My kitchen often feels like the heart of our home. As a mom of three, I spend a lot of time hovering over the stove, trying to find new ways to delight my family. One rainy Saturday morning, I wanted to spruce up our standard sourdough toast.

I decided to whip together a batch of hot honey butter. The result surprised us all. My kids usually shy away from anything with a kick.

However, the creamy richness of the butter perfectly balanced the heat of the peppers. Now, this hot honey butter recipe is a permanent fixture in our refrigerator. It turns a simple piece of bread into a gourmet experience.

For me, food is more than just fuel; it is a way to show love. This recipe embodies that philosophy perfectly. It is simple, nourishing, and incredibly flavorful. Whether you are hosting a brunch or just making a quick snack, this spicy spread will definitely impress your guests.

I remember the first time I served this to my husband. He spread a thick layer of the hot honey butter onto a warm piece of cornbread. His eyes lit up immediately.

He told me it was the best thing he had tasted all year. Since then, I have experimented with different levels of heat and various types of honey. Every version of hot honey butter brings something unique to the table.

It is truly a versatile condiment that bridges the gap between sweet and savory. Furthermore, making it from scratch allows you to control the quality of every ingredient. You avoid the preservatives found in store-bought spreads.

Instead, you get a fresh, vibrant flavor that elevates every meal. I hope this hot honey butter brings as much joy to your family as it does to mine.

Why You’ll Love This Hot Honey Butter Recipe

You will absolutely adore this hot honey butter because it hits every taste bud at once. First, the creamy fat from the butter coats your tongue. Then, the floral sweetness of the honey arrives.

Finally, a gentle tingle of heat finishes the experience. This complex flavor profile makes the hot honey butter stand out from traditional spreads. Additionally, you only need four basic ingredients to make it.

Most of these items are probably already in your pantry. Therefore, you can whip up a batch whenever the craving strikes.

Another reason to love this recipe is its incredible versatility. While many people associate hot honey butter with breakfast items, it shines in savory contexts too. You can melt it over roasted vegetables or use it as a glaze for grilled meats.

Because it stores so well, you can make a large batch and keep it on hand for busy weeknights. My kids love it on their waffles, while I prefer it on roasted sweet potatoes. Truly, this hot honey butter makes everything taste a little more special.

It is a simple luxury that fits perfectly into a busy mom’s lifestyle. You get a high-end flavor without spending hours in the kitchen.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To create the best hot honey butter, you must start with high-quality ingredients. Since there are so few components, each one plays a vital role in the final flavor. I always recommend using grass-fed butter if possible.

It provides a deeper yellow color and a richer taste. Use the table below to gather your supplies before you begin mixing your hot honey butter.

hot honey butter

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

A creamy, versatile condiment that perfectly balances the rich fat of butter with the floral sweetness of honey and a gentle kick of heat. Ideal for both sweet breakfast items like sourdough toast and savory dishes like roasted vegetables or fried chicken.

• Author: Karim Benali
• Prep Time: 70 mins
• Cook Time: 0 mins
• Total Time: 70 mins
• Yield: 20 servings
• Category: Condiment
• Method: Whipping
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

1 Cup Unsalted Butter
4 Tablespoons Raw Honey
1-2 Teaspoons Hot Sauce or Chili Flakes
1/2 Teaspoon Flaky Sea Salt

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

1. Place your butter on the counter for at least an hour until it is soft enough to smash with a fork but not melted
2. Place the softened butter in a medium mixing bowl and beat with a hand mixer or a sturdy whisk until it looks light and fluffy
3. Pour the honey into the bowl and continue mixing until the honey fully integrates and a glossy, golden sheen appears
4. Add your choice of hot sauce or red pepper flakes, starting with a small amount and tasting as you go
5. Sprinkle in the flaky sea salt to balance the sweetness and heat
6. Give the mixture one last high-speed whip for thirty seconds to ensure all ingredients are evenly distributed
7. Serve immediately or wrap in parchment paper and chill to allow the flavors to meld together

Notes

Never use a microwave to soften butter as it creates hot spots that ruin the texture; grate cold butter if you are in a rush.

