11 Spicy Hot Honey Recipes for Sweet Heat Lovers

Hot honey brings the perfect balance of sweet and spicy to any dish. This golden condiment transforms ordinary meals into exciting flavor adventures.

These eleven recipes showcase hot honey’s versatility, from appetizers to main courses. Each dish delivers that irresistible combination of heat and sweetness.

01. Spicy Honey Glazed Grilled Shrimp

Succulent shrimp get a sweet and spicy makeover with hot honey glaze. This quick appetizer brings restaurant-quality flavors to your backyard grill.

Ingredients: 2 pounds large shrimp (peeled and deveined), 3 tablespoons hot honey, 2 tablespoons olive oil, 2 tablespoons lime juice, 1 tablespoon Sriracha sauce, 2 cloves garlic (minced), 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, salt and pepper to taste.

How To Make Spicy Honey Glazed Grilled Shrimp

1. Pat shrimp completely dry with paper towels and season generously with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika. Thread onto metal skewers, leaving small spaces between each piece for even cooking.

2. Whisk together hot honey, olive oil, lime juice, Sriracha, and minced garlic in a small bowl until smooth. Reserve half of this mixture for serving and use the other half for basting.

3. Preheat grill to medium-high heat and oil the grates well. Grill shrimp for 2-3 minutes per side, basting with the honey mixture during the last minute of cooking until they turn pink and slightly caramelized.

4. Remove from grill and immediately drizzle with reserved honey mixture. Serve hot with lime wedges and extra hot honey on the side for those who want more heat.

02. Crispy Smashed Beets with Goat Cheese

Tender beets get smashed and crisped under the broiler with creamy goat cheese. Hot honey adds the perfect spicy-sweet finish to this colorful side dish.

Ingredients: 2 pounds small red beets (trimmed), 4 ounces goat cheese (softened), 3 tablespoons hot honey, 2 tablespoons olive oil, 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar, 2 teaspoons fresh thyme leaves, salt and pepper to taste.

How To Make Crispy Smashed Beets with Goat Cheese

1. Place whole beets in a large pot and cover with water by 2 inches. Add a splash of balsamic vinegar and bring to a boil. Cook for 30-40 minutes until fork-tender, then drain and let cool slightly.

2. Preheat broiler and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Gently smash each beet with the bottom of a glass or small plate until flattened but still holding together.

3. Brush smashed beets with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Broil for 8-10 minutes until edges start crisping and caramelizing.

4. Remove from oven and immediately dot with small spoonfuls of goat cheese. Return to broiler for 2-3 minutes until cheese is lightly golden.

5. Drizzle with hot honey, sprinkle with fresh thyme, and serve warm as an elegant side dish that pairs beautifully with grilled meats or roasted chicken.

03. Creamy Whipped Feta with Pomegranate

Silky whipped feta gets topped with jewel-like pomegranate seeds and crunchy pistachios. Hot honey brings sweet heat to this stunning party appetizer.

Ingredients: 8 ounces feta cheese (room temperature), 4 ounces cream cheese (softened), 2 tablespoons olive oil, 1/2 cup pomegranate seeds, 1/3 cup shelled pistachios (chopped), 3 tablespoons hot honey, crackers or pita chips for serving.

How To Make Creamy Whipped Feta with Pomegranate

1. Add feta cheese and cream cheese to a food processor and pulse several times to break up the feta. Scrape down sides and process continuously for 2-3 minutes until completely smooth and ribbons start forming.

2. With processor running, slowly drizzle in olive oil until mixture becomes light and fluffy. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed, though feta usually provides enough salt.

3. Transfer whipped feta to a serving bowl and use the back of a spoon to create a shallow well in the center. This creates space for the toppings to nestle beautifully.

4. Sprinkle pomegranate seeds and chopped pistachios over the surface, then drizzle generously with hot honey. Serve immediately with warm pita chips or crackers for the best texture contrast.

04. Baked Cheesy Zucchini with Hot Honey

Thick zucchini slices get loaded with melted cheese and finished with hot honey drizzle. This simple side dish transforms summer squash into something special.

Ingredients: 3 large zucchini, 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese, 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, 3 tablespoons hot honey, 2 tablespoons olive oil, 1 teaspoon dried oregano, salt and pepper to taste.

How To Make Baked Cheesy Zucchini with Hot Honey

1. Preheat oven to 425°F and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. Slice zucchini diagonally into 1-inch thick pieces to maximize surface area for the cheese topping.

2. Arrange zucchini slices on the baking sheet in a single layer, making sure they don’t overlap. Brush both sides with olive oil and season generously with salt, pepper, and oregano.

