🍯 Honey Recipes: Sweet & Savory Delights

Honey isn’t just for tea time—it’s a versatile ingredient that can add depth, sweetness, and a hint of magic to almost any dish. From quick snacks to gourmet feasts, here are a few of our favorite honey-based recipes that will have your taste buds buzzing.

A beautiful spread of honey-based dishes with a jar of local honey in the center

Table of Contents

🐟 Honey-Glazed Salmon

Perfectly cooked salmon fillets with a glistening honey glaze and fresh herbs as garnish

Why We Love It: This simple, elegant dish pairs the rich flavor of salmon with a sweet-and-savory honey glaze.

Ingredients

  • 4 salmon fillets (about 6 oz each)
  • 3 tablespoons honey
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce or tamari
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon minced garlic
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Directions

  1. Mix the Marinade: In a small bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, lemon juice, garlic, and olive oil.
  2. Marinate the Salmon: Place salmon fillets in a dish and pour the marinade over them, turning to coat. Let them marinate for 15–20 minutes.
  3. Cook the Salmon: In a hot skillet or grill pan, sear salmon fillets for 3–4 minutes per side, or until they flake easily with a fork.
  4. Serve & Enjoy: Drizzle extra marinade on top (bring marinade to a quick boil if you want to ensure it’s fully cooked) and serve with steamed veggies or rice.

Buzz Tip: Swap out lemon juice for orange juice and add a dash of ginger for a citrusy twist!

🥤 Honey-Lavender Lemonade

Glass pitcher of lavender lemonade with honey drizzle, lavender sprigs and lemon slices

Why We Love It: Floral notes of lavender perfectly complement the natural sweetness of honey, making this a refreshing summer sipper.

Ingredients

  • 1 cup fresh lemon juice (about 4–5 lemons)
  • 4 cups cold water
  • ½ cup honey (adjust to taste)
  • 1 tablespoon dried culinary lavender (or a few fresh sprigs)
  • Ice cubes

Directions

  1. Infuse the Honey: Warm the honey in a small saucepan with ½ cup of water. Add the lavender and simmer gently for 2–3 minutes, then turn off the heat and let it steep for 5 more minutes.
  2. Strain: Remove (or strain out) the lavender buds to avoid bitterness.
  3. Mix It Up: In a pitcher, combine the lavender-infused honey syrup with lemon juice and the remaining water. Stir well.
  4. Chill & Serve: Add ice and a few extra lavender sprigs for garnish. Sip away!

Buzz Tip: For a sparkling version, replace some or all of the water with carbonated water.

🍗 Honey-Garlic Chicken Thighs

Golden-brown chicken thighs with a sticky honey-garlic glaze, garnished with green onions

Why We Love It: This dish strikes a perfect balance between savory garlic and sweet honey. Serve with rice or roasted veggies for a satisfying meal.

Ingredients

  • 6 bone-in chicken thighs (skin on or off, your choice)
  • ¼ cup honey
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce or tamari
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon chili flakes (optional for heat)
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Directions

  1. Preheat Oven: 375°F (190°C).
  2. Whisk the Marinade: In a bowl, combine honey, garlic, soy sauce, vinegar, and chili flakes if desired.
  3. Season Chicken: Lightly season thighs with salt and pepper, then place them in a baking dish.
  4. Marinate & Bake: Pour the honey mixture over the chicken. Bake for 30–35 minutes, basting the chicken with pan juices halfway through.
  5. Check Doneness: Chicken should reach an internal temp of 165°F (74°C). Broil for a minute or two at the end for extra caramelization!

Buzz Tip: Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions for a pop of color and crunch.

🥕 Honey-Roasted Root Vegetables

Colorful roasted carrots, parsnips, and sweet potatoes with a caramelized honey glaze and fresh herbs

Why We Love It: Honey caramelizes beautifully, turning ordinary veggies into sweet, golden-brown treasures.

Ingredients

  • 2 large carrots, peeled and chopped
  • 2 parsnips, peeled and chopped
  • 1 sweet potato, peeled and cubed
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons honey
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh thyme or rosemary (optional)

Directions

  1. Preheat Oven: 400°F (200°C).
  2. Toss in Honey & Oil: In a large bowl, combine chopped vegetables with olive oil, honey, salt, pepper, and herbs if you like.
  3. Roast to Perfection: Spread veggies on a baking sheet and roast for 25–30 minutes, or until tender and lightly caramelized.
  4. Serve Warm: Drizzle extra honey over them if you’re feeling indulgent!

Buzz Tip: Swap in butternut squash, beets, or Brussels sprouts for a colorful variety.

🍓 Honey-Yogurt Parfait with Granola & Berries

Layered parfait with creamy yogurt, honey drizzle, crunchy granola, and fresh colorful berries

Why We Love It: A simple breakfast or dessert that highlights honey’s natural sweetness—no refined sugar needed!

