Hot Honey BBQ Sauce – The Best Sweet & Spicy Recipe (2025)

If you’re a fan of sweet and spicy flavors, then you’re about to fall in love with hot honey BBQ sauce. This bold and zesty twist on traditional barbecue sauce has taken kitchens by storm blending the sticky sweetness of honey with a fiery kick from hot sauce. Whether you’re glazing wings, slathering ribs, or drizzling it over pizza, hot honey BBQ sauce delivers a flavor punch that’s impossible to resist.

In this ultimate guide, you’ll learn what makes this sauce so special, how to make it at home, the best store-bought versions, and creative ways to use it in your favorite dishes. We’ll even dive into popular regional variations like Nashville hot honey BBQ and give you pro tips for customizing the heat to your taste.

Learn more about spicy dinner ideas in our Marry Me Chicken Pasta recipe.

Let’s heat things up!

What Is Hot Honey BBQ Sauce

Definition and Flavor Profile

Hot honey BBQ sauce is a hybrid condiment that blends three core flavor profiles sweet, spicy, and smoky. It typically combines honey, your favorite BBQ base (ketchup, vinegar, or tomato paste), and a hot sauce such as Frank’s Red Hot or a pepper-infused chili oil. The result is a rich, sticky, and versatile sauce that clings beautifully to grilled meats, roasted vegetables, and even fried foods.

Its appeal lies in the balance: not too sweet, not too hot just the right amount of burn with every bite. You can easily tweak the spice level using hot sauce types like honey badger hot sauce (super hot) or milder Louisiana-style sauces.

How It Differs from Regular BBQ Sauce

While classic BBQ sauce focuses more on smokiness and tang, hot honey BBQ sauce leans into the sweet heat trend. Here’s how they compare:

This flavor-forward sauce is gaining popularity thanks to viral food trends and restaurants like Sweetgreen using hot honey mustard sauce in their bowls. It’s also become a staple in dishes like hot honey garlic wing sauce or hot honey pasta sauce.

Popularity Across the U.S. (Nashville, Louisiana, Savannah)

Regional variations have helped propel hot honey BBQ sauce into the mainstream. Here’s a quick taste tour:

• Nashville Hot Honey Sauce: Infuses cayenne heat and buttery richness, often served with fried chicken.
• Louisiana Honey Hot Sauce: Blends vinegar-based hot sauce with local wildflower honey.
• Savannah Bee Hot Sauce: Combines floral Savannah bee honey with smoky chilies and garlic.

Each city brings its own flair to this flavorful favorite, making it adaptable and endlessly customizable. You’ll find recipes ranging from frank’s honey hot sauce to red hot honey garlic sauce, with variations in every heat level.

Hot Honey BBQ Sauce – The Best Sweet & Spicy Recipe (2025)

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• Author: Lauren Saunders
• Total Time: 20 mins
• Yield: 1.5 cups 1x

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Description

A bold and sweet hot honey BBQ sauce made with honey, hot sauce, and smoky spices, perfect for wings, ribs, pizza, and more.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

1 cup ketchup

½ cup honey

⅓ cup apple cider vinegar

2 tbsp hot sauce (Frank’s, Honey Badger, or Louisiana)

1 tbsp Dijon mustard

1 tsp garlic powder

1 tsp smoked paprika

1 tsp onion powder

½ tsp ground black pepper

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Instructions

1. Combine ketchup, honey, and vinegar in a saucepan over medium heat.

2. Add hot sauce, mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and pepper.

3. Stir well and bring to a simmer.

4. Cook for 10–15 minutes until sauce thickens slightly.

5. Remove from heat and let it cool.

6. Transfer to a jar or bottle and store in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.

Notes

Use more hot sauce for a spicier kick, or reduce it for a milder sauce.

Add roasted garlic, chipotle peppers, or lemon zest for flavorful variations.

Try this sauce on grilled chicken, burgers, pizza, roasted veggies, and more.

