20 Delicious Ways to Use Honey in Every Meal

Looking for ways to bring a little sweetness into your meals? This collection of honey-inspired recipes has something for every craving, from simple weeknight dinners to show-stopping desserts. Honey adds natural flavor and a touch of magic that elevates everything from chicken and salmon to fresh fruit and baked treats. Whether you’re cooking for family or entertaining friends, these dishes are easy to make, packed with flavor, and guaranteed to leave everyone asking for seconds.

Whipped Ricotta Crostini with Summer Berries & Honey

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Crispy crostini topped with fluffy ricotta, fresh berries, and a drizzle of honey. Creamy ricotta balances the tartness of berries. Honey adds sweetness and gloss. A fresh, elegant appetizer perfect for warm weather.
Get the Recipe: Whipped Ricotta Crostini with Summer Berries & Honey

Honey Fermented Ginger

A close-up of ginger roots next to a glass containing ginger slices in honey. — Honey Fermented Ginger. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

Ginger slices fermented with honey for a tangy, spicy-sweet flavor. Can be used in teas, cocktails, or cooking. Fermentation enhances complexity and aroma. Adds a lively zing to any dish or drink.
Get the Recipe: Honey Fermented Ginger

The BEST Honeydew Melon Margarita

A glass of green melon smoothie with a metal straw, surrounded by ice cubes, melon balls, and lime wedges on a light surface. — The BEST Honeydew Melon Margarita. Photo credit: Xoxo Bella.

A refreshing cocktail made with honeydew, tequila, and a hint of honey. Sweet, juicy, and lightly tart. Served chilled for a vibrant summer drink. Perfect for entertaining or relaxing at home.
Get the Recipe: The BEST Honeydew Melon Margarita

Honey Bun Cake

Two pieces of yellow cake with a cinnamon layer and white icing are stacked on a white plate, surrounded by baking utensils and a red patterned cloth. — Honey Bun Cake. Photo credit: Little House Big Alaska.

Moist cake with a swirled honey-bun filling. Topped with sweet glaze for extra richness. Soft, tender crumb with a caramelized flavor. Ideal for breakfast, brunch, or dessert.
Get the Recipe: Honey Bun Cake

Honey Lemon Pepper Chicken Thighs

Juicy chicken thighs roasted with a honey, lemon, and pepper glaze. Sweetness balances citrus and spice. Crispy skin with tender, flavorful meat. Great for weeknight dinners or meal prep.
Get the Recipe: Honey Lemon Pepper Chicken Thighs

Mike’s Hot Honey Ingredients

A glass jar of honey with a wooden honey dipper inside, placed on a wooden board with scattered red pepper flakes nearby. — Mike’s Hot Honey Ingredients. Photo credit: Intentional Hospitality.

Simple combination of chili peppers, honey, and vinegar. Can be infused to make homemade hot honey. Sweet and spicy balance adds punch to dishes. Versatile for drizzling over pizza, chicken, or roasted vegetables.
Get the Recipe: Mike’s Hot Honey Ingredients

Whipped Ricotta and Hot Honey Crostini (10-Minute Appetizer)

Fluffy ricotta spread on toasted bread with a drizzle of hot honey. Sweet heat contrasts with creamy cheese. Quick to assemble for parties or snacks. Fresh and flavorful in every bite.
Get the Recipe: Whipped Ricotta and Hot Honey Crostini (10-Minute Appetizer)

Sheet Pan Honey Soy Cashew Chicken

Chicken roasted with honey, soy, and cashews on a single pan. Sweet, savory, and nutty flavors meld together. Minimal cleanup and easy prep. Served with rice or vegetables for a complete meal.
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Honey Soy Cashew Chicken

Honey Sriracha Chicken

A white plate with three baked chicken thighs surrounded by roasted potatoes, Brussels sprouts, carrots, and red onions. — Honey Sriracha Chicken. Photo credit: Cheerful Cook.

