Name: Hot Honey Butter
Prep time: 5 min
Total time: 5 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened; 2 tablespoons honey; 1 tablespoon hot sauce (such as Frank’s RedHot); Pinch of sea salt

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Hot honey butter is a sweet, spicy, and savory spread that comes together in just minutes with only four pantry staples. I love how this easy compound butter transforms simple dishes with a bold, rich flavor. Whether I’m spreading it on warm biscuits, slathering it over grilled meats, or melting it on roasted vegetables, it adds an irresistible kick that makes everything taste better.

Ingredients

(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened

2 tablespoons honey

1 tablespoon hot sauce (such as Frank’s RedHot or your favorite brand)

Pinch of sea salt

Directions

In a medium bowl, I add the softened butter, honey, hot sauce, and a pinch of sea salt.

I use a hand mixer or a fork to blend everything until smooth and creamy.

I taste and tweak the heat or sweetness—adding more hot sauce for spice or honey for extra sweetness.

I transfer the mixture to a small jar or container. If I want a firmer texture, I refrigerate it. For easier spreading, I serve it at room temperature.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes 8 servings and takes just 5 minutes from start to finish. No cooking required.
Calories: 105 kcal per tablespoon

Variations

Maple twist: I swap the honey for maple syrup to give it a deep, earthy sweetness.

Extra spicy: I mix in a pinch of cayenne or red pepper flakes for more heat.

Herb blend: Sometimes I stir in finely chopped rosemary or thyme to add a savory layer.

Vegan version: I use a plant-based butter and agave syrup instead of honey to keep it vegan-friendly.

Citrus zing: A splash of lemon or orange zest brightens the butter for a tangy note.

Storage/Reheating

I store my hot honey butter in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. Before serving, I let it sit at room temperature for 10–15 minutes to soften. If I need it quickly, a few seconds in the microwave (at low power) makes it spreadable again. I don’t recommend freezing, as it can change the texture.

FAQs

What’s the best hot sauce to use?

I usually reach for Frank’s RedHot because it adds heat without overwhelming the flavor. But any hot sauce I love works—whether it’s smoky, tangy, or vinegary.

Can I make this dairy-free?

Yes, I use a plant-based butter like Earth Balance, and it works beautifully. Just make sure to adjust the salt since some non-dairy butters are already salted.

How can I use hot honey butter?

I love spreading it on cornbread, pancakes, or waffles. It’s also amazing melted over roasted carrots, grilled chicken, or even steak.

Can I double the recipe?

Absolutely. I double (or even triple) the batch when I’m entertaining or prepping ahead for the week. It stores well in the fridge.

Is this too spicy for kids?

It depends on the hot sauce I use and how much I add. If I’m making it for kids, I start with just a teaspoon of mild hot sauce and adjust to taste.

Conclusion

Hot honey butter is my go-to way to elevate any meal with minimal effort. I love that it's simple, quick, and packs a flavorful punch. Whether I’m hosting brunch or just craving a sweet-spicy bite on toast, this spread never fails to impress. It's one of those little extras that make a big difference.

Recipe:

Hot Honey Butter

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Author: Cheryl
Total Time: 5 minutes
Yield: 8 servings
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Hot honey butter is a quick and flavorful compound butter made with just four ingredients—unsalted butter, honey, hot sauce, and sea salt. It delivers a perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and savory flavors, ideal for spreading on biscuits, melting over roasted vegetables, or enhancing grilled meats.

Ingredients

½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened

2 tablespoons honey

1 tablespoon hot sauce (such as Frank’s RedHot)

Pinch of sea salt

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Instructions

In a medium bowl, add the softened butter, honey, hot sauce, and a pinch of sea salt.
Use a hand mixer or a fork to blend the ingredients until smooth and creamy.
Taste and adjust the flavor by adding more hot sauce for heat or honey for sweetness.
Transfer the mixture to a small jar or container.
Refrigerate for a firmer texture, or serve at room temperature for easier spreading.