowl all night.

You will need: 8 oz feta cheese, 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt, 2 tablespoons olive oil, 1 small clove garlic, 1 teaspoon lemon juice, 2 tablespoons hot honey, black pepper, pita chips or vegetables.

How to make it: Crumble feta into a food processor. Add yogurt, olive oil, garlic and lemon juice. Blend 2 minutes until very smooth. Spread in a shallow bowl and make swirls with a spoon. Drizzle the honey into the swirls and add black pepper.

Hot Honey on Vanilla Ice Cream With Sea Salt

Yes, really. A cold scoop of vanilla, a warm drizzle of hot honey and a pinch of flaky salt. It is sweet, creamy, salty and gently spicy all at once. It sounds like a dare, but it is one of the best two minute desserts you will ever make. Love honey desserts? You will also enjoy our no churn honey lavender ice cream.

You will need: 2 big scoops vanilla ice cream, 1 to 2 teaspoons hot honey, a tiny pinch of flaky sea salt, optional crushed pistachios or graham crumbs.

How to make it: Warm the honey for 5 seconds in the microwave so it pours easily. Scoop ice cream into a bowl. Drizzle the honey over the top. Add a few flakes of sea salt and pistachios if you like. Eat right away.

Hot Honey Cheesecake Bites

Mini cheesecakes in a muffin tin are already a crowd favorite. Add a glossy hot honey topping and they become the most talked about dessert on the table. The sweet heat cuts the richness so well. Would you try a spicy dessert: (A) yes, right now, (B) maybe or (C) no way?

You will need: 12 vanilla wafers, 16 oz cream cheese softened, 1/2 cup sugar, 2 eggs, 1 teaspoon vanilla, 1/4 cup sour cream, 1/4 cup hot honey for topping, flaky salt.

How to make it: Heat oven to 325 F and line a muffin tin. Put one wafer in each liner. Beat cream cheese and sugar, then add eggs, vanilla and sour cream. Fill the liners and bake 18 to 20 minutes. Cool, then chill 2 hours. Top each with a spoon of the honey and a few salt flakes.

Homemade Hot Honey in 5 Minutes

Why buy a pricey jar when you can make it in five minutes? All you need is honey and dried chilies or red pepper flakes, plus a splash of vinegar for brightness. Make it as mild or wild as you like. Pour it into a pretty jar and it also makes a great hostess gift.

You will need: 1 cup honey, 1 to 2 teaspoons red pepper flakes or 3 small dried chilies, 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar, a pinch of salt.

How to make it: Warm honey and chili in a small pot over low heat for 5 minutes. Do not let it boil. Take it off the heat and let it sit 15 minutes to infuse. Stir in vinegar and salt. Strain if you want it smooth. Store in a jar at room temperature up to 1 month.