• Prep Time: 5 mins
• Cook Time: 15 mins
• Category: Sauce
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 2 tablespoons
• Calories: 80
• Sugar: 12g
• Sodium: 180mg
• Fat: 1.5g
• Saturated Fat: 0.5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 1g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 16g
• Fiber: 0g
• Protein: 0g
• Cholesterol: 0mg

Key Ingredients in Hot Honey BBQ Sauce

The Role of Honey: Sweetener, Glaze & Texture

Honey is the star of the show in hot honey BBQ sauce. Not only does it add natural sweetness, but it also plays a critical role in creating a glossy texture that sticks perfectly to wings, ribs, and even pizza crust.

Depending on your flavor preference, you can use:

• Raw local honey for earthy notes
• Clover honey for a light and neutral base
• Savannah Bee honey for a floral southern twist
• Spicy infused honey for added kick

Honey also acts as a caramelizing agent when grilled or baked, giving your meats a sticky, crave-worthy glaze. If you’re watching your sugar intake, opt for a low-calorie hot honey sauce using monk fruit syrup or agave as alternatives.

Selecting Your Heat Source: From Frank’s to Honey Badger

The flavor profile of your hot honey BBQ sauce hinges on the hot sauce base. Opt for Frank’s for a tangy kick, or go with something bolder like Honey Badger if you’re after deep heat with smoky undertones. Each choice subtly shifts the balance between sweet, spicy, and savory.

Here’s a breakdown of popular choices:

Use Honey Habanero Hot Sauce for that tropical fire or go all in with Honey Badger if you’re chasing the Scoville scale. You can also mix multiple sauces to create a custom blend.

Looking for inspiration? Try this in your next pizza night with our Chicken Crust Pizza just drizzle it over for a bold, sweet-heat twist.

Additional Ingredients: Garlic, Mustard, Lemon, Chipotle

While honey and hot sauce form the base, these supporting ingredients elevate the flavor:

• Garlic: Roasted or minced garlic adds depth; consider a hot honey garlic sauce variation.
• Mustard: Yellow or Dijon gives it that Sweetgreen-style tangy touch.
• Lemon Juice or Zest: Balances the sweet and heat with brightness.
• Chipotle Peppers: Smoky heat that pairs beautifully with BBQ meats.
• Butter (Optional, but Game-Changing):
  Swirling in a knob of butter right at the end can mellow the heat and create a silkier texture especially useful in hot honey garlic wing sauce where balance is everything. It’s optional, but your taste buds might vote yes.

Here’s a quick view of ingredient customization:

Discover great ideas like our Air Fryer Fish Taco Recipe that pairs beautifully with a side of spicy dipping sauce!

Pro Tip:

Try blending hot honey mustard sauce by adding equal parts Dijon mustard and honey hot sauce it makes the perfect dip for chicken tenders, fries, or roasted veggies.

Step-by-Step Hot Honey BBQ Sauce Recipe

Simple Homemade Hot Honey BBQ Sauce Recipe (Stovetop or Blender)

Making your own hot honey BBQ sauce at home is fast, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying. Forget the bottled stuff — this homemade version is thicker, spicier, and fully customizable to your heat tolerance.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup ketchup
• ½ cup honey (raw, wildflower, or Savannah Bee)
• ⅓ cup apple cider vinegar
• 2 tablespoons hot sauce (Frank’s Red Hot, Honey Badger, or Louisiana)
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
• Optional Add-Ins:
  • tablespoon butter: enhances body and gives the sauce a velvety finish
  • teaspoon lemon zest: brightens and balances the sweetness

Instructions:

1. Warm the base: In a small saucepan over medium heat, whisk together ketchup, honey, and vinegar until smooth and gently bubbling.
2. Build the heat: Whisk in your chosen hot sauce along with mustard, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder to deepen the flavor profile. Let it simmer for 2–3 minutes to deepen the flavor.
3. Simmer and stir: Bring the sauce to a low simmer and let it bubble for 10–15 minutes, stirring often. This allows the hot honey BBQ sauce to thicken and flavors to blend.
4. Customize the heat: Add more hot sauce if you want it spicier or a touch of brown sugar for extra sweetness.
5. Cool and store: Let the sauce cool, then transfer to a glass jar. Refrigerate in a sealed jar this hot honey BBQ sauce stays fresh and flavorful for up to 14 days.