Wildflower or clover honey is best for a neutral base, while buckwheat honey provides a bolder, molasses-like flavor.

For a dairy-free version, use a high-quality vegan butter stick rather than an oil-based tub spread.

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks or freeze for up to three months.

If stored in the fridge, let it sit at room temperature for 20 minutes before serving to restore spreadability.

Substitutions & Variations

I understand that every family has different preferences and dietary needs. Fortunately, this hot honey butter is very adaptable. If you prefer a dairy-free version, you can substitute the butter with a high-quality vegan butter stick.

The texture will remain creamy, and the honey will still shine. However, make sure your vegan butter is firm and not an oil-based tub spread. This ensures the hot honey butter holds its shape when chilled.

For those who want to experiment with different sweeteners, maple syrup works beautifully. While it changes the flavor profile slightly, it still complements the heat. If you want a more intense spice, try adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or smoked paprika to your hot honey butter.

Smoked paprika adds a lovely earthiness that pairs well with grilled corn. Conversely, if you have young children, you might want to start with a very small amount of hot sauce. You can always add more later, but you cannot take it out. This flexibility makes the hot honey butter a favorite for families with picky eaters.

Finding the right balance of heat depends entirely on the base ingredients you choose for your spread. If you want to control the intensity of the spice from the very beginning, I recommend starting with a homemade Hot honey recipe.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Making hot honey butter is a straightforward process that requires minimal effort. Follow these steps to ensure a perfectly whipped consistency every time.

1. Soften the Butter: Place your butter on the counter for at least an hour. It needs to be soft enough to smash with a fork but not melted. If the butter melts, the hot honey butter will become oily and won’t whip correctly.
2. Cream the Base: Place the softened butter in a medium mixing bowl. Use a hand mixer or a sturdy whisk to beat the butter until it looks light and fluffy. This step incorporates air, making your hot honey butter easy to spread.
3. Add the Sweetener: Pour the honey into the bowl. Continue mixing until the honey fully integrates with the butter. You should see a glossy, golden sheen.
4. Spice it Up: Add your choice of hot sauce or red pepper flakes. Start with a small amount and taste as you go. Remember, the flavors in the hot honey butter will intensify as it sits.
5. Season: Sprinkle in the flaky sea salt. The salt acts as a bridge between the sugar and the spice. It makes the hot honey butter taste more balanced and professional.
6. Final Whip: Give the mixture one last high-speed whip for thirty seconds. This ensures all ingredients are evenly distributed throughout the hot honey butter.
7. Chill (Optional): You can serve it immediately, or you can wrap it in parchment paper and chill it. Chilling allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.

Pro Tips for Success

Achieving the perfect hot honey butter requires attention to detail. First and foremost, never use a microwave to soften your butter. Microwaves create uneven “hot spots” that melt parts of the butter.

This ruins the emulsification process. Instead, plan ahead and let the butter soften naturally. If you are in a rush, you can grate the cold butter with a cheese grater.

This creates small pieces that soften within minutes. This trick has saved my hot honey butter many times when I’ve forgotten to take the butter out early.

Another tip involves the type of honey you choose. I find that wildflower or clover honey provides the most neutral base. However, if you want a bolder hot honey butter, try buckwheat honey.

It has a dark, molasses-like flavor that stands up well to heavy spices. Furthermore, always use a high-quality sea salt. Table salt can taste too “metallic” in such a delicate recipe.

Flaky salt provides little bursts of flavor that make each bite of hot honey butter exciting. Finally, don’t be afraid to use a piping bag to serve it at parties. It looks beautiful and professional.

Ensuring your butter is at the correct temperature is a crucial step for achieving that silky, spreadable texture every time. On days when I am focusing on meal prep and nutrition, I often alternate these rich spreads with more convenient options like Protein breakfast bars.

Storage & Reheating Tips

Storing your hot honey butter correctly ensures it stays fresh and flavorful. Because butter absorbs odors from the fridge, always use an airtight container. I prefer using glass jars or wrapping the butter tightly in plastic wrap.

If you keep the hot honey butter in the refrigerator, it will stay fresh for up to two weeks. However, if you want it to last longer, you can freeze it. Wrap it in foil and place it in a freezer bag for up to three months.

When you are ready to use your stored hot honey butter, let it sit at room temperature for 20 minutes. This restores its spreadability. Avoid reheating it in the microwave, as the honey can burn and the butter will separate.

If you want a melted version for drizzling, use a double boiler method. This gentle heat keeps the hot honey butter smooth and cohesive. Consequently, you can enjoy that fresh-made taste even weeks after you first whipped it up.

What to Serve With This Recipe

The beauty of hot honey butter lies in its ability to enhance almost any dish. Traditionally, it is the perfect companion for Southern-style biscuits. The warm, flaky layers of the biscuit soak up the melted butter beautifully.

Additionally, try serving it with cornbread. The corn’s natural sweetness complements the honey perfectly. My family also loves hot honey butter on top of fluffy buttermilk pancakes. It provides a sophisticated alternative to plain maple syrup.

On the savory side, hot honey butter makes an incredible glaze for roasted carrots or Brussels sprouts. Simply toss the warm vegetables in a tablespoon of the butter before serving. It also pairs wonderfully with fried chicken.

The “hot” element in the hot honey butter mimics the flavor of Nashville hot chicken without the heavy grease. Finally, consider using it as a spread for a ham and cheese slider. The combination of salty ham and sweet-spicy butter is truly addictive. Once you start using hot honey butter, you will find endless ways to incorporate it into your meals.

Whether it is drizzled over biscuits or used as a dip for fried chicken, this spread adds a gourmet touch to any meal. For those looking to maintain a balanced diet while enjoying these flavors, consider pairing the spread with different High protein snacks for a satisfying midday treat.

FAQs

Is hot honey butter too spicy for children?

You can easily control the spice level of your hot honey butter. If you use a mild hot sauce and only a small amount, most children will find it delicious. The fat in the butter actually coats the tongue and dulls the sharpness of the heat. Therefore, it is usually much milder than eating hot sauce alone.

Can I use salted butter for this recipe?

Yes, you can use salted butter for your hot honey butter. However, if you do, omit the extra sea salt mentioned in the recipe. I prefer starting with unsalted butter so I can control the exact amount of saltiness. This ensures the hot honey butter isn’t overly salty.

How do I make the butter extra fluffy?

To get a super fluffy hot honey butter, use a stand mixer with a whisk attachment. Whisk the butter alone for three minutes before adding the honey and spices. This incorporates the maximum amount of air, resulting in a cloud-like texture.

Does hot honey butter need to be refrigerated?

While honey is shelf-stable, butter can go rancid if left out too long. I recommend keeping your hot honey butter in the refrigerator for safety. Just remember to take it out a few minutes before serving so it softens up.

Hot honey butter has quickly become a staple in modern kitchens, blending the creamy richness of dairy with the sharp heat of chili-infused sweeteners. This flavored spread relies on a stable emulsion to ensure the honey and butter do not separate, providing a consistent taste in every bite.

Nutrition Information (per serving)

This nutrition information is an estimate based on a serving size of one tablespoon of hot honey butter. Keep in mind that specific brands of butter and honey may vary slightly in their caloric content.

Enjoying a serving of hot honey butter provides a rich, satisfying addition to your meal. While it is high in healthy fats, the honey offers a quick source of natural energy. Because it is so flavorful, a little bit goes a long way.

You don’t need a lot of hot honey butter to make a big impact on your favorite dishes. I hope you enjoy crafting this simple, nourishing spread in your own kitchen!