Can I use gluten-free flour?

Yes — use a cup-for-cup gluten-free baking blend.

Do these freeze well?

Yes — freeze after cooling and thaw in the refrigerator.

You can reduce the brown sugar by ¼ cup without affecting texture.

Can I use chicken thighs?

Yes — thighs stay juicier and add richer flavor.

Can I grill the chicken?

Absolutely. Grilling adds smoky Mediterranean flavor.

Can I make this dairy-free?

Yes — skip feta and tzatziki or use dairy-free versions.

Can I substitute the rice?

Yes — quinoa, orzo, couscous, or mixed greens all work well.

Is this recipe good for meal prep?

Yes — store ingredients separately and assemble when serving.

Is blackened tuna spicy?

It has a mild-to-moderate heat. Reduce the cayenne pepper or jalapeño for a milder version.

Can I grill the tuna instead?

Yes. Grill over high heat for the same amount of time, making sure the grates are well-oiled.

What type of tuna should I use?

Ahi (yellowfin) or sushi-grade tuna works best for searing.

Can I make the mango salsa ahead of time?

Yes. The mango salsa can be made up to 24 hours in advance and stored in the refrigerator.

Dirty rice has a mild-to-moderate heat. You can easily adjust the spice level by reducing the Cajun seasoning or cayenne pepper.

Can I make Cajun dirty rice ahead of time?

Yes. Store dirty rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days.

Can I freeze Cajun dirty rice?

Yes. Cajun dirty rice freezes well for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently.

What meat can I substitute for beef?

Ground turkey or ground chicken can be used as a lighter alternative to ground beef.

Is Cajun cornbread spicy?

Cajun cornbread has a mild-to-moderate heat. You can adjust the spice level by reducing the jalapeño or cayenne pepper.

Can I make Cajun cornbread ahead of time?

Yes. Cajun cornbread can be baked up to one day ahead and reheated gently before serving.

Can I freeze Cajun cornbread?

Yes. Wrap the cornbread tightly and freeze for up to three months. Thaw and reheat before serving.

Can I make Cajun cornbread without cheese?

Yes. You can omit the cheese for a dairy-light version without affecting the texture.

Gumbo is mildly spicy. You can adjust the heat by increasing or reducing the cayenne pepper or Cajun seasoning.

Can I make chicken and sausage gumbo ahead of time?

Yes. Gumbo tastes even better the next day and keeps well in the refrigerator for up to four days.

Can I freeze chicken and sausage gumbo?

Yes. Gumbo freezes well for up to three months. Thaw overnight and reheat gently.

Do I have to use okra in gumbo?

No. Okra helps thicken gumbo, but you can omit it or use filé powder if preferred.

Are Cajun roasted potatoes spicy?

They have a mild-to-moderate heat. You can adjust the spice level by using more or less Cajun seasoning.

Can I make Cajun roasted potatoes ahead of time?

They are best served fresh, but leftovers reheat well in the oven or air fryer.

Can I use red or russet potatoes?

Yes. Just cut the potatoes into evenly sized pieces to ensure even roasting.

Are Cajun roasted potatoes vegan?

Yes. This recipe is naturally dairy-free and vegan as written.

Is Cajun shrimp & grits spicy?

Cajun shrimp and grits has a mild-to-moderate heat. You can reduce the Cajun seasoning or cayenne pepper to make it milder.

Can I make Cajun shrimp and grits ahead of time?

The shrimp are best cooked fresh, but the grits can be made ahead and reheated gently with a splash of broth or milk.

Can I use instant grits?

Yes, but stone-ground grits provide the best flavor and creamiest texture.

Can I substitute milk for cream?

Yes, whole milk can be used, though the grits will be slightly less rich.

Hot Honey (Sweet, Sticky & Perfectly Spicy!)

Name: Hot Honey (Sweet, Sticky & Perfectly Spicy!)
Prep time: 2 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 7 min
Yield: 1 cup
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup honey; 1–2 tbsp red pepper flakes (adjust to heat level); 1 tsp apple cider vinegar (optional); Pinch of salt

Sarah Smith
Dec 11, 2025
3 min read

Updated: 20 hours ago

Spoon drizzling chili oil from a jar on a marble surface. The oil is red with chili flakes, creating a spicy and vibrant look.