This base recipe works beautifully with wings, ribs, pizza, and more. You can even use it as a hot honey dipping sauce or toss it with fries and roasted veggies.

Check out our Spinach Cottage Cheese Pasta for a light, protein-packed dish that pairs great with a spicy-sweet drizzle!

Optional Add-ins for Bold Flavor Variations

Want to go beyond the basics? You can tweak this hot honey BBQ sauce recipe in dozens of ways. Here are some flavorful variations:

🔥 Honey Habanero BBQ Sauce

For serious spice lovers, stir in ½ teaspoon of habanero powder or mince one fresh habanero for a bold, fiery kick. This kicks your hot honey BBQ sauce into fiery territory.

Chipotle Honey Hot BBQ

Blend in 1 tablespoon of canned chipotle peppers in adobo sauce for that smoky heat.

Hot Honey Lemon Pepper Sauce

Add 1 tsp lemon zest + ½ tsp ground pepper for a zesty wing-friendly version.

Garlic Lovers’ Hot Honey BBQ

Double the garlic powder or use roasted garlic for bold flavor — perfect for wings and pork.

Tips for Consistency and Storage

• Thicker Sauce? Simmer longer or add a small amount of cornstarch slurry.
• Runny Sauce? Reduce the vinegar and hot sauce quantities slightly.
• Storage: Use an airtight jar. Shake before each use honey settles at the bottom.

This is one of the best hot honey BBQ sauce recipes because it’s flexible and fast done in under 20 minutes with pantry staples. You can also make a mild hot honey sauce for family-friendly meals, or turn up the heat for a true BBQ showdown.

Looking for inspiration? Try our Carrot Ribbon Salad as a fresh, cooling side for spicy barbecue meals.

Quick Recap:

Hot Honey BBQ Sauce Variations

Nashville Hot Honey BBQ Sauce

Nashville is famous for heat and Nashville hot honey BBQ sauce is a fiery twist you’ll want to slather on everything. This Southern-style sauce leans into bold cayenne pepper, chili powder, and hot oil. It’s ideal for crispy fried chicken, BBQ thighs, or roasted cauliflower bites.

Key Ingredients:

• 1 tbsp cayenne pepper
• ½ cup hot oil or melted butter
• 1 tbsp brown sugar
• ¼ cup honey
• 1 tsp paprika
• Pinch of garlic powder and black pepper

Add this spicy blend to your base hot honey BBQ sauce recipe for a Tennessee-worthy flavor explosion. The mix of sugar and fat helps coat the chicken while retaining that signature sticky heat.

Hot Honey Garlic Wing Sauce

Want to make the ultimate wing night at home? This variation of hot honey BBQ sauce turns up the garlic making it perfect for wings, grilled drumsticks, or meatballs.

Garlic Wing Sauce Recipe:

• ½ cup hot honey BBQ sauce (base recipe)
• 1 tbsp butter
• 1 tbsp minced or roasted garlic
• ½ tsp chili flakes (optional)

Simmer everything in a skillet for 5–6 minutes until butter is melted and the garlic becomes aromatic. Toss with wings fresh out of the fryer or air fryer.

Don’t miss our savory Cottage Cheese Pizza Crust – perfect with hot honey drizzle!

Sweetgreen Hot Honey Mustard Sauce Copycat

Craving that Sweetgreen bowl sauce at home? Recreate the hot honey mustard sauce Sweetgreen is known for with this clean, creamy version.