3. Bake for 15-18 minutes until zucchini is tender and lightly golden around the edges. Remove from oven and top each slice with a mixture of feta and mozzarella cheeses.

4. Return to oven and bake for another 5-7 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly. Switch to broiler for the last 2 minutes if you want golden, crispy cheese edges.

5. Remove from oven and immediately drizzle with hot honey while the cheese is still bubbling. The heat will help the honey soak in slightly for the perfect sweet and spicy finish.

05. Broiled Salmon Bites with Hot Honey

Bite-sized salmon pieces get broiled until crispy and glazed with hot honey. These elegant appetizers disappear quickly at any gathering or dinner party.

Ingredients: 1.5 pounds salmon fillet (skin removed), 4 tablespoons hot honey, 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice, 1 tablespoon soy sauce, 2 teaspoons olive oil, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, salt and pepper to taste.

How To Make Broiled Salmon Bites with Hot Honey

1. Cut salmon into 1-inch cubes, removing any remaining bones with tweezers. Pat pieces completely dry and arrange on a parchment-lined baking sheet with space between each piece.

2. Whisk together hot honey, lemon juice, soy sauce, olive oil, and garlic powder in a small bowl. This glaze will caramelize beautifully under the broiler’s high heat.

3. Preheat broiler and position rack 4 inches from heat source. Season salmon cubes with salt and pepper, then brush lightly with half the honey mixture.

4. Broil for 4-5 minutes until salmon is cooked through and edges are lightly caramelized. Brush with remaining glaze and broil for another 1-2 minutes until glossy.

5. Transfer to serving platter and provide toothpicks for easy eating. These work beautifully served over rice or mixed greens for a complete meal.

06. Roasted Parmesan Carrots with Hot Honey

Baby carrots get roasted until caramelized and topped with crispy Parmesan. Hot honey adds the perfect sweet heat to this irresistible side dish.

Ingredients: 2 pounds baby carrots (trimmed), 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, 3 tablespoons hot honey, 3 tablespoons olive oil, 2 teaspoons fresh thyme leaves, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, salt and pepper to taste.

How To Make Roasted Parmesan Carrots with Hot Honey

1. Preheat oven to 425°F and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. If using large carrots, cut them into 3-inch pieces and halve lengthwise for even cooking.

2. Toss carrots with olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a large bowl until evenly coated. Spread in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.

3. Roast for 20-25 minutes, stirring once halfway through, until carrots are tender and starting to caramelize at the edges. The natural sugars should be developing nicely.

4. Remove from oven and immediately sprinkle Parmesan cheese over the hot carrots. Return to oven for 3-4 minutes until cheese melts and forms golden crispy bits.

5. Drizzle with hot honey and sprinkle with fresh thyme leaves. Serve immediately while the cheese is still crispy and the honey is warm and fragrant.

07. Grilled Chicken and Pineapple Skewers

Juicy chicken and sweet pineapple chunks get grilled with hot honey glaze. These colorful kebabs bring tropical flavors with a spicy kick to your barbecue.

Ingredients: 2 pounds boneless chicken thighs (cut into chunks), 1 fresh pineapple (cut into chunks), 2 bell peppers (cut into squares), 1 red onion (cut into wedges), 1/4 cup hot honey, 2 tablespoons olive oil, 2 tablespoons lime juice, salt and pepper to taste.

How To Make Grilled Chicken and Pineapple Skewers

1. Soak wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning. Cut chicken into 1.5-inch pieces and season generously with salt and pepper.

2. Thread chicken, pineapple, bell peppers, and onion alternately onto skewers, leaving small gaps between pieces for even cooking. You should have about 8 skewers total.

3. Whisk together hot honey, olive oil, and lime juice in a small bowl. Reserve half for serving and use the other half for basting during grilling.

4. Preheat grill to medium heat and oil the grates well. Grill kebabs for 12-15 minutes, turning every 3-4 minutes to cook all sides evenly.

5. During the last 2 minutes of cooking, brush skewers with the honey mixture and move them frequently to prevent burning. The sugars will caramelize quickly, creating a beautiful glaze.

6. Remove from grill and drizzle with reserved honey mixture. Serve immediately with rice or grilled vegetables for a complete tropical meal.

08. Sesame-Crusted Feta Bites

Creamy feta gets coated in sesame seeds and pan-fried until golden. Hot honey drizzle creates the perfect balance of salty, nutty, and spicy flavors.

Ingredients: 8 ounces block feta cheese, 1/4 cup sesame seeds, 2 large eggs (beaten), 1/4 cup all-purpose flour, 3 tablespoons hot honey, 3 tablespoons olive oil, crackers for serving.