This homemade Hot Honey is one of those simple but game-changing condiments that instantly upgrade anything it touches. With its perfect balance of sweetness and gentle heat, it’s delicious drizzled over crispy chicken, pizza, biscuits, roasted vegetables, or even breakfast favorites. Best of all, it takes just a few minutes to make and stores beautifully, so you can keep a jar on hand for easy weeknight meals and cozy weekend cooking.

It also pairs perfectly with many of your favorite Cozy Home Recipes dishes. Try it over Crispy Birria Tacos, Awesome Blossom Onion Bites, Juicy Homemade Meatballs, or even spooned onto warm Garlic Parmesan Bubble Bread for a spicy-sweet twist. For chicken lovers, it’s incredible with Honey Garlic Chicken, Chicken Tinga Tostadas, or a comforting bowl of Chicken Tortilla Soup.

Why You’ll Love This

Sweet honey balanced with a gentle, spicy kick
Simple, customizable recipe you can adjust to your heat preference
Easy to make with minimal ingredients
Perfect for drizzling on pizza, chicken, biscuits, vegetables, or cheese

Recipe Card

Prep Time: 2 minutes Cook Time: 5 minutes Makes: 1 cup

Ingredients

1 cup honey
1–2 tbsp red pepper flakes (adjust to heat level)
1 tsp apple cider vinegar (optional but recommended for balance)
Pinch of salt

Instructions

Warm the Honey: Add honey to a small saucepan over low heat. Do not boil — just gently warm it.
Add the Heat: Stir in red pepper flakes and a pinch of salt. Let it gently heat for 3–5 minutes to infuse the flavor.
Optional Brightness: Remove from heat and stir in apple cider vinegar for a subtle tang that elevates the whole recipe.
Cool & Store: Let it cool slightly, then strain if you want a smooth hot honey. Leave the flakes in if you prefer extra heat. Store in a jar for up to 3 months.

Tips

For extra heat: add a pinch of cayenne or a few slices of fresh jalapeño.
For a smoky version: add ½ tsp smoked paprika.
Want a thicker drizzle? Don’t heat it too much — keeping it warm maintains a pourable consistency.

Hot Honey FAQ

What is hot honey made of?

Hot honey is simply honey infused with chili heat — usually red pepper flakes — plus optional ingredients like vinegar or spices to add balance and depth.

How spicy is hot honey?

You control the heat. Using 1 tablespoon of red pepper flakes gives a mild kick, while 2 tablespoons or more makes it noticeably spicier. You can also add cayenne for extra heat.

Can I make hot honey without vinegar?

Yes! Vinegar is optional. It adds a slight tang that brightens the sweetness, but the honey will still taste amazing without it.

How long does homemade hot honey last?

When stored in a clean jar at room temperature, it lasts up to 3 months. Always use clean utensils to prevent contamination.

Do I need to strain the pepper flakes?

It’s completely optional. Straining gives you a smooth drizzle, while keeping the flakes makes it spicier and more rustic.

Can I use fresh peppers instead of flakes?

Yes — sliced jalapeños, habaneros, or Fresno peppers work beautifully. Just warm them gently in the honey and strain before storing.

Can I microwave the honey instead of heating it on the stove?

You can, but use short intervals and low power to avoid overheating. Honey should never boil or burn.

What foods taste best with hot honey?

It pairs well with Southern Fried Chicken, pizza, roasted veggies, Southern Style Biscuits, Classic Southern Cornbread, wings, breaded appetizers like Fried Zucchini Chips, and even breakfast dishes.

Final Thoughts

Hot honey is one of those simple kitchen staples that instantly elevates everyday meals. With just a few ingredients, you get a sweet-spicy drizzle that adds depth, warmth, and a little excitement to everything from pizza and chicken to biscuits and roasted vegetables. It’s easy to customize, easy to store, and surprisingly versatile.

Once you have a jar on hand, you’ll find yourself reaching for it again and again. Whether you like it mildly warm or boldly spicy, homemade hot honey is a small upgrade that makes a big flavor impact — and it’s one of those recipes that always feels worth making from scratch.