Ingredients:

• 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
• 2 tbsp honey
• 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• Dash of hot sauce (Frank’s or Sriracha)

Whisk until creamy. Add this to a base of hot honey BBQ sauce to create a spicy-sweet, health-conscious dressing for salads or grain bowls.

Louisiana Honey Hot Sauce Twist

This Creole-style hot honey BBQ sauce incorporates the vinegary bite of Louisiana hot sauce, making it a go-to for grilled shrimp, BBQ chicken thighs, or roasted potatoes.

Flavor Profile:

• Tangy
• Spicy
• Balanced with honey sweetness

Simply replace your hot sauce base with Louisiana-style and use cane sugar or molasses to bring out the regional depth. You can even add Worcestershire sauce or creole mustard to spice it up.

Discover great ideas like our Air Fryer Fish Taco Recipe which pairs perfectly with Louisiana-style hot honey drizzle.

Other Popular Variations You Can Try

These versions allow you to cater the spice level, sweetness, and smokiness to your personal taste or the dish you’re serving.

Looking for inspiration? Try our tangy and light Carrot Ribbon Salad alongside spicy honey BBQ chicken for a flavor balance!

Pro Flavor Tip:

When making different styles of hot honey BBQ sauce, use a base batch and divide it into portions. Then experiment with add-ins like garlic, mustard, habanero, or chipotle to create a DIY hot honey sauce bar for your next backyard BBQ.

How to Use Hot Honey BBQ Sauce

On Chicken Wings and Ribs

Let’s start with the obvious hot honey BBQ sauce was practically made for wings and ribs. Its perfect mix of heat and sweetness clings to crispy skin and smoky meats like a dream.

Best Ways to Use:

• Baked or Air-Fried Chicken Wings: Toss wings in hot honey BBQ while they’re still sizzling for that lacquered finish.
• Slow-Cooked Ribs: Brush on the sauce during the last 30 minutes of cooking to let it caramelize and form a sticky crust.
• BBQ Chicken Drumsticks: Grill and glaze for a finger-lickin’ spicy-sweet meal.

Want a twist? Make hot honey garlic wing sauce by adding extra roasted garlic and butter to your base recipe.

Pizza and Pasta Sauces

Yes, you can absolutely use hot honey BBQ sauce beyond meat. Pizza and pasta lovers, listen up.

Hot Honey Pizza Sauce:

• Swap traditional tomato sauce for a slick of hot honey BBQ to give your pizza a bold, sweet-heat base.
• Top with mozzarella, bacon, jalapeños, and red onion.
• Drizzle extra hot honey on top after baking for that restaurant-style finish.

Hot Honey Pasta Sauce:

• Stir a few tablespoons into creamy alfredo or tomato sauce.
• Serve with grilled chicken or roasted veggies for a sweet-heat kick.

Don’t miss our gooey Spinach Cottage Cheese Pasta try it with a hot honey BBQ swirl!

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As a Dipping Sauce: Fries, Nuggets, Veggies

Need a bold dip to level up your snack game? Transform your homemade hot honey BBQ into a bold dipping sauce perfect for chicken tenders, roasted veggies, or even air-fried cauliflower bites.

Quick Ideas:

• Fries: Mix with mayo or sour cream for a spicy aioli.
• Chicken Nuggets: Perfect pairing for breaded or grilled tenders.
• Roasted Vegetables: Dip roasted carrots, Brussels sprouts, or cauliflower in hot honey for a satisfying contrast.

Bonus: For game day, serve a hot honey mustard sauce variation alongside buffalo cauliflower or chicken sliders.

Sandwiches and Burgers Glaze

Burgers and BBQ sandwiches come alive with a generous slather of hot honey BBQ sauce.

Try These Combos:

• Pulled Pork Sandwich: Toss shredded pork in hot honey sauce and top with slaw.
• Smash Burgers: Replace ketchup with hot honey BBQ for a fiery finish.
• Fried Chicken Sandwich: Drizzle on the sauce before the top bun hits.

