There’s nothing quite like a warm, creamy appetizer to ignite a party or kick off a cozy evening in, and this Hot Honey Cream Cheese Dip absolutely delivers on all fronts. With its luscious blend of tangy cream cheese, sharp cheddar, and that irresistible drizzle of sweet heat, this dip is both playful and comforting, striking the perfect balance of creamy, spicy, and just a touch of sweetness. Whether you’re sharing with friends as an appetizer or spoiling yourself on a quiet night, Hot Honey Cream Cheese Dip is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that’s outrageously simple to throw together.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Hot Honey Cream Cheese Dip plays an important role, from the creamy base to the bold seasonings that make every bite pop. Gather these essentials, and you’re halfway to a flavorful, bubbly masterpiece.
- Cream Cheese (8 oz, softened): This is the creamy backbone of the dip, providing richness and a smooth, scoopable texture.
- Sour Cream (1/4 cup): Adds tang and helps lighten up the dip so it’s ultra dippable and never too heavy.
- Shredded Sharp Cheddar Cheese (1/4 cup): Brings that essential cheesy bite and a beautiful melty finish on top.
- Hot Honey (2 tablespoons, plus extra for drizzling): The dazzling sweet-heat element that makes this dip irresistible; adjust to taste if you’re craving more fire.
- Garlic Powder (1/4 teaspoon): Adds savory depth and a gentle kick in every mouthful.
- Smoked Paprika (1/4 teaspoon): Lends warmth, color, and a faint smoky note that ties everything together.
- Pinch of Salt: Just enough to balance the flavors without overpowering the dip.
- Chopped Fresh Chives or Green Onions (for garnish, optional): A pop of color and a fresh, herby note to make your dip sing.
- Crackers, Crostini, or Fresh Veggies (for serving): Your dippers of choice—crunchy, sturdy, and begging to be swiped through that creamy, spicy dip.
How to Make Hot Honey Cream Cheese Dip
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Start by getting your oven nice and hot at 375°F. This temperature ensures your Hot Honey Cream Cheese Dip bubbles up beautifully golden and perfectly warmed through without scorching the top or drying it out. Taking a few minutes to preheat helps everything cook evenly!
Step 2: Mix Up the Creamy Base
In a medium bowl, combine your softened cream cheese with the sour cream, cheddar cheese, hot honey, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and a pinch of salt. Make sure the cream cheese is fully softened—you can let it sit at room temperature for an hour or give it a quick spin in the microwave for a few seconds. Use a sturdy spoon or a hand mixer and blend until everything is smooth, creamy, and integrated into a sunset-hued, slightly spicy mixture. Don’t forget to sneak a little taste to adjust the honey or seasoning!
Step 3: Bake Until Bubbly
Transfer your creamy mixture to a small oven-safe baking dish, using a spatula to spread it evenly right to the edges—this helps every bite get that beautifully cheesy topping. Pop it into your preheated oven and let it bake for 15 to 20 minutes. What you’re looking for is bubbling edges, oozy cheese, and gentle browning in pockets. Have your dippers ready, because the aroma will let everyone know something amazing is about to happen.
Step 4: Finish and Serve
Once it’s bubbling hot, pull the dish from the oven (carefully!), and immediately drizzle a little extra hot honey over the top for shine and that finishing punch of sweet heat. Top with a scatter of chopped chives or green onions if you want a splash of color and freshness. Serve right away with your favorite crackers, crostini, or fresh veggies—the Hot Honey Cream Cheese Dip is at its glorious best while warm and melty.
How to Serve Hot Honey Cream Cheese Dip
Garnishes
A finishing touch can make all the difference! For this Hot Honey Cream Cheese Dip, a drizzle of extra hot honey right out of the oven gives it a glossy, irresistible look with a bit more warmth. Chopped fresh chives or green onions add a lively pop of green and a subtle crunch that complements the creamy, spicy base perfectly.
