Easy Homemade Hot Honey Sauce Recipe (Mike's Copycat)

This Hot Honey Sauce Recipe is incredibly easy to make, with only a few ingredients required! If you love Mike's hot honey, give this simple condiment a try. All you need is two ingredients and a few minutes. 

Try it drizzled over my Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Bites!

Sweet honey is one of our favorite condiments. But what happens when you add the heat of hot peppers to regular honey?

You get a spicy condiment that can take a simple slice of pizza or a grilled salmon fillet to the next level. 

This recipe is simple to make. You just need a small saucepan, honey, and your favorite hot sauce.

Making your own hot honey recipe can save you a trip to the grocery store when the cravings for spicy flavors hit! You'll love the added kick it gives to all your favorite dishes.

Why this recipe works

Simple to make: with just a few simple ingredients and steps, this hot honey sauce recipe could not be easier to make!

Elevated flavor: this condiment is a great addition to elevate even the most basic foods like frozen chicken tenders and vanilla ice cream.

Great gift: don't keep this delicious condiment to yourself! Pour some in a glass jar, tie a ribbon around the neck and give to another foodie friend.

Key ingredients

• Honey - local honey works great for this recipe, but you can use any honey that you have on hand. Organic raw honey would work really great as well.
• Hot Sauce - for this dipping sauce recipe, you can use hot sauce, such as Louisiana Hot sauce or Tabasco, or any favorite hot sauce will do. You can use more or less depending on your taste.
• Red pepper flakes or dried peppers (optional): add red pepper flakes for additional heat or the visual effect. 
• Fresh peppers (optional): you can use fresh chile peppers like jalapeno peppers, scotch bonnet, serrano peppers, or habanero peppers.

How to make hot honey sauce

To make in the microwave:

• Pour honey, hot sauce, and red pepper flakes (if using) into a heat-proof, microwave-safe container. Be sure sides are high enough so the honey doesn't boil over.
• Heat on high for 30 seconds. Try not to let the honey mixture come to a boil. Stir and heat again for another 30 seconds. 
• Let honey mixture stand for about 5 minutes. Serve warm or at room temperature.

To make on the stovetop:

• Heat honey, hot sauce  and red pepper flakes (if using) over medium heat, let simmer (do not boil) for one to two minutes while stirring to combine.
• Let the honey mixture stand for about 5 minutes. Serve warm or at room temperature.
• Strain red pepper flakes if desired.

To make with fresh chile peppers: 

• Slice peppers into half inch slices. Follow the microwave or stovetop directions.
• ​Fresh peppers should be strained before storing.
• Store in a clean glass jar.

How to make hot honey butter

• Soften ½ cup (1 stick) cut up unsalted butter.
• In a bowl add butter, 3 tablespoons hot honey and a pinch kosher salt and mix until smooth and completely combined.
• Can be made ahead and  kept covered, at room temperature for 8 hours. Refrigerate for longer storage, or until butter's expiration date.

My tips

• Use local honey if possible.
• Use a variety of hot sauces (or a combination) to change up the hot honey. My favorite is Louisiana, but Tabasco, Sriracha, or Cholula are good too. 
• Dried pepper flakes or peppers don't have to be strained, but fresh peppers should be strained before storing.
• Use strained fresh peppers in salads or other dishes.

Serving suggestions

You can serve your hot honey sauce with a variety of dishes. Try it with some of my delicious 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

Some other great ideas to serve your hot honey sauce with would be:

• Pizza
• Cornbread
• Banana Splits
• Hot Dogs
• Cocktails
• Fried Chicken
• Shrimp and seafood
• Cheese and Charcuterie Boards

Storage and reheating

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

Hot honey sauce made from fresh peppers should be kept in the refrigerator and used within one month.

To reheat from refrigerated: Re-warm your honey sauce in the microwave for as long as needed. I suggest only heating up the amount you plan to use for your meal and microwaving it in 15-second increments, making sure to stir after heating each time.

You can also boil water and set the jar of honey in the heated water.

Hot honey sauce can be served hot or cold.

Variations

Try different hot sauce brands and combinations.

Add a small amount (½ to 1 teaspoon) of apple cider vinegar. Adjust amount to your liking.

Gluten free: honey is naturally gluten free, but be sure to read food labels if you have a dietary restriction.

Low carb: due to the sugar content, this hot honey sauce recipe is not low carb.

Common questions