Pair with pickles and coleslaw to balance the heat and add crunch.

Looking for a lighter side dish? Try our Cottage Cheese Pizza Crust topped with grilled veggies and hot honey drizzle.

Creative Uses for Hot Honey BBQ Sauce

Bonus Tip: Make a Hot Honey Rub

Turn your hot honey BBQ sauce into a glaze + rub combo. Mix 2 tbsp of the sauce with 1 tbsp of olive oil, 1 tsp smoked paprika, and a pinch of salt. Brush it over chicken, tofu, or shrimp before baking or grilling.

Hot Honey BBQ Sauce vs. Other Sauces

BBQ vs. Hot Sauce vs. Honey Glazes

Ever looked at your fridge door and wondered what makes hot honey BBQ sauce different from the rest? Here’s how it stacks up against the classics:

Traditional BBQ Sauce

Rooted in a tomato-rich base, traditional BBQ sauce builds flavor through smoky depth, molasses sweetness, and a sharp vinegar tang. It’s made to cling perfect for coating ribs, pulled pork, or grilled burgers.

Classic Hot Sauce

Hot sauce plays a different game: it’s thin, vinegar-forward, and all about heat delivery. Rather than coating food, it cuts through with a fiery edge great for drizzling but not for layering flavor.

Honey Glazes

Honey glazes are sweet, sticky, and usually used during the last few minutes of grilling. They lack depth and heat unless paired with spices or peppers.

Now, hot honey BBQ sauce is the best of all worlds smoky, sweet, spicy, and clingy. It hits every flavor note and texture requirement with just a handful of pantry ingredients.

Comparison Table: Frank’s Red Hot, Rib Rack, Kinders, Wingstop

Here’s how some store-bought and restaurant-style sauces stack up against homemade hot honey BBQ sauce:

By making your own hot honey BBQ sauce, you gain full control over heat, sugar, and ingredients no preservatives or mystery flavors.

Flavor Pairing with Proteins and Sides

This sauce is more versatile than you think. Whether you’re firing up the grill or prepping a weeknight dinner, here’s how to pair hot honey BBQ sauce:

Best Proteins:

• Chicken (grilled, baked, fried)
• Ribs (pork or beef)
• Tofu or Tempeh
• Shrimp or Salmon
• Burgers or Sandwich Meat

Best Sides:

• Cornbread with a drizzle of hot honey
• Mac and cheese with a BBQ swirl
• Sweet potato fries dipped in the sauce
• Pickled onions to balance the sweetness
• Roasted broccoli or cauliflower

Learn more about balanced meals with spicy notes in our Carrot Ribbon Salad — the freshness pairs beautifully with hot honey heat.

Sweet or Spicy? You Can Have Both.

The reason hot honey BBQ sauce has become so popular is that it doesn’t force you to choose between sweet or spicy. You can:

• Dial it up with more hot sauce or habanero
• Soften the spice by stirring in more honey or enriching the mix with a bit of butter.
• Add complexity with garlic, mustard, or lemon

Whether you’re team sweet, team spicy, or team “give me everything,” this sauce flexes to match your vibe.

Store-Bought vs. Homemade Hot Honey BBQ Sauce

Pros and Cons: Homemade vs. Bottled

Buying a bottle of hot honey BBQ sauce at your local grocery store is quick and easy but does it deliver on flavor and value? Let’s compare.

Homemade Hot Honey BBQ Sauce

Pros:

• Fully customizable (heat, sweet, thickness)
• Made with fresh, clean ingredients
• No artificial preservatives or added sugar
• Budget-friendly per serving

Cons:

• Slight learning curve (especially balancing spice and sweetness)
• Requires 15–20 minutes of prep and cooking
• Needs refrigeration after making

Store-Bought Hot Honey BBQ Sauce

Pros:

• Convenient, grab and go
• Consistent flavor (great for batch cooking)
• Long shelf life

Cons:

• Often loaded with sugar, salt, and preservatives
• Limited control over heat level or thickness
• Pricier over time

For the best of both worlds, try doctoring a store-bought version (like Kinders or Rib Rack) by mixing in garlic, chipotle, or extra hot sauce to suit your taste.

