Prepare to meet your new go-to party pleaser: Hot Honey Cream Cheese Dip. This crave-worthy creation is rich, creamy, and delivers just the right whisper of heat thanks to a tangy swirl of hot honey over a velvety cheese base. Whether you’re dipping with crunchy pretzels, crispy crostini, or fresh veggies, this swoon-worthy dip packs a flavor punch that makes every gathering feel more special. Trust me, once you’ve tried it, you’ll be looking for any excuse to make it again!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the ingredients for Hot Honey Cream Cheese Dip couldn’t be easier, but each one is essential to creating its irresistible balance of flavor and texture. These simple staples join forces to make one outrageously tasty dip that everyone will rave about.
- Cream Cheese (8 oz, softened): The creamy, tangy base that makes this dip undeniably luscious and rich.
- Sour Cream (1/4 cup): Adds a delicate tanginess and helps lighten the texture for the perfect scoop.
- Dijon Mustard (1 tablespoon): Brings a gently sharp zip that lifts all the cheesy flavors.
- Garlic Powder (1/2 teaspoon): Infuses warm, savory depth without overpowering the dip.
- Smoked Paprika (1/2 teaspoon): Offers subtle smokiness and a pop of appetizing color.
- Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Balances the creamy and spicy flavors without being too assertive.
- Black Pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Adds that gentle touch of heat to round out the party.
- Shredded Sharp Cheddar Cheese (1/4 cup, optional): Turns up the richness and gives a hint of nutty sharpness.
- Hot Honey (2–3 tablespoons, plus more for drizzling): The star of the show—sweet, spicy, and absolutely addictive!
- Chopped Chives or Green Onions (optional): Fresh garnish for a lovely burst of color and light oniony bite.
How to Make Hot Honey Cream Cheese Dip
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures your Hot Honey Cream Cheese Dip bakes up perfectly hot, creamy, and bubbly. Giving your oven time to come to temperature first guarantees every bite is satisfyingly warm right from the start.
Step 2: Mix the Base
In a medium-sized bowl, combine your softened cream cheese, sour cream, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, pepper, and shredded sharp cheddar if you’re using it. Give everything a solid stir—mix until the blend is creamy and dreamy, with no lumps in sight. The optional cheddar adds an extra layer of sharp, cheesy goodness but is totally up to you.
Step 3: Bake to Perfection
Spread the mixture evenly into a small baking dish or oven-safe skillet. Pop it into the oven and bake for 15–20 minutes. You’re looking for edges that are hot and a little bubbly—it’s the best sign that the flavors have truly mingled and the dip is ready.
Step 4: Finish with Hot Honey and Garnish
Right out of the oven, drizzle your hot honey generously across the top. The warm dip will help the honey soak in and flavor every delicious bite. If you’d like, scatter chopped chives or green onions over the top for some freshness and a pop of color.
How to Serve Hot Honey Cream Cheese Dip
Garnishes
This dip loves a little flourish! A quick sprinkle of chives or green onions brings brightness, while an extra hot honey drizzle right before serving guarantees everyone gets that spicy-sweet hit.
Side Dishes
Serve Hot Honey Cream Cheese Dip with crisp crackers, sturdy pretzels, toasted crostini, or fresh veggie sticks. The creamy, zippy profile makes it super versatile—anything with a little crunch is perfect for scooping up every last bit.
Creative Ways to Present
Try baking the dip in a cast-iron skillet for rustic charm, or spoon it into mini ramekins for individual servings at a party. For even more flair, serve it as a centerpiece to a veggie platter or with homemade pita chips. Let your creativity shine!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any Hot Honey Cream Cheese Dip left (which is rare!), let it cool, then transfer to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors intensify overnight, making the leftovers just as delightful.
Freezing
While cream cheese-based dips can change texture after freezing, you can freeze this dip in a tightly sealed container for up to one month. Thaw overnight in the fridge and stir well before reheating to help restore its creaminess.
Reheating
To reheat, spoon the leftover dip into an oven-safe dish and warm at 350°F until hot and bubbly again (about 10 minutes). You can also microwave portions in 30-second bursts, stirring each time, until perfectly creamy.
FAQs
Can I make this Hot Honey Cream Cheese Dip ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can mix and assemble the dip up to a day in advance. Store it covered in the fridge, then bake right before serving for a fuss-free, crowd-worthy appetizer.
What if I can’t find hot honey at the store?
No problem! Make your own by gently warming regular honey with a pinch of chili flakes—taste and adjust heat to your liking. Homemade hot honey brings a fresh and punchy kick to the dip!
Is this dip spicy?
The hot honey adds a gentle heat that’s balanced by the creamy cheese, making it appealing to most palates. If you prefer more kick, simply add another swirl of hot honey on top or a pinch of extra smoked paprika.
Can I make it gluten-free?
Yes! The dip itself is naturally gluten-free, just be sure to serve it with gluten-free dippers such as veggie sticks, gluten-free crackers, or tortilla chips.
What can I substitute for sour cream?
If you’re out of sour cream, Greek yogurt is a great substitute. It maintains the tang and creaminess that make Hot Honey Cream Cheese Dip so irresistible.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for a sure-fire appetizer that brings serious wow factor with minimal effort, look no further than Hot Honey Cream Cheese Dip. Gather your friends, warm up the oven, and watch this little dish steal the show—let me know what you think when you try it!
Print
Hot Honey Cream Cheese Dip Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Hot Honey Cream Cheese Dip is a decadent and flavorful appetizer that combines the creaminess of cream cheese with the sweet heat of hot honey. Baked to perfection, this dip is perfect for parties or cozy gatherings.
Ingredients
Cream Cheese Mixture:
- 8 oz cream cheese (softened)
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese (optional)
Additional Ingredients:
- 2–3 tablespoons hot honey (plus more for drizzling)
- Chopped chives or green onions for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Mix the cream cheese: In a medium bowl, mix the softened cream cheese, sour cream, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, pepper, and cheddar cheese if using. Stir until smooth and well combined.
- Spread the mixture: Spread the mixture into a small baking dish or oven-safe skillet. Bake for 15–20 minutes, or until hot and bubbly around the edges.
- Drizzle with hot honey: Remove from the oven and immediately drizzle with hot honey. Garnish with chopped chives or green onions if desired.
- Serve: Serve warm with crackers, pretzels, crostini, or sliced veggies.
Notes
- To make your own hot honey, gently warm honey with a pinch of chili flakes.
- This dip can also be made ahead and reheated before serving.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 tablespoons
- Calories: 160
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 200 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 6 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 35 mg