Juicy chicken coated in a sticky honey-sriracha glaze. Bold, sweet, and spicy flavor profile. Caramelizes beautifully in the oven or skillet. A simple way to elevate weeknight dinners.
Get the Recipe: Honey Sriracha Chicken

Honey and Pineapple Glazed Ham

Ham roasted with a sweet and tangy honey-pineapple glaze. Caramelized exterior with tender interior. Tropical sweetness complements savory meat. Great for holidays or family gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Honey and Pineapple Glazed Ham

Pear and Honey Blue Cheese Puff Pastry Appetizer

Flaky puff pastry topped with pears, blue cheese, and honey. Sweet, tangy, and rich in every bite. Elegant appetizer for dinner parties or special occasions. Quick to assemble and bake.
Get the Recipe: Pear and Honey Blue Cheese Puff Pastry Appetizer

Grilled Peach & Corn Salad with Honey Lime Chicken

A bowl of grilled chicken slices served with a fresh salad containing greens, grilled peaches, corn, herbs, and a halved lime on the side. — Grilled Peach & Corn Salad with Honey Lime Chicken. Photo credit: fANNEtastic food.

Chicken marinated in honey and lime served over grilled peaches and corn. Sweet and smoky flavors blend beautifully. Fresh, crisp salad with a balance of textures. Ideal for summer meals.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Peach & Corn Salad with Honey Lime Chicken

Instant Pot Honey Chicken

Chicken cooked in an Instant Pot with a honey-based sauce. Tender, juicy, and flavorful. Sauce thickens perfectly in minutes. Quick and easy for busy weeknights.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Honey Chicken

Honey Garlic Salmon in the Air Fryer

Salmon fillets coated in honey-garlic glaze and air-fried. Crispy edges with tender, flaky interior. Sweet and savory glaze clings perfectly. Minimal prep, maximum flavor.
Get the Recipe: Honey Garlic Salmon in the Air Fryer

Honey Roasted Sweet Potatoes

Close-up of roasted sweet potato cubes with a caramelized, golden-brown exterior. — Honey Roasted Sweet Potatoes. Photo credit: Cheerful Cook.

Sweet potatoes roasted with honey until caramelized. Crispy edges and soft interior. Natural sweetness enhanced by honey. Perfect side dish for any meal.
Get the Recipe: Honey Roasted Sweet Potatoes

Honey Mustard Chicken and Brussels Sprouts Salad

Roasted chicken tossed with Brussels sprouts and honey mustard dressing. Sweet and tangy flavors balance the earthy vegetables. Can be served warm or at room temperature. Full of color and flavor.
Get the Recipe: Honey Mustard Chicken and Brussels Sprouts Salad

Garlic-Cinnamon Honey Glazed Ham

Glazed ham served on a stoneware platter with sliced carrots and Brussels sprouts, placed on a black and white patterned cloth. — Garlic-Cinnamon Honey Glazed Ham. Photo credit: Chef’s Pencil.

Ham baked with a sweet and aromatic garlic-cinnamon-honey glaze. Crisp caramelized edges with juicy interior. Complex layers of flavor without extra effort. Classic centerpiece for gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Garlic-Cinnamon Honey Glazed Ham

Honey Glazed Ham Recipe

Several slices of cooked ham are arranged on a white parchment paper atop a wooden cutting board, with two metal forks in the background. — Honey Glazed Ham Recipe. Photo credit: Budget Delicious.

Traditional ham roasted with a sticky honey glaze. Golden caramelized exterior contrasts tender meat inside. Simple ingredients, impressive results. Perfect for holidays or celebrations.
Get the Recipe: Honey Glazed Ham Recipe

Slow Cooker Honey Mustard Chicken Drumsticks

Chicken drumsticks cooked low and slow in honey mustard sauce. Juicy, tender meat with sticky glaze. Minimal prep and hands-off cooking. Great for family dinners or meal prep.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Honey Mustard Chicken Drumsticks

Honey Roasted Brussel Sprouts (Crispy + Caramelized)

Brussels sprouts roasted with honey until caramelized and crispy. Sweetness balances natural bitterness. Crispy edges with tender centers. Easy side dish packed with flavor.
Get the Recipe: Honey Roasted Brussel Sprouts (Crispy + Caramelized)