Hot Honey Bbq Dip Recipe

Combine base ingredients

In a small saucepan over medium-low heat, add 1 cup ketchup, 2 tablespoons tomato paste, 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar, 2 tablespoons packed brown sugar, and 1 tablespoon molasses. Whisk together until smooth.

Add savory seasonings

Stir in 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce, 1 teaspoon soy sauce, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon onion powder, 1 teaspoon black pepper, and 1 teaspoon salt. Keep the heat low to prevent scorching.

Simmer

Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then reduce heat to low and cook, stirring occasionally, for 8–10 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and flavors meld. If it becomes too thick, add 1–2 teaspoons of water to loosen.

Infuse honey

While the base simmers, combine 1/2 cup honey, 1 teaspoon neutral oil, 1.5 teaspoons red pepper flakes, and 1/4 teaspoon cayenne in a small heatproof bowl or small saucepan.

Warm gently

Warm the honey mixture over the lowest heat setting or in a double boiler for 2–3 minutes, stirring often, just until it becomes runnier and the chili flakes release aroma. Do not allow honey to boil.

Steep

Remove from heat and let the honey steep for 10 minutes, then strain out the larger flakes for a smoother honey, or leave them in for visible heat and texture.

Combine hot honey with BBQ base

Pour the strained or unstrained hot honey into the simmered BBQ base. Stir thoroughly to combine, then return to very low heat and cook together 2–3 minutes to marry flavors.

Adjust seasoning and texture

Stir in 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice and, if using, 1 tablespoon unsalted butter to round the flavors and give a silkier mouthfeel. Taste and adjust salt, lemon, or cayenne as needed.

Cool and store

Let the dip cool to warm or room temperature. Transfer to a jar or serving bowl. Sauce will thicken as it cools; if too thick, thin with 1–2 teaspoons warm water or more lemon juice.

Garnish and serve

Just before serving, sprinkle with chopped cilantro or parsley and toasted sesame seeds if desired. Serve warm or at room temperature as a dip for fries, wings, nuggets, roasted vegetables, or as a glaze for grilled proteins.