If you’re looking to elevate your barbecue game with a sweet and spicy kick, then look no further! This Hot Honey BBQ Sauce is a perfect balance of heat, sweetness, and tang.
It’s the ideal sauce to slather on your grilled meats, wings, or even roasted vegetables. I’ve crafted this recipe with a simple approach but packed it full of bold flavors that will leave your taste buds craving more.
In this post, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know to make your own batch of this incredible Hot Honey BBQ Sauce, including preparation time, ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and more.
Why You’ll Love This Hot Honey BBQ Sauce?
The combination of honey and spices is a game-changer in the BBQ world. Here’s why you’ll love making this sauce:
❖ Perfect Balance of Sweet and Heat: The honey adds a rich sweetness while the hot sauce and cayenne pepper bring a fiery kick. Together, they create a bold flavor that enhances any grilled dish.
❖ Versatile: This BBQ sauce can be used on everything from chicken wings to pork ribs and even as a dip for fries or roasted vegetables.
❖ Customizable: You can adjust the level of heat and sweetness according to your preference, making this a sauce that everyone can enjoy.
❖ Easy to Make: With minimal ingredients and a quick cook time, this recipe comes together in no time!
How To Prepare Hot Honey BBQ Sauce?
Recipe Details:
- Preparation Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Course: Condiment / Sauce
- Difficulty: Easy
- Cuisine: American / BBQ
- Calories: Approximately 100 calories per serving (based on 10 servings)
- Yield: 1 ½ cups (about 12 oz)
Kitchen Utensils
- Medium saucepan
- Measuring spoons
- Measuring cup
- Wooden spoon or whisk
- Small bowl (optional, for mixing dry ingredients)
- Storage jar or bottle (for storing the sauce)
Ingredients
- 1 cup ketchup
- ¼ cup honey (floral note)
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- ¼ cup light brown sugar
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard (enhances the flavor profile)
- 2 tbsp molasses
- 1 tbsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp celery salt
- ½ tsp chili flakes
- 1 tsp coriander
- ½ tsp ground black pepper
- 1 tsp cayenne pepper (adjust based on spice preference)
Instructions
1. Combine the Ingredients:
In a medium saucepan, combine the ketchup, honey, apple cider vinegar, light brown sugar, Dijon mustard, and molasses. Stir well to combine.
2. Add the Spices:
Add the smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, celery salt, chili flakes, coriander, ground black pepper, and cayenne pepper to the sauce mixture. Stir until everything is well incorporated.
3. Simmer:
Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the sauce to a gentle simmer. Stir occasionally to prevent burning. Allow the sauce to cook for about 10–15 minutes, or until it has thickened to your desired consistency.
4. Taste and Adjust:
Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning as needed. If you prefer more heat, add more cayenne or chili flakes. If you want more sweetness, add a bit more honey or sugar. Stir again to mix any adjustments.
5. Cool and Store:
Remove the sauce from the heat and let it cool slightly before using. If not using immediately, transfer the sauce to a jar or bottle and refrigerate. It will keep for about 1–2 weeks.
Special Notes
1. Adjust Sweetness and Heat:
The balance between sweet and spicy is key to a great BBQ sauce. If you like a sweeter sauce, you can always add more honey or brown sugar. For more heat, increase the cayenne pepper or chili flakes. Taste and adjust as you go to find your perfect balance!
2. Thickening Tip:
If your sauce doesn’t thicken to the desired consistency, let it simmer a little longer on low heat. The sugar and molasses will help the sauce thicken as it cooks, but patience is key. If needed, you can also add a small cornstarch slurry (1 tsp cornstarch mixed with 1 tbsp water) to help it thicken faster.
3. Storage and Shelf Life:
Store your Hot Honey BBQ Sauce in an airtight container or bottle in the refrigerator. It will last for about 1–2 weeks. For longer storage, consider canning it or freezing it in portions (up to 3 months), though the flavor may slightly change after freezing.
Serving Suggestions
This Hot Honey BBQ Sauce is incredibly versatile! Here are some of my favorite ways to use it:
1. Grilled Meat
Brush it over chicken, ribs, or pork during the last few minutes of grilling for a beautiful glaze that will caramelize and make your meat even more irresistible.
2. Dipping Sauce
Serve it as a dipping sauce for fries, onion rings, or crispy chicken tenders. The sweet and spicy combination is perfect for balancing out savory snacks.
3. Burger Topping
Instead of the usual ketchup, drizzle this sauce over your burgers. The sweetness from the honey paired with the heat gives the burger a unique flavor twist.
4. Veggie Grill Companion
Don’t forget about vegetables! Grill some veggies like cauliflower, sweet potatoes, or mushrooms and drizzle this BBQ sauce on top for a smoky, spicy kick.
Variations Of Hot Honey BBQ Sauce
1. Mango Hot Honey BBQ Sauce
For a tropical twist, blend in 1/4 cup of mango puree or finely chopped mango with the other ingredients. The natural sweetness of mango adds a fruity contrast that pairs perfectly with the spicy kick of the sauce.
2. Smoky Bourbon Hot Honey BBQ Sauce
Add 2 tablespoons of bourbon to the saucepan after the sauce has started to simmer. The smoky, oaky flavor from the bourbon deepens the sauce, giving it a rich, adult twist.
3. Lemon-Garlic Hot Honey BBQ Sauce
Squeeze in the juice of half a lemon and add an extra teaspoon of garlic powder for a zesty, garlicky version. The citrus brightens up the sauce, making it fresh and lively.
4. Apple Cider Hot Honey BBQ Sauce
Replace the apple cider vinegar with apple cider for a sweeter, fruitier base. The natural sweetness of the cider pairs beautifully with the honey, creating a balanced sauce that’s perfect for pork.
5. Chipotle Hot Honey BBQ Sauce
For a smokier, more robust flavor, stir in 1 tablespoon of adobo sauce from a can of chipotle peppers in adobo. This adds a smoky heat and a slight earthy undertone that pairs wonderfully with grilled meats.
FAQs About Hot Honey BBQ Sauce
Can I make this sauce in advance?
Yes! This sauce can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator. It’ll last for up to two weeks, so it’s perfect for prepping for a BBQ party.
What’s the best way to store leftover sauce?
Transfer the cooled sauce into an airtight container or mason jar and store it in the refrigerator. The sauce will thicken as it cools, so you may need to warm it up slightly before using it again.
Can I make this sauce less spicy?
Absolutely! If you prefer a milder sauce, reduce the amount of cayenne pepper or hot sauce. You can also omit the cayenne altogether if you want just a sweet BBQ sauce.
Can I use this sauce for other dishes?
Definitely! This Hot Honey BBQ Sauce is great for grilling, but it also works as a marinade for meats, a glaze for roasted vegetables, or even as a topping for burgers and sandwiches.
Conclusion
This Hot Honey BBQ Sauce recipe is the perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and tangy flavors that will make your next BBQ unforgettable.
It’s easy to make, customizable, and goes great with all your favorite grilled foods.
Give it a try and share your thoughts in the comments below! Don’t forget to bookmark this recipe for your next BBQ gathering.
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Hot Honey BBQ Sauce
Equipment
- Medium saucepan
- Measuring spoons
- Measuring cup
- Wooden spoon or whisk
- Small bowl (optional, for mixing dry ingredients)
- Storage jar or bottle (for storing the sauce)
Ingredients
- 1 cup ketchup
- ¼ cup honey floral note
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- ¼ cup light brown sugar
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard enhances the flavor profile
- 2 tbsp molasses
- 1 tbsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp celery salt
- ½ tsp chili flakes
- 1 tsp coriander
- ½ tsp ground black pepper
- 1 tsp cayenne pepper adjust based on spice preference
Instructions
Combine the Ingredients:
- In a medium saucepan, combine the ketchup, honey, apple cider vinegar, light brown sugar, Dijon mustard, and molasses. Stir well to combine.
Add the Spices:
- Add the smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, celery salt, chili flakes, coriander, ground black pepper, and cayenne pepper to the sauce mixture. Stir until everything is well incorporated.
Simmer:
- Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the sauce to a gentle simmer. Stir occasionally to prevent burning. Allow the sauce to cook for about 10–15 minutes, or until it has thickened to your desired consistency.
Taste and Adjust:
- Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning as needed. If you prefer more heat, add more cayenne or chili flakes. If you want more sweetness, add a bit more honey or sugar. Stir again to mix any adjustments.
Cool and Store:
- Remove the sauce from the heat and let it cool slightly before using. If not using immediately, transfer the sauce to a jar or bottle and refrigerate. It will keep for about 1–2 weeks.