A sweet-meets-spicy butter spread that transforms everything it touches—Hot Honey Butter is the kind of condiment I keep on hand for just about any savory dish. With only four simple ingredients and five minutes of prep time, this flavorful spread is a game-changer on warm biscuits, crispy fried chicken, roasted veggies, or even a simple slice of toast.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
3 tablespoons honey
1 to 2 teaspoons hot sauce (such as Tabasco or your favorite brand)
Pinch of salt (optional)
Directions
I add the softened butter, honey, and hot sauce to a medium bowl.
Using a whisk or hand mixer, I blend it until the texture is smooth and creamy.
I taste it and adjust the heat by adding more hot sauce if I want a bigger kick.
If I’m using unsalted butter, I may add a pinch of salt to round out the flavor.
I transfer it to a jar or ramekin and serve it right away or store it in the fridge.
Before using it from the fridge, I let it come to room temperature so it spreads easily.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes about 8 servings and takes only 5 minutes to prepare. No cooking required. Each tablespoon contains approximately 130 calories.
Variations
I sometimes add a pinch of cayenne pepper or smoked paprika for a deeper smoky heat.
For a citrusy twist, I stir in a little orange or lemon zest.
Maple syrup can replace honey for a richer sweetness with a hint of earthiness.
I like using whipped butter for a lighter, airier texture.
Adding a tiny bit of garlic powder gives it a savory edge that’s perfect for roasted veggies.
Storage/Reheating
I store my hot honey butter in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. It can also be frozen for up to 2 months—just thaw in the fridge overnight. Before serving, I let it sit at room temperature for about 15–20 minutes so it spreads easily.
FAQs
What kind of hot sauce works best for hot honey butter?
I use whatever hot sauce I love—Tabasco, Cholula, or even sriracha all work well. I pick something with a heat level I enjoy and a flavor profile that complements the honey.
Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
Yes, I’ve used salted butter before and skipped the extra pinch of salt. It adds an extra savory layer that works especially well on cornbread or fried chicken.
Is this butter good for baking into recipes?
I usually use it as a spread or finishing butter, but I’ve also stirred a spoonful into mashed sweet potatoes or melted it over grilled corn for extra flavor.
How spicy is hot honey butter?
The spice level depends entirely on how much hot sauce I add. I start with 1 teaspoon and adjust up to 2 or even 3 if I want more heat.
Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes, I substitute plant-based butter, and it still whips up beautifully. I just make sure it’s a good quality one that’s spreadable and flavorful.
Conclusion
Hot Honey Butter is one of those recipes I turn to when I want maximum flavor with minimum effort. It’s versatile, quick, and incredibly satisfying. Whether I’m spreading it on a warm biscuit or melting it over roasted vegetables, it always delivers that irresistible balance of sweet, spicy, and creamy.
Recipe:
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Hot Honey Butter
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A quick and flavorful sweet-meets-spicy butter spread made with honey, hot sauce, and butter—perfect for biscuits, fried chicken, roasted vegetables, or toast.
Ingredients
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
3 tablespoons honey
1 to 2 teaspoons hot sauce (such as Tabasco or your favorite brand)
Pinch of salt (optional)
Instructions
- Add the softened butter, honey, and hot sauce to a medium bowl.
- Using a whisk or hand mixer, blend until smooth and creamy.
- Taste and adjust the heat by adding more hot sauce if desired.
- If using unsalted butter, optionally add a pinch of salt to enhance flavor.
- Transfer the mixture to a jar or ramekin and serve immediately or refrigerate for later use.
- Before serving from the fridge, let it come to room temperature for easier spreading.
Notes
Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or smoked paprika for extra heat and smokiness.
Stir in citrus zest like orange or lemon for a fresh twist.
Swap honey with maple syrup for a richer, earthy sweetness.
Use whipped butter for a lighter texture.
Add garlic powder for a savory depth, especially good on veggies.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Condiment
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 tablespoon
- Calories: 130
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 15mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