Scoville Heat Levels Breakdown (Honey Badger vs. Frank’s)

If you’re chasing that perfect burn, knowing the Scoville scale can help you pick the right sauce or adjust your homemade version.

This breakdown shows why homemade hot honey BBQ sauce is so powerful — you can dial in your ideal level of heat and flavor.

Low-Calorie and DIY Alternatives

Looking for a cleaner version of hot honey BBQ sauce that fits your health goals? Try this low-calorie DIY version:

Light & Spicy Recipe:

• ½ cup unsweetened ketchup
• 2 tablespoons honey (or monk fruit syrup)
• 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• 1 tbsp hot sauce
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

This version is lower in sugar and calories but still hits the sweet heat combo you crave. It’s perfect for:

• Meal prep
• Weight-loss plans
• Clean eating challenges

You can also use this in wraps, veggie bowls, or as a glaze for lean proteins like grilled shrimp or baked tofu.

Don’t miss our Protein Coffee Recipe for a high-protein start to pair with your hot honey-inspired lunch ideas!

Why Homemade Wins (Almost) Every Time

At the end of the day, nothing beats homemade when it comes to hot honey BBQ sauce. It’s fresh, adaptable, and absolutely bursting with bold flavor. Plus, you can scale up batches, bottle them, and even gift jars to fellow food lovers.

Want that Sweetgreen tang? Add mustard. Prefer smoky heat? Stir in chipotle. Like it fiery? Bring in the habanero.

Homemade sauce = your sauce, your rules.

Best Pairings: Meats, Roasted Veggies, Breakfast Ideas

The beauty of hot honey BBQ sauce is how adaptable it is. It’s not just for wings or ribs you can literally put it on breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Best Protein Pairings:

• Grilled chicken thighs or wings
• BBQ pulled pork or brisket
• Air-fried tofu or tempeh
• Seared salmon or shrimp
• Breakfast sausage or fried eggs

Best Veggie Pairings:

• Roasted sweet potatoes, Brussels sprouts, or carrots
• Grilled zucchini or eggplant
• Charred corn on the cob with a hot honey drizzle

Don’t miss our Cottage Cheese Protein Bagels, they’re perfect with eggs, bacon, and a swipe of hot honey BBQ sauce for a spicy morning boost.

Breakfast Ideas:

• Drizzle over chicken and waffles
• Add to your avocado toast with chili flakes
• Mix into scrambled eggs or serve on breakfast burritos

Nutritional Breakdown and Calories (per 2 tbsp serving)

Keep in mind that store-bought versions may contain more sugar, sodium, or preservatives. That’s why DIY sauce is a better choice for clean eaters or those tracking macros.

Looking for lighter fare? Try our Carrot Ribbon Salad with a spicy-sweet drizzle to keep things fresh and vibrant.

Final Take: Why Homemade Hot Honey BBQ Sauce Wins

Let’s recap why this flavor-packed sauce is taking over kitchens and grills across America:

✅ Customizable Heat & Sweetness
✅ No Preservatives or Artificial Ingredients
✅ Budget-Friendly and Easy to Make
✅ Perfect for Wings, Pizza, Tacos, Sandwiches, and More
✅ Pairs with Everything from Ribs to Roasted Veggies

Hot honey BBQ sauce isn’t just a trend it’s your new go-to condiment. Whether you want to turn up the heat with habanero or keep it mild for weeknight meals, this sauce adapts to every taste bud and occasion.

Don’t miss our Chicken Crust Pizza a low-carb, high-protein base that’s screaming for a hot honey BBQ drizzle!

Common Questions About Hot Honey BBQ Sauce (FAQ)