Ingredients

  • 2 cups plain Greek yogurt (or your favorite yogurt)
  • ¼ cup honey
  • 1 cup fresh berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries)
  • 1 cup granola (store-bought or homemade)
  • Optional: a sprinkle of cinnamon or chopped nuts

Directions

  1. Layer It Up: Spoon a layer of yogurt into a glass or bowl, drizzle with honey, sprinkle with granola, and add a handful of berries.
  2. Repeat: Build as many layers as you like.
  3. Top & Enjoy: Finish with a final drizzle of honey, extra berries, and any favorite toppings (nuts, seeds, or coconut flakes).

Buzz Tip: Try flavored honeys—like lavender or blackberry—to elevate this parfait even further.

🥪 Honey Walnut Spread with Fresh Figs

Creamy honey walnut spread on artisan bread with fresh figs and a drizzle of honey

Why We Love It: This luxurious spread combines the earthiness of toasted walnuts with the sweetness of honey for a perfect breakfast or appetizer.

Ingredients

  • 1 cup walnuts, lightly toasted
  • 3 tablespoons honey (preferably a lighter, floral variety)
  • 4 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 2 tablespoons Greek yogurt
  • Pinch of sea salt
  • 4-6 fresh figs, sliced (or dried figs if fresh aren’t available)
  • Crusty bread or crackers for serving

Directions

  • Toast the Walnuts: Spread walnuts on a baking sheet and toast at 350°F (175°C) for 8-10 minutes until fragrant. Let cool.
  • Process the Spread: In a food processor, pulse the walnuts until coarsely chopped. Add cream cheese, 2 tablespoons honey, yogurt, and salt. Pulse until well combined but still slightly chunky.
  • Chill: Transfer to a serving bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
  • Serve: Spread on slices of crusty bread, top with fig slices, and drizzle with the remaining honey.

Buzz Tip: For a savory twist, add a sprinkle of fresh rosemary or thyme to the spread.

🍹 Honey Ginger Switchel

Glass of amber-colored honey ginger switchel with ice, garnished with ginger slices and mint

Why We Love It: This traditional farmhouse drink, sometimes called “haymaker’s punch,” is refreshing, hydrating, and packed with digestive benefits.

Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons raw honey
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar (with “the mother” for added benefits)
  • 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
  • 4 cups water (still or sparkling)
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • Ice cubes
  • Optional: mint leaves for garnish

Directions

  • Mix the Base: In a large jar or pitcher, combine honey, apple cider vinegar, and grated ginger.
  • Add Liquid: Pour in water and lemon juice, then stir until honey is completely dissolved.
  • Infuse: Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight to let the flavors develop.
  • Strain & Serve: Strain the mixture to remove ginger pieces, pour over ice, and garnish with mint if desired.

Buzz Tip: For a warming version, heat the mixture gently (do not boil) and serve in a mug as a soothing tonic.

🍞 Honey Rosemary Focaccia

Golden-brown focaccia bread with honey glaze, fresh rosemary, and sea salt flakes

Why We Love It: Honey adds a subtle sweetness that balances the savory herbs and salt in this soft, pillowy bread.

Ingredients

  • 4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 teaspoons instant yeast
  • 1½ cups warm water
  • 3 tablespoons honey, divided
  • ¼ cup olive oil, plus more for drizzling
  • 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon flaky sea salt
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)

Directions

  • Make the Dough: Combine flour, yeast, warm water, 2 tablespoons honey, and 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large bowl. Mix until a shaggy dough forms.
  • Knead & Rise: Knead the dough on a floured surface for 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place in an oiled bowl, cover, and let rise for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
  • Prepare the Pan: Drizzle remaining olive oil into a 9x13 inch baking pan or rimmed baking sheet.
  • Shape & Second Rise: Punch down the dough and transfer it to the prepared pan. Use your fingertips to dimple the surface. Cover and let rise for another 30 minutes.
  • Add Toppings: Drizzle with olive oil and 1 tablespoon honey. Sprinkle with rosemary, sea salt, and garlic powder if using.
  • Bake: In a preheated 425°F (220°C) oven for 20-25 minutes until golden brown.
  • Cool & Serve: Let cool slightly before slicing and serving.

Buzz Tip: Dip warm focaccia pieces in a mixture of honey and good olive oil for an extra treat.

✨ Ready to Discover More Honey Magic?

Various jars of different honey varieties - light, amber, and dark - with honeycomb and honey dipper

These eight recipes are just the beginning. Honey adds a unique depth and natural sweetness to everything from salad dressings to baked goods. Have fun experimenting in the kitchen with our local, small-batch honey varieties that capture the essence of the Columbia River Gorge.

“Cooking with honey is like adding a little sunbeam to your dish—bright, warm, and undeniably sweet.”

Bon appétit and happy buzzing! 🐝🍯

Honey being drizzled from a wooden dipper onto a freshly baked bread with steam rising