Mike's Hot Honey Recipe (Copycat)

Why You'll Love This Mike's Hot Honey Recipe

Mike's Hot Honey has become one of the most popular condiments thanks to its irresistible balance of sweet honey and spicy chili peppers. Whether drizzled over pizza, fried chicken, biscuits, roasted vegetables, or cheese, it adds the perfect touch of heat without overpowering the natural sweetness of the honey.

This homemade copycat recipe uses pure honey infused with fresh chili peppers, crushed red pepper flakes, and a splash of apple cider vinegar for brightness. It's incredibly easy to make, stores well for months, and tastes just like the famous bottled version.

Ingredients

• 1 cup pure honey
• 1 tablespoon crushed red pepper flakes
• 1 fresh Fresno chili or red jalapeño, thinly sliced
• 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
• Pinch of sea salt (optional)

Instructions

1. Warm the Honey

Pour the honey into a small saucepan and warm it over low heat. Do not allow it to boil, as overheating can affect the flavor and texture.

2. Add the Peppers

Stir in the sliced chili pepper and crushed red pepper flakes. Let the mixture gently steep over very low heat for 8 to 10 minutes.

3. Finish the Flavor

Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the apple cider vinegar and a pinch of sea salt, if desired.

4. Infuse

Allow the honey to cool for 15 to 20 minutes so the peppers continue to infuse their flavor.

5. Strain (Optional)

For a smooth hot honey, strain out the peppers and flakes through a fine-mesh sieve. For a spicier version, leave some or all of the peppers in the jar.

6. Store

Transfer the hot honey to a clean glass jar with a tight-fitting lid. Store at room temperature.

Expert Tips

Use high-quality raw honey for the richest flavor. Never boil the honey, as excessive heat can damage its natural aroma. Let the mixture infuse longer if you prefer more heat, and adjust the spice level by increasing or decreasing the amount of chili flakes.

Storage

Store hot honey in a sealed glass jar at room temperature for up to 3 months. Avoid refrigerating it, as honey may crystallize. If crystallization occurs, simply place the jar in warm water until smooth again.

Serving Suggestions

Drizzle over pizza, fried chicken, chicken wings, biscuits, cornbread, waffles, roasted Brussels sprouts, grilled salmon, fried shrimp, avocado toast, pepperoni pizza, grilled cheese sandwiches, goat cheese, burrata, charcuterie boards, popcorn, roasted nuts, or vanilla ice cream.

Recipe Variations

Use habanero peppers for extra heat, chipotle peppers for a smoky flavor, or Thai bird's eye chilies for intense spice. Add garlic cloves while infusing for a savory twist, or stir in a little smoked paprika for additional depth. For a citrusy variation, add a strip of fresh orange or lemon zest while warming the honey.