Copycat Mike’s Hot Honey Sauce Recipe

This hot honey sauce recipe is quick, simple, and full of sweet heat. If you enjoy the flavor of Mike’s Hot Honey, this easy homemade version is a great condiment to keep on hand. You only need honey, hot sauce, and a few minutes to make a spicy honey sauce that works with everything from chicken bites to pizza.

Try it drizzled over my Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Bites!

Honey is already a favorite condiment because it is naturally sweet, smooth, and easy to pair with both savory and sweet foods. When you add the heat of peppers or hot sauce, it becomes something even better: a bold, flavorful hot honey sauce with the perfect balance of sweetness and spice.

This homemade hot honey can turn a simple slice of pizza, a plate of chicken tenders, a biscuit, or a grilled salmon fillet into something special. It is also a useful dipping sauce, glaze, and drizzle for everyday meals.

The best part is how easy it is to make. You only need a small saucepan or a microwave-safe container, honey, and your favorite hot sauce. Red pepper flakes, dried peppers, or fresh chile peppers can be added if you want more heat or a little extra texture.

Making your own hot honey sauce at home can save you a trip to the grocery store when a spicy-sweet craving hits. It is also easy to adjust, so you can make it mild, medium, or extra spicy depending on your taste.

Why this recipe works

Simple to make: This hot honey sauce recipe uses basic ingredients and takes only a few minutes from start to finish.

Big flavor: The combination of honey and hot sauce creates a sweet, spicy, and slightly tangy condiment that can make everyday foods taste more exciting.

Easy to customize: Use more hot sauce for extra heat, add red pepper flakes for a stronger pepper flavor, or include fresh chile peppers for a bolder infusion.

Great for gifting: Pour the finished sauce into a clean glass jar, add a ribbon, and share it with a friend who loves spicy condiments.

Key ingredients

• Honey – Local honey works very well in this recipe, but you can use any honey you have available. Raw honey can also be used if that is your preference.
• Hot sauce – Louisiana Hot Sauce, Tabasco, or another favorite hot sauce will work. Start with the suggested amount, then add more if you prefer a hotter sauce.
• Red pepper flakes or dried peppers – These are optional, but they add extra heat and a nice visual touch to the sauce.
• Fresh peppers – Fresh chile peppers such as jalapeño, serrano, scotch bonnet, or habanero can be used for a stronger pepper flavor. Fresh peppers should be strained out before storing.

How to make hot honey sauce

To make in the microwave:

• Pour the honey, hot sauce, and red pepper flakes, if using, into a heat-proof, microwave-safe container. Make sure the container has high sides so the honey does not bubble over.
• Heat on high for 30 seconds. Do not let the honey mixture boil. Stir well, then heat for another 30 seconds.
• Let the hot honey stand for about 5 minutes so the flavors can blend. Serve warm or at room temperature.

To make on the stovetop:

• Add the honey, hot sauce, and red pepper flakes, if using, to a small saucepan. Warm over medium heat and let the mixture gently simmer for one to two minutes while stirring. Do not boil.
• Remove from the heat and let the mixture stand for about 5 minutes.
• Strain out the red pepper flakes if you prefer a smoother sauce.

To make with fresh chile peppers:

• Slice the peppers into half-inch pieces, then follow either the microwave or stovetop directions.
• Fresh peppers should be strained out before storing the hot honey sauce.
• Transfer the finished sauce to a clean glass jar.

How to make hot honey butter

• Soften ½ cup, or 1 stick, of unsalted butter at room temperature.
• Add the softened butter, 3 tablespoons of hot honey sauce, and a pinch of kosher salt to a bowl.
• Mix until smooth and fully combined.
• Hot honey butter can be made ahead and kept covered at room temperature for up to 8 hours. For longer storage, refrigerate it until needed or until the butter’s expiration date.

My tips

• Use local honey if possible for the best flavor.
• Try different hot sauces to change the flavor of the hot honey. Louisiana Hot Sauce, Tabasco, Sriracha, and Cholula are all good options.
• Red pepper flakes or dried peppers do not have to be strained, but fresh peppers should be strained out before storage.
• Use the strained fresh peppers in salads or other dishes if you do not want to waste them.
• For a milder sauce, use less hot sauce and skip the extra peppers.
• For a spicier sauce, add more hot sauce or use a hotter fresh pepper.

Serving suggestions

This homemade hot honey sauce is incredibly versatile. Use it as a drizzle, dip, glaze, or finishing sauce for both savory and sweet foods. It pairs especially well with crispy, salty, smoky, and buttery dishes.

Try it with some of these recipes:

• Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Bites
• Air Fryer Biscuits
• Sweet Chili Salmon
• Instant Pot BBQ Chicken Breasts
• Chicken Wings
• Corn on the Cob
• Brussels Sprouts
• Sausage Kabobs

Other delicious ways to use hot honey sauce include:

• Pizza
• Cornbread
• Banana splits
• Hot dogs
• Cocktails
• Fried chicken
• Shrimp and seafood
• Cheese and charcuterie boards

Storage and reheating

Store hot honey sauce in a tightly sealed glass jar in a cool, dark place. Sauce made with hot sauce and dried pepper should last about 3 months.

Hot honey made with fresh peppers should be stored in the refrigerator and used within one month.

To reheat from refrigerated: Warm only the amount you plan to use. Microwave it in 15-second increments, stirring after each interval, until it reaches the texture you like.

You can also place the sealed jar in a bowl of hot water to gently warm the honey.

Hot honey sauce can be served warm, at room temperature, or cold.

Variations

Try different brands or combinations of hot sauce to create your own favorite version of homemade hot honey.

Add a small amount of apple cider vinegar, about ½ to 1 teaspoon, if you want a slightly tangier sauce. Adjust the amount to your taste.

Gluten free: Honey is naturally gluten free, but always read labels on packaged ingredients if you have a dietary restriction.

Low carb: Because honey is high in natural sugar, this hot honey sauce recipe is not low carb.

Common questions

📖 Recipe