Out of Hot honey, one case
Substitute for hot honey
6 options, ranked, with the exact amount
Use Honey + cayenne pepper
Same amount as the hot honey
Plus ¼ tsp cayenne per cup
The best substitutes for hot honey are honey with cayenne pepper, sriracha with honey, or chili oil with honey. Use 1:1 ratio for most substitutes, adjusting spice level based on your preference and recipe requirements.
- Best for —
- pizza
One casethe full hot honey card
Every option, one card
Ranked| # | Substitute | Instead of hot honey |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Honey + cayenne pepperpizza | Same amountPlus ¼ tsp cayenne per cup |
| 2 | Sriracha + honeypizza | Same amount |
| 3 | Chili oil + honeypizza | Same amount |
| 4 | Honey + red pepper flakespizza | Same amountPlus ½ tsp red pepper flakes per cup |
| 5 | Honey + hot saucepizza | Same amount |
| 6 | Maple syrup + cayennepizza | Same amountPlus ¼ tsp cayenne per cup |
Honey + cayenne pepper
similar sweet and spicy · similar texture
Classic combination of honey with cayenne pepper powder for sweet and spicy flavor. Easy to make and customize heat level to your preference.
- Best for
- pizza, chicken, glazes, dips, marinades, beverages, desserts
Start with ¼ tsp cayenne per cup of honey and adjust to taste. Mix well to ensure even distribution of spice throughout the honey.
Sriracha + honey
similar with garlic and tangy notes · similar texture
Combination of sriracha hot sauce with honey for sweet and spicy flavor with garlic undertones and tangy notes.
- Best for
- pizza, chicken, glazes, dips, marinades, Asian dishes, noodles
Sriracha adds garlic flavor along with heat. Mix well and adjust ratio based on desired heat level and flavor profile.
Chili oil + honey
similar with oil-based heat
Combination of chili oil with honey for sweet and spicy flavor with oil-based heat and different mouthfeel.
- Best for
- pizza, chicken, glazes, dips, Asian dishes, noodles, stir-fries
- Texture
- different due to oil content
Chili oil adds different heat profile and oiliness. Mix well and adjust ratio based on desired heat level and oil content.
Honey + red pepper flakes
similar sweet and spicy
Honey combined with red pepper flakes for sweet and spicy flavor with visible pepper pieces and different heat profile.
- Best for
- pizza, chicken, glazes, dips, marinades, beverages, salads
- Texture
- similar with visible flakes
Red pepper flakes provide different heat profile than cayenne. Use ½ tsp per cup of honey and adjust to taste.
Honey + hot sauce
similar with sauce-specific heat · similar texture
Honey combined with your favorite hot sauce for sweet and spicy flavor with the specific heat profile of your chosen sauce.
- Best for
- pizza, chicken, glazes, dips, marinades, beverages, wings
Choose hot sauce based on desired heat level and flavor profile. Mix well and adjust ratio based on heat preference and sauce intensity.
Maple syrup + cayenne
similar with maple notes · similar texture
Maple syrup combined with cayenne pepper for sweet and spicy flavor with distinctive maple undertones.
- Best for
- pizza, chicken, glazes, dips, breakfast dishes, beverages, pancakes
Maple syrup adds distinctive flavor. Use ¼ tsp cayenne per cup of maple syrup and adjust to taste.
Tips for substituting hot honey
6 tips- Hot honey adds unique sweet and spicy flavor to both sweet and savory dishes
- For pizza, drizzle hot honey over finished pizza for the best flavor combination
- Hot honey works well as a glaze for chicken, pork, and vegetables during cooking
- Mix hot honey with butter for a delicious spread or dip for bread and crackers
- Hot honey can be used in marinades for meats and vegetables to add flavor and moisture
- Store homemade hot honey substitutes in a cool, dry place for up to 6 months
Questions
7 questionsWhat's the best substitute for hot honey on pizza?
Honey with cayenne pepper or sriracha with honey work best on pizza. Drizzle over finished pizza for the best sweet and spicy flavor combination.
Can I make hot honey at home?
Yes! Mix honey with cayenne pepper, red pepper flakes, or your favorite hot sauce. Start with small amounts of spice and adjust to taste.
What's the difference between hot honey and regular honey?
Hot honey is infused with chili peppers for spicy flavor, while regular honey is just sweet. Both have similar sweetness but different heat levels.
Which hot honey substitute works best for chicken?
Honey with cayenne pepper or sriracha with honey work best for chicken. Use as a glaze during cooking or drizzle over finished chicken.
Can I use hot honey substitutes in beverages?
Yes! Hot honey substitutes work well in cocktails, tea, and other beverages. Start with small amounts and adjust to taste.
How do I adjust the heat level in hot honey substitutes?
Start with small amounts of spice (¼ tsp cayenne per cup of honey) and gradually increase until you reach your desired heat level. Taste as you go.
Are there any vegan alternatives to hot honey?
Yes! Use agave nectar or maple syrup instead of honey, then add cayenne pepper or hot sauce for the same sweet and spicy flavor.