Hot Honey BBQ Sauce
A sweet-spicy hot honey bbq sauce you can make in about 15 minutes with pantry staples. Simmer until glossy and it’ll cling beautifully as a finishing glaze—perfect on pork (pulled, ribs, pork belly lollipops) and chicken, or as a dip/toss sauce for wings and sandwiches. Heat is fully adjustable, and the sauce keeps well for make-ahead cooks.
Equipment
- Large saucepan
- Whisk or wooden spoon
- Measuring cups & prep bowls
- Tight-lidded jar (like a mason jar)
- Blender (optional)
Ingredients
- ½ cup ketchup
- ½ cup apple cider vinegar
- ½ cup hot honey or regular honey plus 1-2 teaspoon hot sauce
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper optional, for extra heat
- 1 T butter
- Salt & black pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a saucepan, whisk together ketchup, vinegar, honey, hot sauce (if using), brown sugar, Worcestershire, and mustard. Next, stir in smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, salt, and pepper.
- Bring to a simmer over medium-low heat. Cook 10–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened and glossy. Once the sauce has reduced, turn off the heat and add in the butter, stirring until melted.
- Taste and adjust heat and flavors as needed. Use immediately or store in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to two weeks.
Notes
Uses beyond glazing: Toss wings or meatballs, brush grilled corn, or drizzle on smoked chicken sandwiches and pulled-pork sliders.