If you’ve been searching for the ultimate crowd-pleaser, look no further than this Hot Honey Cream Cheese Dip. This luscious, savory spread is a flavor bomb in every sense—melty cream cheese meets sharp cheddar and a swirl of spicy-sweet hot honey, all baked to golden, bubbling perfection. Perfect for parties, game night, or whenever a snack attack strikes, this dip balances creamy, tangy, and just a tingle of heat, keeping everyone coming back for “just one more dip.”
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of the joys of this Hot Honey Cream Cheese Dip is how a thoughtful handful of ingredients, each bringing their unique flair, come together for something far greater than the sum of their parts. Each component deserves a little spotlight—here’s why:
- Cream Cheese (8 oz, softened): The creamy, mellow base that turns rich and dippable once baked.
- Sour Cream (¼ cup): Adds tang, lightens up the dip’s texture, and brings balance to the cheese.
- Hot Honey (1 tablespoon, plus more for drizzling): The magic ingredient for that sweet-heat twist; use store-bought or whip up your own!
- Garlic Powder (½ teaspoon): Lends savory depth that complements both the cheese and the honey.
- Smoked Paprika (½ teaspoon): A hint of smokiness that boosts color and adds a complex flavor note.
- Salt (¼ teaspoon): Brings all the flavors together without overpowering.
- Black Pepper (¼ teaspoon): Just enough peppery kick to liven up each bite.
- Shredded Sharp Cheddar Cheese (½ cup): Melty, bold, and a perfect foil for the smooth cream cheese.
- Chopped Green Onions (2 tablespoons, optional): For a bright, fresh pop of flavor and color.
- Crushed Red Pepper Flakes (for garnish, optional): Sprinkle for extra heat and a festive look.
How to Make Hot Honey Cream Cheese Dip
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Start by setting your oven to 375°F (190°C). This gives you the ideal temperature for bubbling, caramelized cheese and a perfectly gooey dip. Give your baking dish a light spray or a brush of oil if you want to make cleanup even easier.
Step 2: Mix the Dip Base
Take a medium bowl and add your softened cream cheese. Toss in the sour cream, hot honey, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Grab a sturdy spatula or hand mixer and blend everything together until it’s smooth and creamy—this should only take a couple of minutes. Don’t rush! The more smoothly combined, the better your Hot Honey Cream Cheese Dip will bake up.
Step 3: Stir in the Cheddar and Green Onions
Fold in the sharp cheddar and green onions (if using). This not only adds flavor but gives lovely speckles of color throughout the dip. The creaminess from the cheese mixture and the melty cheddar are the backbone of what makes this dip so irresistible.
Step 4: Bake Until Bubbling
Smooth the creamy mixture into your prepared, oven-safe dish. Pop it in the oven and bake for 15 to 20 minutes, or until it’s hot, bubbly, and slightly golden around the edges. If you peek through the oven window and see cheese bubbling, you know you’re close!
Step 5: Finish with Hot Honey & Garnish
Take the dip out of the oven and, while it’s still piping hot, generously drizzle more hot honey over the top. For those craving extra heat, sprinkle with a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes. The sticky honey shimmer and red flecks make the dip look just as tempting as it tastes.
How to Serve Hot Honey Cream Cheese Dip
Garnishes
Garnishing isn’t just about looks—it’s your secret weapon for layering on more flavor and adding an inviting finish. Try more green onions for a fresh, zippy crunch, extra hot honey for heightened sweetness and shine, and a final flurry of red pepper flakes if your crowd is heat-loving. Chives, crispy bacon bits, or even a sprinkle of toasted nuts can work wonders, too.
Side Dishes
This is the kind of dip that pairs with practically anything. Serve with hearty crackers, crunchy crostini slices, sturdy pretzel twists, or veggie sticks like celery and bell peppers for a refreshing bite. For a more decadent side, warm, soft pretzel bites or pita chips will be absolutely swoon-worthy with Hot Honey Cream Cheese Dip.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to amp up the wow factor, bake the dip in a mini cast iron skillet or small bread boule for an extra homey touch. Serve single portions in small ramekins for a chic passed appetizer, or swirl hot honey in a zigzag right at the table. A drizzle in a spiral pattern and a big sprinkle of green onions guarantee a presentation your guests will remember.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have some dip left, simply cover the baking dish or transfer to an airtight container. It’ll keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, and the flavors often meld deliciously as it sits.
Freezing
While dairy-based dips can separate a bit upon thawing, you can freeze Hot Honey Cream Cheese Dip before baking. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking as directed for best results.
Reheating
To reheat, pop the dip back in a 350°F oven until warm—usually about 10 minutes if it’s straight from the fridge. A microwave works in a pinch (short bursts, stirring in between), but the oven will keep the top bubbly and prevent the dip from getting too runny.
FAQs
Can I make the Hot Honey Cream Cheese Dip ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the dip a day before your event and keep it covered in the fridge until you’re ready to bake. Waiting to drizzle with extra hot honey and add garnishes until just before serving keeps everything fresh and flavorful.
How spicy is this dip?
The heat level is mild to moderate, perfect for most palates—just enough to keep things interesting without blowing anyone away! For less spice, use less hot honey or skip the red pepper flake garnish; for more, generously pile them on.
What crackers or veggies pair best with the dip?
Sturdy dippers are best! Try toasted baguette slices, thick pita chips, pretzel rods, or even baked potato wedges. Crunchy crudités like carrots or bell peppers are a wonderful, fresh counterpoint to the creamy, spicy dip.
Is there a dairy-free or vegan version?
You can absolutely experiment with vegan cream cheese, dairy-free sour cream, and cheddar alternatives. Choose a plant-based hot honey or make your own with agave and chili flakes to keep everything vegan-friendly.
Can I customize this dip with add-ins?
Yes! Chopped crisp bacon, roasted jalapeños, sautéed mushrooms, or even sun-dried tomatoes can be mixed in before baking for a personalized touch. Play around and make the Hot Honey Cream Cheese Dip your own!
Final Thoughts
This Hot Honey Cream Cheese Dip is the ultimate appetizer for anyone who loves a bit of sweet heat with their cheesy indulgence. Whether you’re planning a party, movie night, or a cozy night in, whip this up and watch it disappear—it’s really that good. Don’t wait for a special occasion to treat yourself and your friends: give this warm, spicy, creamy dip a try, and it might just earn a spot in your regular rotation.
Print
Hot Honey Cream Cheese Dip Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Hot Honey Cream Cheese Dip is a deliciously creamy and slightly spicy appetizer that is perfect for any gathering. This baked cheese dip combines the richness of cream cheese with the tang of sour cream, the sweetness of hot honey, and a blend of savory spices, all topped with melted cheddar and a kick of red pepper flakes. Serve it warm with your favorite dippers for a crowd-pleasing treat.
Ingredients
Cream Cheese Mixture:
- 8 oz cream cheese (softened)
- ¼ cup sour cream
- 1 tablespoon hot honey (plus more for drizzling)
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Add-Ins:
- ½ cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped green onions (optional)
- crushed red pepper flakes (for garnish, optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Mix Cream Cheese: In a medium bowl, combine softened cream cheese, sour cream, hot honey, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- Add Cheese and Onions: Stir in shredded cheddar cheese and green onions, if using. Transfer mixture to a small baking dish.
- Bake: Bake for 15–20 minutes until hot and bubbly.
- Finish: Drizzle with more hot honey, sprinkle with red pepper flakes, and serve warm with dippers.
Notes
- To make hot honey, mix honey with crushed red pepper flakes. Experiment with bacon or jalapeños for more flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 tablespoons
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