Side Dishes
This dip is a party star all on its own, but it plays especially well with a line-up of crispy crackers, sturdy crostini, or crisp-tender veggies like carrot sticks, celery, or bell pepper strips. For extra char and flavor, try pairing it with oven-warm pita chips or even crunchy pretzel crisps for that delightful salty balance.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve your Hot Honey Cream Cheese Dip right in the baking dish for that rustic, straight-from-the-oven feel, or scoop it into a bread bowl for extra drama (and edible serving ware). Mini ramekins make adorable, individual servings for parties. For a fun twist, assemble a “dip board” with a rainbow of dippers and fresh herbs for everyone to customize their bites.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers (it’s rare!), simply cover the cooled Hot Honey Cream Cheese Dip tightly with plastic wrap or transfer to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to three days—the flavors continue to deepen, and it reheats beautifully for a quick snack or second-round appetizer.
Freezing
While cream cheese dips aren’t always best-suited to freezing since their texture can change, this dip holds up reasonably well if you’re in a pinch. Cool completely, then wrap securely and freeze for up to one month. Thaw overnight in the fridge and give it a hearty stir before reheating. Expect a slightly softer consistency, but all the flavor will still shine through.
Reheating
To bring your Hot Honey Cream Cheese Dip back to life, simply scoop it into an oven-safe dish and bake at 350°F for about 10 minutes, or microwave individual portions in 20–30 second bursts until hot and creamy. Add a fresh drizzle of hot honey and a pinch of chives after reheating to revive the just-baked vibes.
FAQs
Can I use regular honey instead of hot honey?
Absolutely! If you prefer a milder, sweeter dip, regular honey is a delicious swap. You can always add a pinch of chili flakes or a dash of hot sauce for warmth if you miss the gentle heat of hot honey.
How can I make my Hot Honey Cream Cheese Dip spicier?
Simple! Stir in some red pepper flakes, add another drizzle of hot honey, or mix in your favorite hot sauce before baking. The beauty of this dip is how easily it adapts to suit your spice tolerance.
Is this dip gluten free?
The dip itself is gluten free, but be sure to serve it with gluten-free crackers, veggie sticks, or chips for a completely gluten-free appetizer experience. Always check your ingredient labels if you’re sensitive or cooking for someone with dietary restrictions.
Can I prepare Hot Honey Cream Cheese Dip ahead of time?
Definitely! You can assemble the dip a day in advance and keep it covered in the fridge. When guests arrive (or you’re ready to eat), just bake as directed, adding a couple of extra minutes to the bake time if it’s coming straight from the refrigerator.
What can I use instead of cream cheese for a lighter version?
If you’re looking to lighten things up, try using Neufchâtel cheese, which has less fat but a similar flavor and texture. Greek yogurt can replace some or all of the sour cream for extra protein and tang while keeping the dip smooth and creamy.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a show-stopping, craveable, and just plain fun appetizer to share (or savor solo), you truly can’t go wrong with Hot Honey Cream Cheese Dip. Go ahead—gather your ingredients and let this dip work its sweet, spicy magic at your next gathering!
Print
Hot Honey Cream Cheese Dip Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Hot Honey Cream Cheese Dip is a deliciously creamy and slightly spicy appetizer that is perfect for any gathering. This easy-to-make dip is a crowd-pleaser, combining the richness of cream cheese with the tang of cheddar and the sweetness of hot honey.
Ingredients
Cream Cheese Mixture:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 2 tablespoons hot honey (plus extra for drizzling)
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Pinch of salt
For Serving:
- Chopped fresh chives or green onions for garnish (optional)
- Crackers, crostini, or fresh veggies
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F.
- Mix Ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine cream cheese, sour cream, cheddar cheese, hot honey, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and salt until smooth.
- Transfer to Baking Dish: Spread the mixture into a small oven-safe baking dish.
- Bake: Bake for 15–20 minutes until hot and bubbly.
- Drizzle and Garnish: Remove from oven, drizzle extra hot honey, and garnish with chives or green onions.
- Serve: Serve warm with crackers, crostini, or fresh vegetables.
Notes
- To make it spicier, add red pepper flakes or hot sauce.
- For a milder version, use regular honey instead of hot honey.
- This dip can be made ahead and reheated before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 of recipe
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 260 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 6 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 35 mg
