Hot Honey BBQ Sauce Recipe combines the sweetness of honey and the tangy flavours of BBQ sauce with the heat of chili peppers or hot sauce.
This Hot Honey BBQ Sauce Recipe delivers deep flavour and a kick of heat that makes meals exciting. I created this Hot Honey BBQ Sauce Recipe after seeing it used in a Southern style cooking show.
The rich colour and texture caught my attention. Inspired by that, I made my own version. Now, I’ll guide you step by step through how to make it yourself.
Hot Honey BBQ Sauce Recipe
Hot Honey BBQ Sauce Recipe brings together sweet, spicy, and tangy flavours in one bold blend. Made using hot honey, ketchup, mustard, vinegar, and spices, it creates a deep, rich taste that enhances everything it touches.
The main specialty of this Hot Honey BBQ Sauce Recipe is its kick of heat balanced with sweetness, giving it a standout flavor.
It works great as a glaze, marinade, or dip. Its homemade touch makes it more flavourful and customisation than any store bought version.
How To Prepare Hot Honey BBQ Sauce Recipe?
Recipe Overview
Preparation Time: 5 minutes
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
Difficulty: Easy
Yield: About 2 cups of BBQ sauce
Course: Sauce / Condiment
Cuisine: American (Southern-Inspired)
Equipment Needed
- Medium saucepan
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Wooden spoon or silicone spatula
- Airtight jar or container for storage
Ingredients
- ½ cup hot honey
- 1 cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon mustard
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
Instructions
1. Mix The Base:
Grab a medium-sized saucepan. Pour in the ketchup, hot honey, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, and mustard. Give it a good stir so everything’s blended.
2. Add The Flavor:
Now toss in the garlic powder, smoked paprika, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Stir again to make sure all the spices are mixed in evenly.
3. Heat It Up:
Put the pan on the stove over medium heat. Let it come to a low simmer, stirring often so nothing sticks or burns.
4. Let It Thicken:
Keep it simmering for 8 to 10 minutes. Stir every now and then. The sauce should thicken slightly and start to look nice and glossy.
5. Cool And Store:
Take it off the heat and let it cool for a bit. Once it’s no longer piping hot, pour it into a jar or container with a lid.
Note
Always store homemade sauces in clean, airtight jars. Let the sauce cool fully before refrigerating. It thickens as it chills, so I sometimes reheat a bit before serving to loosen the texture.
Nutrition Facts Per Serving
Nutrition | Amount |
---|---|
Calories | 70 |
Carbohydrates | 18g |
Sugars | 16g |
Fat | 0g |
Protein | 0g |
Sodium | 180mg |
Fiber | 0.2g |

Usage Suggestions
1. Brush over grilled chicken or ribs during the final minutes of cooking.
2. Use as a dipping sauce for crispy chicken tenders or fries.
3. Spread on burgers or sandwiches for a spicy-sweet kick.
4. Toss roasted vegetables or cauliflower in the sauce for added flavor.
5. Glaze baked meatballs or wings to give them a bold, sticky finish.
Tips And Tricks For Perfect Hot Honey BBQ Sauce Recipe
➢ Use high quality hot honey for the best balance of sweetness and heat.
➢ Simmer the sauce gently to allow flavors to meld without burning.
➢ Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to control the spice level.
➢ Stir frequently during cooking to prevent the sauce from sticking to the pan.
➢ Let the sauce cool before storing it in the refrigerator to improve thickness and flavor.
Why This Hot Honey BBQ Sauce Recipe Is The Only One You’ll Need?
This Hot Honey BBQ Sauce Recipe delivers a bold blend of sweet heat and tangy depth that stands out from other sauces.
The balance of hot honey, spices, and rich tomato flavour creates a smooth, irresistible finish. It coats grilled meats beautifully and adds a flavourful punch to sandwiches or roasted vegetables.
The ingredients are simple, and the flavour is bold and satisfying. Once tasted, it becomes the go to sauce for enhancing everyday meals and elevating special dishes effortlessly.
How To Make Hot Honey BBQ Sauce Recipe Tastier?
Enhance the flavour of Hot Honey BBQ Sauce Recipe by using fresh spices and quality hot honey. Adding a splash of smoked paprika or chipotle powder deepens the smoky notes.
Incorporate a bit of brown sugar or molasses for richer sweetness and complexity. A small amount of finely minced onion or fresh garlic can boost savoury flavours.
Letting the Hot Honey BBQ Sauce Recipe simmer longer helps ingredients blend well, creating a thicker, more intense taste that elevates any dish.
How To Store Leftovers Hot Honey BBQ Sauce Recipe?
Store leftover Hot Honey BBQ Sauce Recipe in a clean, airtight glass jar or container to maintain freshness. Allow the Hot Honey BBQ Sauce Recipe to cool completely before transferring it to the container.
Keep it refrigerated and use within two weeks for the best flavor and quality. Stir the Hot Honey BBQ Sauce Recipe before each use to ensure a smooth consistency.
For longer storage, pour into a freezer safe container and freeze for up to three months, then thaw in the refrigerator before reheating gently.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Spicy Is Hot Honey BBQ Sauce?
The heat level is moderate, combining sweetness from honey and a mild kick from red pepper flakes. Adjust the spice by adding more or less chili.
Can I Use Regular Honey Instead Of Hot Honey?
Yes, regular honey works. For heat, add a small amount of hot sauce or extra red pepper flakes.
What Dishes Go Well With This Sauce?
It pairs well with grilled chicken, ribs, burgers, roasted vegetables, or as a dipping sauce.
Can I Make This Sauce Less Sweet?
Reduce the amount of honey slightly or add a splash more vinegar to balance the sweetness.
Conclusion
Hot Honey BBQ Sauce Recipe was a fun and tasty experience, and the result turned out absolutely delicious. The process was simple, the ingredients came together smoothly, and the flavour was just right.
I hope this Hot Honey BBQ Sauce Recipe inspires you to try it in your own kitchen. It’s easy to make and worth every minute.
Give it a try soon, and once you’ve made it, let me know how flavourful and satisfying it was for you.
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Hot Honey BBQ Sauce Recipe
Equipment
- Medium saucepan
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Wooden spoon or silicone spatula
- Airtight jar or container (for storage)
Ingredients
- ½ cup hot honey
- 1 cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon mustard
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
Instructions
Mix The Base:
- Grab a medium-sized saucepan. Pour in the ketchup, hot honey, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, and mustard. Give it a good stir so everything’s blended.
Add The Flavor:
- Now toss in the garlic powder, smoked paprika, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Stir again to make sure all the spices are mixed in evenly.
Heat It Up:
- Put the pan on the stove over medium heat. Let it come to a low simmer, stirring often so nothing sticks or burns.
Let It Thicken:
- Keep it simmering for 8 to 10 minutes. Stir every now and then. The sauce should thicken slightly and start to look nice and glossy.
Cool And Store:
- Take it off the heat and let it cool for a bit. Once it’s no longer piping hot, pour it into a jar or container with a lid.
Notes
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 70 | Carbohydrates: 18g | Sugars: 16g | Fat: 0g | Protein: 0g | Sodium: 180mg | Fiber: 0.2g
“Hi, I’m Samia, a passionate recipe creator with 5 years of experience in crafting delicious, unique dishes. My love for cooking has led me to explore a variety of cuisines, combining flavors to create memorable meals for every occasion. Whether it’s a simple weeknight dinner or an elaborate feast, I believe in making every dish special. Join me on my culinary journey as I share easy-to-follow recipes and tips that will inspire your cooking and bring joy to your kitchen!”