Looking for something that'll add big flavor to your meals? This jalapeno honey recipe is your new best friend! It's an easy, two-ingredient combination that transforms everyday dishes into sweet n' spicy favorites. With just a hint of heat balanced perfectly by sweet, golden honey, you'll be drizzling this over everything!
As a Southern dietitian, I've learned two ingredients us Southerners always have on hand: fresh jalapeno peppers and sweet honey. Combining these pantry staples creates the perfect balance of sweet and spicy-transforming simple dishes into standout Southern favorites!
If you're loving this sweet and spicy kick, you've got to try it drizzled over Air Fryer Hot Honey Salmon Bites for a crispy, flavor-packed dinner, tossed into Hot Honey Chicken Salad for a little extra heat, or mixed into a Hot Honey Peach Margarita for the perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and refreshing!
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Why You'll Love This Jalapeno Honey
- Easy and Quick: Just two ingredients and minimal effort needed to make this spicy condiment!
- Versatile and Flavorful: Adds a spicy kick to everything from fried chicken to cream cheese spreads.
- Perfect Homemade Gift: A jar of homemade spicy honey makes a thoughtful gift for friends and family.
Ingredients
You only need 2 staple ingredients for this hot honey recipe!
- Jalapeño Peppers: Choose fresh jalapeno peppers with bright green, smooth skin. Leaving membranes in provides medium heat, while removing seeds keeps things mild.
- Raw Honey: Pure, local honey offers natural sweetness, balances the heat, and comes with health benefits like boosting your immune system and soothing a sore throat.
See the recipe card for the full list of ingredients and measurements.
If you love bold flavor combos like this, check out my Spicy Balsamic Glaze for a fiery twist, my Fig Balsamic Glaze for something rich and fruity, or my Raspberry Balsamic Glaze for a sweet and tangy pop.
Substitutions & Variations
Make this hot jalapeno honey your own with these easy swaps and customizations:
- Swap jalapenos for serrano peppers if you want a fiery kick, or opt for poblanos for a milder, smoky heat.
- Try maple syrup instead of honey for a deeper, caramel-like sweetness that still complements the spice.
- Add a cinnamon stick, a splash of bourbon, or even a pinch of smoked paprika to bring out richer, more complex flavors.
- Mix in red pepper flakes or a touch of cayenne for a bold, extra-spicy twist.
- A few strips of orange or lemon peel can add a bright, zesty contrast to the heat.
How to Make Jalapeno Honey
Making this jalapeño honey is simple-just follow these quick steps:
Step 1: Slice jalapeno peppers in half lengthwise, then scoop out seeds, leaving membranes for medium heat.
Step 2: Place honey and jalapenos in a saucepan over medium heat. Allow the mixture to warm until small bubbles form, stirring occasionally.
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Step 3: Once fragrant and slightly bubbly, take the mixture off the heat and let it cool completely.
Step 4: Remove the jalapeno slices and transfer the honey to a clean, airtight jar.
Storage Tips
Once the honey has infused to your desired spice level, strain out the jalapeno slices and transfer the honey to a clean, airtight glass jar. Store it in a cool, dark place at room temperature for up to three months.
If crystallization occurs, gently warm the honey by placing the jar in warm water to restore its smooth consistency.
Tips for the Best Hot Honey
For the best flavor and texture, keep these tips in mind:
- Jalapenos contain oils that can linger on your hands, so you may want to wear food safe gloves to avoid irritation.
- Removing the seeds and membranes will make the honey milder, while leaving them in adds an extra little kick.
- When warming the honey, keep it over low heat and remove it once small bubbles start to appear. Overheating can dull the natural flavors.
- The more jalapenos and longer you let the honey infuse, the deeper the spicy flavor will become.
- Always store in a sterilized, airtight mason jar to prevent contamination and extend freshness.
FAQ
Drizzle it on biscuits, cornbread, fried chicken, pizza, or even stir it into cream cheese for a quick and tasty spread.
Serrano, habanero, Thai chili, and cayenne peppers are great alternatives if you want to adjust the heat level. Poblano and Anaheim peppers offer a milder option with a smoky flavor.
Use it as a glaze for grilled meats, mix it into salad dressings, drizzle it over roasted vegetables, stir it into tea for a spicy-sweet twist, or even add it to cocktails for a spicy kick.
More Southern Favorites You'll Love!
Looking for other easy recipes like this? Try these:
Easy Hot Jalapeno Honey Recipe
Ingredients
- 1-2 jalapenos
- 1 cup honey
Instructions
- Slice jalapeno peppers in half lengthwise, then scoop out seeds, leaving membranes for medium heat.
- Place honey and jalapenos in a saucepan over medium heat. Allow the mixture to warm until small bubbles form, stirring occasionally.
- Once fragrant and slightly bubbly, take the mixture off the heat and let it cool completely.
- Remove the jalapeno slices and transfer the honey to a clean, airtight jar.
John Stukes says
I'm trying this out to add to my Texas Old Fashioned recipe.
I used 4 oz of local honey and 1/2 of a red jalapeno.
I let it bubble for a while on medium heat, then cool off.
It has a a nice little bite, not too hot...but then I eat a lot of very VERY hot peppers.
(also, I ate the jalapeno at the end... awesome!)
Jessie Winstead says
Okay that Texas Old Fashioned twist sounds amazing. Love that you used local honey and jalapeño for a little kick (and props for eating it at the end!). So glad it had just the right bite for you, thanks for sharing how you made it your own!