How To Make Sesame-Crusted Feta Bites

1. Cut feta into 1-inch cubes and pat completely dry with paper towels. Any moisture will prevent the coating from sticking properly to the cheese.

2. Set up three shallow dishes: flour in one, beaten eggs in another, and sesame seeds in the third. This assembly line makes coating the feta quick and efficient.

3. Working with one piece at a time, dredge each feta cube in flour, then dip in beaten eggs, and finally roll in sesame seeds, pressing gently to help them adhere.

4. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat until shimmering. Carefully add coated feta pieces and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown and sesame seeds are toasted.

5. Transfer to serving plate and immediately drizzle with hot honey while the feta is still warm. The contrast between the warm, crispy exterior and cool, creamy interior is absolutely divine.

09. Fresh Peach Bruschetta

Ripe peaches get paired with fresh herbs on crispy bread slices. Hot honey adds sweet heat that perfectly complements the juicy summer fruit.

Ingredients: 4 ripe peaches (diced), 1 baguette (sliced), 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves (chopped), 2 tablespoons fresh mint (chopped), 3 tablespoons hot honey, 2 tablespoons olive oil, 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar, salt to taste.

How To Make Fresh Peach Bruschetta

1. Slice baguette into 1/2-inch thick rounds and brush both sides with olive oil. Toast under broiler for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy.

2. Dice peaches into small, uniform pieces and place in a bowl. Add chopped basil, mint, and a pinch of salt, then toss gently to combine without mashing the fruit.

3. Drizzle balsamic vinegar over the peach mixture and let it sit for 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together beautifully.

4. Spoon peach mixture generously onto each toasted bread slice, making sure to get some herbs on each piece for the best flavor balance.

5. Finish each bruschetta with a drizzle of hot honey just before serving. The sweet heat pairs incredibly well with the fresh peaches and aromatic herbs.

10. Smashed Brussels Sprouts with Goat Cheese

Brussels sprouts get boiled until tender, then smashed and roasted with goat cheese. Hot honey brings sweet spice to these crispy, caramelized vegetables.

Ingredients: 2 pounds Brussels sprouts (trimmed), 4 ounces goat cheese (crumbled), 3 tablespoons hot honey, 3 tablespoons olive oil, 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary (chopped), salt and pepper to taste.

How To Make Smashed Brussels Sprouts with Goat Cheese

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to boil and add Brussels sprouts. Cook for 12-15 minutes until fork-tender but not mushy, then drain thoroughly.

2. Preheat oven to 425°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Using the bottom of a glass, gently smash each Brussels sprout to flatten while keeping it intact.

3. Arrange smashed Brussels sprouts on the baking sheet and drizzle with olive oil. Season generously with salt and pepper, then roast for 20-25 minutes until edges are crispy and golden.

4. Remove from oven and dot each Brussels sprout with crumbled goat cheese. Return to oven for 3-4 minutes until cheese is softened and lightly golden.

5. Drizzle with hot honey and sprinkle with fresh rosemary. Serve immediately while the edges are still crispy and the cheese is warm and creamy.

11. Sweet and Spicy Corn Salad

Fresh corn kernels get tossed with hot honey dressing for the perfect summer side. This colorful salad brings sweet heat to any barbecue or picnic spread.

Ingredients: 6 ears fresh corn (kernels removed), 1/4 cup hot honey, 3 tablespoons lime juice, 2 tablespoons olive oil, 1/4 cup red onion (diced), 1/4 cup fresh cilantro (chopped), 2 cups mixed greens, salt and pepper to taste.

How To Make Sweet and Spicy Corn Salad

1. Remove corn kernels from cobs using a sharp knife, working over a large bowl to catch all the kernels. You should have about 4 cups of fresh corn.

2. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add corn kernels. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until kernels are lightly charred and caramelized in spots.

3. Whisk together hot honey, lime juice, and olive oil in a small bowl until smooth. This dressing will coat the warm corn beautifully and help the flavors meld.

4. Transfer warm corn to a large bowl and immediately toss with the hot honey dressing, diced red onion, and chopped cilantro. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

5. Arrange mixed greens on serving plates and top with the dressed corn mixture. Serve warm or at room temperature as a perfect side dish for grilled meats.

Final Thoughts

These hot honey recipes prove that sweet and spicy combinations create unforgettable flavors. Each dish showcases how this simple condiment transforms ordinary ingredients into extraordinary meals.

Whether you’re hosting a party or making weeknight dinner, hot honey adds that special touch everyone will remember and crave.