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Hot Honey BBQ Sauce Recipe

Hot Honey BBQ Sauce Recipe

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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 12
Course: Sauce/ Condiment
Cuisine: American
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup ketchup
  • ½ cup real honey
  • ⅓ cup brown sugar packed
  • ¼ cup apple cider vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons hot honey or substitute with 1 tbsp cayenne + 1 tsp red pepper flakes
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper

Method
 

  1. Combine: In a medium saucepan, whisk together all ingredients until well blended.
  2. Heat: Bring mixture to a gentle boil over medium heat.
  3. Simmer: Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until sauce thickens slightly.
  4. Cool & Store: Let cool, then pour into a glass jar. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 weeks.

Notes

  • Use real honey: Cheap honey blends don’t give the same smooth sweetness or texture.
  • Thickness improves as it cools: Don’t over-reduce while it’s hot — it thickens after cooling.
  • Adjust the heat: Start mild; you can always stir in more hot honey or cayenne later.
  • Flavor develops overnight: For deeper flavor, refrigerate overnight before using.