Is hot honey good on popcorn?

Yes, it’s a surprisingly perfect combo. The sweet notes from the honey and the subtle heat from the chili create a rich glaze that clings beautifully to popped kernels. Hot honey popcorn delivers a bold contrast that satisfies snack cravings without being overly sugary or spicy.

Is honey popcorn a thing?

Absolutely. Honey popcorn has long been enjoyed as a lighter take on traditional caramel corn. It’s sweet, sticky, and crunchy—but when you introduce heat, it transforms into hot honey popcorn, which adds a spicy edge that keeps each bite interesting and more balanced.

Why is Mike’s Hot Honey so popular?

Mike’s Hot Honey is known for its smooth blend of natural honey and mild chili pepper, offering a sweet heat that pairs well with both savory and sweet foods. It’s convenient and flavorful, but making your own hot honey allows you to adjust spice levels to your liking—especially when creating recipes like hot honey popcorn.

How do I make honey popcorn?

Start by popping plain popcorn using air or stovetop methods. In a saucepan, melt butter with honey and a touch of sugar until it forms a glaze. To turn it into hot honey popcorn, stir in crushed chili flakes or a splash of hot sauce. Pour it over the popcorn, toss quickly, and let it cool so it firms up without getting soggy.

Hot Honey Popcorn Recipe | Sweet Heat You’ll Love

Ingredients

Scale

8 cups air-popped popcorn
2 tbsp unsalted butter
1/4 cup honey
2 tbsp brown sugar
1/4 tsp red pepper flakes or 1 tsp hot sauce
1/2 tsp vanilla extract (optional)
Pinch of sea salt

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Instructions

1. Pop the popcorn using your preferred method and place it in a large mixing bowl.

2. In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter.

3. Add honey, brown sugar, and chili flakes (or hot sauce). Stir well.

4. Let the mixture simmer for 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened.

5. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract if using.

6. Drizzle the glaze over the popcorn in batches, tossing gently to coat evenly.

7. Sprinkle with a pinch of salt and let cool slightly before serving.

Notes

Let the popcorn cool before storing to avoid sogginess.
You can adjust heat levels by increasing or reducing chili.
Pairs well with apple cider or herbal tea.

Author: Jack
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Category: Snack
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian