Sweet Spicy Honey Butter (Printable)
Creamy honey butter with chili flakes and smoked paprika—sweet, smoky heat for bread, waffles, and grilled meats.
# What You'll Need:
→ Butter Mixture
01 - 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
02 - 2 tablespoons honey
03 - 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
04 - 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
05 - 1/8 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper
06 - Pinch of kosher salt
# How To Make It:
01 - Place the softened butter in a medium mixing bowl and allow it to come to a workable room temperature if still too firm.
02 - Add the honey, red pepper flakes, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, and a pinch of kosher salt to the butter.
03 - Using a spatula or hand mixer, blend all ingredients together until the mixture is smooth, creamy, and evenly combined with no visible streaks.
04 - Transfer the compound butter to a small serving bowl, or roll it into a log shape using parchment paper for slicing. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes for a firmer texture, or serve immediately at room temperature for a softer, spreadable consistency.
# Expert Hints:
01 -
- It takes five minutes and turns anything it touches into something worth savoring.
- The heat creeps in after the honey does its work, so every bite has a little surprise.
02 -
- If the butter is even slightly cold the honey will seize and you will end up with a grainous mess instead of a smooth spread.
- Tasting as you go is the only reliable way to land on the heat level that suits you because chili flakes vary wildly in intensity.
03 -
- Use the best butter you can afford because there are only six ingredients and every single one of them shows.
- Let the spread sit at room temperature for ten minutes before serving so it softens into something truly luxurious.