If you like strong, hot flavors, this Nashville Hot Sauce is great. It pairs perfectly with crispy fried chicken and has the perfect blend of heat and sweetness that Nashville hot chicken is known for. Making this sauce is quick and simple because all you need is chili pepper, smoked paprika, and garlic powder. This recipe will not let you down, whether you want to make traditional Nashville hot chicken or just want to spice up your meal.
What’s in Nashville Hot Sauce?
A great Nashville hot sauce has the right amount of heat and sweetness while still letting the savoury and smoky flavours shine through. To make this version at home, cayenne pepper is mixed with brown sugar to make it sweet, and smoked paprika to give it more depth. When you mix garlic powder, honey (if you like), salt, and pepper, you get a sauce that goes well with everything from chicken to fries.
Why You’ll Love My Nashville Hot Sauce Recipe
Nashville Hot Sauce has much to be loved. Here are a few reasons why it could become a new mainstay in your cooking:
- Quick and Easy: You can make a batch of this sauce in ten minutes and with only a few ingredients. It’s ideal for last-minute dinners or evenings of busyness.
- Customizable Heat: You may change the cayenne pepper to fit your taste, whether you want your sauce mild or super hot. This makes it flexible and family-friendly for every one of us.
- pairs with everything. This sauce makes every meal, from roasted veggies to fried chicken, better. Drizzle it over sandwiches, toss your fries in, or even jazz your morning eggs!
- Rich Flavor: Smoky paprika, fiery cayenne, and a little sugar taken together produce a sophisticated taste that makes you want more. It’s as much about depth and balance as it is about flame.
- Versatile: You’re not restricted to using this sauce with chicken. For a mild kick, try it on tacos, pizza, or burgers.
Nashville hot sauce ingredients
- ¼-½ cup butter (or ghee or vegetable oil – depending on your preference)
- 4 tablespoons cayenne pepper
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon honey (optional, if you want to balance the heat)
- Salt and pepper to taste
How to Make Nashville Hot Sauce
- In a pan over medium-low heat, melt the butter or warm up the oil. This will give the sauce a rich base.
- It’s time to add the honey, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, brown sugar, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix the items together until they are well mixed.
- Let the sauce heat up slowly for one to two minutes. This makes it simple for the tastes to mix. Let it cook for a little longer to get a stronger taste.
- Put this sauce on burgers, fried chicken, or any other food that needs a spicy kick. You can also serve it as a sauce to dip things in on the side.
Nutrition Information
This handmade Nashville hot sauce is flavorful rather than only about fire. The nutritional value (per serving) is briefly broken out here:
- Calories: ~90
- Fat: 8g (using butter or oil as a base)
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Protein: 0g
- Sodium: Varies based on salt added
Note: Using vegetable oil instead of butter or ghee could result in a somewhat reduced fat level and help to make the sauce more vegan-friendly.
Servings and Time
- Serves: 4-6 (depending on how much sauce you use)
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cooking Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
💡Expert Tips & Variations
These professional guidelines and modifications will help you ensure your Nashville hot sauce is flawless every time.
- Control the heat: If you find strong heat objectionable, start with two teaspoons of cayenne pepper and a taste-adjusting agent. For those who prefer it hot, go for the whole 4 tablespoons.
- Sweet vs. Savory: Although adding honey is not necessary, it will help to balance the spiciness with a trace of sweetness. If you want a simple savory sauce, you can skip the honey completely.
- Smoked Paprika: This spice adds smokey depth to the sauce. If you do not have smoked spice paprika, regular paprika will work; it will not have the same rich taste.
- Make It Your Own; this is a versatile recipe. For added punch, sprinkle more spicy sauce; alternatively, use other spices like cumin or mustard powder for a fresh take.
How to Store and Reheat Nashville Hot Sauce
Once you have created your Nashville hot sauce, it will be stored for future use. The following describes:
- Refrigerate the sauce in an airtight jar or container. It should hold for one week or more.
- Reheat the sauce in a skillet over low heat, stirring only periodically. Should the sauce thicken in the refrigerator, you may add a small bit extra butter or oil to restore its original consistency.
- Freeze: The sauce can be frozen for up to three months should you choose to create a larger quantity. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight; then, reheat on the stovetop before using.
Related Recipe to Check Out
- How to Make Hot Honey Sauce – A sweet and spicy drizzle perfect for wings, biscuits, or even pizza!
Now that you know how to make Nashville hot sauce, you should give it a try. This recipe is sure to be a hit at the dinner table, whether you use it on traditional Nashville hot chicken or make something new. Start heating up!
🤔FAQ recipe
Can I adjust the spice level in Nashville Hot Sauce❓
Yes! Changing the amount of cayenne pepper will change how hot it is. To make the sauce less hot, you can add less chili or more for a stronger kick.
How long does Nashville Hot Sauce last❓
Nashville Hot Sauce will last for about a week if kept in the fridge in a jar that won’t let air in. It can also be frozen for up to three months.
What’s the best way to use Nashville Hot Sauce❓
Nashville Hot Sauce is excellent on burgers, tacos, wings, and as a dip for fries and veggies. You can drizzle it over fried chicken.
Nashville Hot Sauce
Ingredients
- ¼-½ cup butter or ghee or vegetable oil – depending on your preference
- 4 tablespoons cayenne pepper
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon honey optional, if you want to balance the heat
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Melt the butter (or warm the oil) in a pan over medium-low heat. This creates a rich base for the sauce.
- Whisk in the cayenne pepper, brown sugar, paprika, garlic powder, honey, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix until all the ingredients are well combined.
- Allow the sauce to gently heat for 1-2 minutes. This allows the flavors to blend nicely. For a deeper flavor, let it simmer for a bit longer.
- Drizzle this sauce over fried chicken, sandwiches, or any meal that needs a spicy kick. You can also use it as a dipping sauce on the side.
Notes
- When making Nashville Hot Sauce, adjusting the ingredients based on your desired heat level is important. If you want to make your sauce even spicier, try increasing the cayenne pepper. For a sweeter balance, add more honey or brown sugar.
- Another tip is to use ghee instead of butter or oil for a richer, more intense flavor. Ghee has a higher smoke point, which can help maintain the sauce’s smooth texture when heating.
- Using vegetable oil instead of butter or ghee could result in a somewhat reduced fat level and help to make the sauce more vegan-friendly.
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