Hot Honey Cream Cheese Dip Recipe
If you’re searching for the ultimate “wow” appetizer that somehow feels nostalgic and totally new all at once, you’ve got to try Hot Honey Cream Cheese Dip. Think velvety cream cheese swirled with sharp cheddar, a generous swirl of spicy-sweet hot honey, and a toasted, bubbling finish—all finished with a flourish of chives and just a little sparkle of red pepper. It’s fast, playful, and totally irresistible whether you scoop it up with crackers, bread, or crunchy veggies. The flavors are bold but familiar, with a creamy core and a memorable kick of heat that’ll keep everyone coming back for more. Get ready for your new favorite party dip!
Ingredients You’ll Need
This dish comes together with a handful of ingredients, each playing a crucial role in taste, richness, and color. These essentials may already be in your kitchen, and every one adds something special to make this Hot Honey Cream Cheese Dip truly shine.
- Cream Cheese (8 oz, softened): The creamy backbone of the dip, bringing luscious texture and tang.
- Sour Cream (1/2 cup): Adds lightness, smooths out the richness, and gives a pleasant tangy note.
- Sharp Cheddar Cheese (1/2 cup, shredded): For bold, cheesy flavor and irresistible meltiness.
- Hot Honey (2 tablespoons, plus more for drizzling): The magic ingredient that adds warm heat and sweet depth—use store-bought or make your own!
- Garlic Powder (1/4 teaspoon): A subtle note of savory umami that rounds out every bite.
- Smoked Paprika (1/4 teaspoon): Provides a hint of gentle smoke and beautiful color—chipotle powder works too for extra smokiness.
- Salt (Pinch): Just enough to bring all the flavors into perfect balance.
- Chopped Chives (1 tablespoon, optional): For a pop of fresh flavor and vibrant green color on top.
- Crushed Red Pepper Flakes (for garnish): If you love a feisty finish, these add a scintillating kick and festive specks of red.
How to Make Hot Honey Cream Cheese Dip
Step 1: Prepare the Cream Cheese Mixture
Make sure your cream cheese is fully softened for the best, fluffiest texture. In a medium bowl, combine the cream cheese, sour cream, shredded cheddar cheese, hot honey, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and a pinch of salt. Mix everything together until completely smooth and uniform. Don’t be afraid to taste and adjust—you want a balanced mix of creaminess, cheesiness, and heat.
Step 2: Spread Into a Baking Dish
Transfer the blended mixture into a small baking dish. Use a spatula to spread it out evenly so it’ll bake up golden and bubbly all over. The aroma is already a hint of what’s to come!
Step 3: Bake Until Bubbling
Place the dish in your preheated oven at 375°F (190°C). Bake for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the edges are visibly bubbling and the top is a gentle golden brown. This is when the flavors meld, and the texture turns extra dreamy.
Step 4: Garnish and Finish
Remove the hot dish from the oven carefully. Drizzle a bit more of that glorious hot honey over the top, then sprinkle on chopped chives and a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes (if you like a little extra fireworks). It looks as inviting as it tastes!
Step 5: Serve Warm
Hot Honey Cream Cheese Dip is best served warm, right from the oven. Set it out alongside crackers, crostini, or crisp veggies—then stand back and watch it disappear.
How to Serve Hot Honey Cream Cheese Dip
Garnishes
For a finishing touch, drizzle that extra hot honey over the top for shine and added heat. A sprinkle of chives lends color and a gentle onion bite, while the crushed red pepper flakes are the perfect pop of flavor (and color) for those who aren’t shy about spice.
Side Dishes
This dip is a natural with neutral crackers, boule slices, or bagel chips. But don’t sleep on pairing with vibrant, fresh veggies like carrot sticks, celery, or even crisp bell peppers—the Hot Honey Cream Cheese Dip’s rich warmth pairs beautifully with these cool, crunchy accompaniments.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving the dip in a rustic skillet for that freshly-baked look, or spoon smaller servings into individual ramekins for a fancier gathering. You could even top crostini directly with the warm dip and finish each with a micro drizzle of honey for adorable passed appetizers.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers (though don’t count on it!), scoop the remaining Hot Honey Cream Cheese Dip into an airtight container. It’ll keep beautifully in the fridge for up to three or four days, staying creamy and flavorful.
Freezing
While you can technically freeze this dip, I recommend enjoying it fresh. Cream cheese and dairy can sometimes become grainy after thawing. If you must freeze, wrap tightly and thaw slowly in the fridge for best results.
Reheating
To reheat, simply place the dip back in a baking dish and warm in a 350°F oven until heated through and melty—about 10 minutes should do the trick. For single servings, the microwave on 50 percent power works in a pinch, but keep an eye so it doesn’t overheat and separate.
FAQs
Can I make Hot Honey Cream Cheese Dip ahead of time?
Absolutely! Prepare the dip up to the baking step, cover, and store it in the fridge up to two days in advance. When ready, simply bake as directed and garnish before serving.
What is hot honey, and where do I find it?
Hot honey is honey infused with chili peppers or hot sauce, delivering a sweet-heat kick. You can find bottled versions at most supermarkets, but it’s easy to make your own by stirring a little hot sauce into regular honey.
Can I make this dip without an oven?
Yes! Mix all the ingredients and microwave in a microwave-safe dish in short bursts, stirring between each, until hot and melty. However, the oven gives you a perfectly golden, bubbly top.
Is it possible to adjust the spice level?
Of course. If you prefer a milder dip, start with less hot honey and skip the red pepper flakes. For extra fire, use more hot honey or even add a pinch of cayenne to the mix.
Can I use low-fat dairy?
You can swap in lighter cream cheese or sour cream—just know it won’t be quite as rich and creamy, but it will absolutely still be delicious and satisfying!
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for an appetizer that’s quick enough for a weeknight but impressive enough for a party, this Hot Honey Cream Cheese Dip promises to be a surefire crowd-pleaser. Creamy, melty, and just the right amount of spicy-sweet, it’s a dish you’ll find yourself craving again and again. Give it a try and prepare for rave reviews!
Print
Hot Honey Cream Cheese Dip Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the creamy, spicy goodness of this Hot Honey Cream Cheese Dip. Perfect for parties, gatherings, or a cozy night in, this appetizer is a crowd-pleaser that will have everyone coming back for more.
Ingredients
Cream Cheese Mixture:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 2 tablespoons hot honey, plus more for drizzling
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Pinch of salt
- 1 tablespoon chopped chives (optional)
- Crushed red pepper flakes for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Mix ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, cheddar cheese, hot honey, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and salt until smooth.
- Transfer and bake: Spread the mixture in a small baking dish and bake for 15–20 minutes until hot and bubbly.
- Drizzle and serve: Remove from the oven, drizzle with more hot honey, sprinkle with chives and red pepper flakes, and serve warm with accompaniments.
Notes
- You can make your own hot honey by mixing honey with hot sauce or red pepper flakes.
- For a smokier flavor, use chipotle powder instead of paprika.
- This dip can be prepared in advance and baked just before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 cup
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 19g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
