Choosing Between Sweet Perfection and a Spicy Kick: Meat Church Honey Hog vs. Honey Hog Hot
If you're serious about backyard BBQ, you know that the right seasoning can transform a good cook into an unforgettable one. Few brands have earned the reputation that Meat Church has among pitmasters and backyard enthusiasts alike. Two of their standout rubs, Honey Hog and Honey Hog Hot, offer rich, flavorful profiles that can bring out the best in your pork, chicken, and even unexpected dishes like smoked desserts. But how do you decide which one to use?
In this guide, we'll break down the differences between Honey Hog and Honey Hog Hot, helping you pick the best Meat Church rub for your next cook.
- Introduction to Meat Church
- What Is Honey Hog Rub?
- What Is Honey Hog Hot Rub?
- Flavor Profile Comparison: Honey Hog vs. Honey Hog Hot
- Ideal Meats and Dishes for Each Rub
- Pro Cooking Tips for Using Honey Hog Rubs
- Which Meat Church Rub Should You Choose?
- FAQ About Honey Hog and Honey Hog Hot
Introduction to Meat Church
Meat Church BBQ, founded by Matt Pittman, has exploded in popularity because of its no-nonsense, flavor-packed rubs. Whether you're smoking a brisket, grilling chicken thighs, or roasting veggies, Meat Church rubs have become a go-to for anyone serious about crafting mouthwatering meals. Honey Hog and Honey Hog Hot are two of their best-sellers, each offering a unique twist on classic barbecue seasoning profiles.
What Is Honey Hog Rub?
Honey Hog Rub is one of the sweethearts of the barbecue world. Built around a brown sugar and honey powder base, this rub is known for its rich, sweet flavor that caramelizes beautifully on meat. The sweetness is balanced with salt and subtle spices, creating a profile that enhances without overpowering the natural flavor of your food. It's a favorite for pork ribs, pork shoulder, chicken wings, and even sweet heat applications like BBQ bacon or smoked nuts.
What Is Honey Hog Hot Rub?
Honey Hog Hot takes the award-winning foundation of Honey Hog and kicks it up a notch with the addition of jalapeño. The result is a rub that starts sweet but finishes with a smooth, noticeable heat. It's not "blow your head off" spicy—rather, it's a carefully balanced warmth that enhances the flavor without masking it. Honey Hog Hot is perfect for cooks who love a little spice with their sweetness and want a deeper flavor journey from bite to bite.
Flavor Profile Comparison: Honey Hog vs. Honey Hog Hot
| Aspect | Honey Hog | Honey Hog Hot |
|---|---|---|
| Base Flavor | Sweet, salty, mild spices | Sweet with moderate spice |
| Heat Level | None | Medium (jalapeño heat) |
| Best Use Cases | Ribs, pulled pork, chicken, desserts | Pork tenderloin, spicy ribs, wings, spicy smoked nuts |
| Texture | Fine powder for even coating | Fine powder with spicy notes |
Ideal Meats and Dishes for Each Rub
Honey Hog:
- Baby Back Ribs
- Pork Shoulder (Pulled Pork)
- Chicken Thighs
- Smoked Bacon
- Grilled Corn on the Cob
- Sweet BBQ Cashews or Almonds
- BBQ-Glazed Donuts
Honey Hog Hot:
- Spicy Pork Tenderloin
- Spicy Chicken Wings
- Heat-Kissed Spare Ribs
- Jalapeño BBQ Popcorn
- Spicy Grilled Shrimp
- Hot BBQ Potato Wedges
- Spicy Glazed Pork Belly
Pro Cooking Tips for Using Honey Hog Rubs
- Let It Sweat: After applying either rub, let the meat rest at room temperature for 30-60 minutes. This allows the seasoning to absorb moisture and adhere better for a rich bark.
- Low and Slow Works Wonders: Especially with sugary rubs like Honey Hog, keeping smoker temps between 225-250°F avoids burnt sugars.
- Layer Your Flavors: Use a savory base layer (like Meat Church Gospel) under Honey Hog or Honey Hog Hot for an extra depth of flavor.
- Use a Binder: Apply mustard, oil, or even honey before seasoning to help the rub stick and create a crusty bark.
- Watch the Heat: Higher cooking temps can intensify the spice level of Honey Hog Hot more than expected!
Which Meat Church Rub Should You Choose?
When deciding between Honey Hog and Honey Hog Hot, think about your audience and desired flavor profile:
- Family-Friendly BBQ? Choose Honey Hog for a sweeter, widely appealing flavor.
- Spice Lovers? Honey Hog Hot delivers a satisfying but approachable heat.
- Desserts or Unique Dishes? Honey Hog pairs better with sweet recipes like glazed donuts or bacon.
- Big Bold BBQ? Honey Hog Hot excels with pork belly, spicy ribs, and shrimp.
Ultimately, having both rubs available gives you maximum flexibility for any grilling or smoking session.
FAQ About Honey Hog and Honey Hog Hot
Is Honey Hog Hot extremely spicy?
No, Honey Hog Hot delivers a moderate jalapeño heat that's flavorful without being overwhelming. It's great for most spice fans.
Can I use Honey Hog on beef?
Yes! Although it's mostly used for pork and poultry, Honey Hog can add an amazing sweet crust to beef ribs, short ribs, and even meatloaf.
How long should I let Honey Hog or Honey Hog Hot sit on the meat?
For optimal flavor and bark development, let the rub sit for 30-60 minutes before cooking.
Can I mix Honey Hog and Honey Hog Hot together?
Definitely! Combining the two rubs lets you control the sweetness-to-heat ratio for a custom flavor profile.
Where can I buy Meat Church Honey Hog and Honey Hog Hot rubs?
Both rubs are available at specialty BBQ shops online like DDR BBQ Supply.
Ready to transform your next cook? Whether you want the pure sweet magic of Honey Hog or the spicy thrill of Honey Hog Hot, you can't go wrong when you're seasoning with Meat Church!
Did our blog meet your needs? You might also find these guides helpful:
- Gravity Fed Smoker vs. Pellet Smoker: Which One is Right for You?
- How to Use a Meat Injector for Juicier, More Flavorful BBQ
- BBQ Sauce or Glaze? How to Know Which One to Use
- How to Make Pulled Pork Like a Pro: Step-by-Step for Smoky, Juicy Results
- Why You Should Use a Brisket Caddy When Cooking Brisket
- What Temperature to Cook Steak
- What Are The Benefits of Using a Gravity Fed Smoker?
- How Long to Preheat a Grill
- BEEF RIBS VS. PORK RIBS
- 3-2-1 Rib Method for Fall-Off-the-Bone Magic
- BBQ Safety & Technique: How to Master Your Grill
- How to Light Charcoal without Lighter Fluid
- Perfect Pairings: Top 9 Sides to Bring Out the Best in Your Brisket
- The Best Way to Keep Your Grill Clean (And Why It Matters)
Visit Us at our Retail Store or Online BBQ Store
Our online BBQ store is open 24-7 but if you'd rather shop in person, visit our retail store in Northwest Arkansas. It's packed with top-quality grills, smokers, BBQ rubs, sauces, accessories, and expert advice.
Whether you're looking for something specific or just want to explore the best in BBQ gear, we’re here to help you cook with confidence. You’ll find top-quality grills, smokers, BBQ rubs, sauces, accessories, and expert advice you won't find online. Stop by and experience hands-on shopping the way it should be!
We're located at 14696 US Hwy 62, Garfield, AR 72732. We're open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 AM to 6 PM. Come pay us a visit!
