If you are on the hunt for a crowd-pleasing appetizer that brilliantly balances sweet, spicy, and creamy flavors, then you absolutely cannot miss this Hot Honey Cream Cheese Dip Recipe. Imagine a luscious blend of smooth cream cheese, tangy sour cream, and melty cheeses all livened up by a magical drizzle of hot honey that delivers just the right touch of heat and sweetness. Whether you’re hosting friends, watching the game, or simply craving something deliciously addictive, this dip hits all the right notes, making every bite a celebration.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Hot Honey Cream Cheese Dip Recipe uses simple, everyday ingredients that come together to create layers of flavor and texture that are simply irresistible. Each item plays a vital role—from the cheeses adding richness and gooey meltability to the hot honey providing a unique, spicy sweetness that sets this dip apart.
- Cream cheese, 8 oz, softened: The velvety base that gives the dip its creamy and rich texture.
- Sour cream, 1/2 cup: Adds tanginess and lightens the cream cheese for a balanced flavor.
- Shredded cheddar cheese, 1/2 cup: Brings a sharp, savory depth and gives the dip a golden color when baked.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese, 1/2 cup: Creates melty, stretchy goodness that everyone loves.
- Hot honey, 1/4 cup: The star ingredient that introduces a delightful spicy sweetness—opt for store-bought or homemade.
- Chopped green onions, 1/4 cup plus extra for garnish: Offers a fresh, mild onion flavor and a pop of green color.
- Garlic powder, 1 tsp: Infuses the dip with a savory aroma and depth.
- Salt, 1/2 tsp: Enhances all the other flavors to perfection.
- Black pepper, 1/4 tsp: Adds subtle warmth and spice.
- Crushed red pepper flakes, 1/4 tsp (optional): For those who want an extra kick beyond the hot honey’s heat.
- Fresh veggies, crackers, or bread for serving: Choose your favorite dippers to enjoy this dip.
How to Make Hot Honey Cream Cheese Dip Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Cream Cheese Base
Start by softening the cream cheese so it’s easy to work with. Then, beat it until smooth and creamy using a hand mixer or spatula. This step is crucial because a smooth base creates a luscious texture for the dip that everyone will love. No lumps here—just velvety goodness.
Step 2: Combine Sour Cream and Cheeses
Next, fold in the sour cream to add tanginess and lighten the richness a bit. Then sprinkle in both shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses, mixing well to distribute each cheesy strand evenly throughout the dip. This combination ensures every spoonful is loaded with flavor and gooey melt.
Step 3: Incorporate the Hot Honey and Seasonings
Time to drizzle in the hot honey, which adds that perfect touch of sweet heat making this dip unforgettable. If you want to make your own hot honey, simply infuse honey with crushed red pepper flakes for a few hours beforehand. Stir in chopped green onions, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes if you like it spicier. Mix everything until beautifully combined.
Step 4: Bake Until Bubbly and Golden
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius). Transfer the dip mixture into a baking dish—something around 9 inches in diameter works perfectly—and smooth the top with a spatula. For an extra cheesy crust, sprinkle additional cheddar and mozzarella on top before baking. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the dip is bubbly and golden on the edges. The aroma alone will have you ready to dive in!
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Once out of the oven, let the dip cool briefly so it firms up just enough to hold its shape but remains warm and gooey. Garnish with extra chopped green onions for freshness and a drizzle more of hot honey if you’re feeling indulgent. Now it’s time to enjoy this heavenly dip with your favorite veggies, crackers, or crusty bread slices!
How to Serve Hot Honey Cream Cheese Dip Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh green onions are essential for their peppery crunch and bright color, making the dip pop visually. A light drizzle of additional hot honey right before serving amps up the sweet-spicy excitement and makes the presentation look fabulous and inviting.
Side Dishes
This dip pairs beautifully with an array of dippers—from crunchy, fresh veggies like celery sticks, carrot batons, and bell pepper slices to hearty crackers or toasted baguette slices. The contrast between creamy and crunchy is what makes every bite thrilling. It’s a guaranteed crowd favorite for parties or casual get-togethers.
Creative Ways to Present
For an eye-catching snack tray, serve the Hot Honey Cream Cheese Dip Recipe in a rustic ceramic dish surrounded by colorful veggie sticks, artisan crackers, and petite bread rounds. You can also stuff it into small bread bowls for an elegant twist. Adding edible flowers or fresh herbs on the side elevates the presentation to party-perfect status.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, place any leftover dip into an airtight container and keep it in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days. The flavors even have time to meld and deepen, making it taste even better the next day.
Freezing
This dip freezes well but with slight texture changes. For best results, freeze in a sealed container for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently in the oven or microwave, stirring occasionally to bring back its creaminess.
Reheating
Reheat the dip in a small baking dish at 325 degrees Fahrenheit until warmed through and bubbly again, about 10 to 15 minutes. Alternatively, microwave in short bursts, stirring in between. Adding a fresh drizzle of hot honey after reheating will restore that wonderful sweet heat.
FAQs
Can I use regular honey instead of hot honey?
Absolutely! If you prefer less heat, regular honey will add that luscious sweetness and pair wonderfully with the creamy cheeses. For a little spice, try mixing regular honey with a pinch of red pepper flakes yourself.
Is this dip suitable for vegetarians?
Yes! This dip is perfect for vegetarians as it contains no meat products. Just be sure to use cheeses labeled as vegetarian if that’s important to you.
Can I make this Hot Honey Cream Cheese Dip Recipe vegan?
You can try substituting with vegan cream cheese, vegan sour cream, and dairy-free shredded cheeses. Keep in mind the texture and flavor may vary, but it can still be delicious with the spicy hot honey flavor shining through.
How spicy is the dip?
The dip has a gentle warm heat thanks to the hot honey and optional red pepper flakes. You can easily adjust the spice level by adding more or less crushed red pepper or using milder honey, so it’s perfect for all taste buds.
What are some other great dippers besides veggies and bread?
Try pita chips, pretzel sticks, potato chips, or even crispy wonton chips! The creamy, spicy-sweet dip complements a variety of textures, making it a versatile crowd-pleaser.
Final Thoughts
This Hot Honey Cream Cheese Dip Recipe is an absolute game-changer when it comes to appetizers. It’s the kind of dish you’ll want to make again and again, whether for casual snack time or special gatherings. Creamy, spicy, sweet, and packed with gooey cheese, it hits every crave-worthy note. Gather your ingredients, invite your loved ones, and get ready to share the joy of this deliciously irresistible dip!
Print
Hot Honey Cream Cheese Dip Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6–8 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Indulge in this creamy and spicy Hot Honey Cream Cheese Dip, a perfect blend of cheeses, tangy sour cream, and a touch of heat from hot honey. This baked appetizer is a crowd-pleaser that pairs beautifully with fresh veggies, crackers, or crusty bread, making it ideal for parties and cozy gatherings.
Ingredients
Dip Ingredients
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup hot honey (store-bought or homemade)
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions (plus extra for garnish)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for extra heat)
For Serving
- Fresh veggies, crackers, or bread
Instructions
- Prepare the cream cheese base: In a large mixing bowl, add the softened cream cheese. Using a hand mixer or spatula, beat it for about 1-2 minutes until smooth and creamy.
- Combine sour cream: Add the sour cream to the bowl and mix thoroughly until well incorporated.
- Add cheeses: Sprinkle in the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses, mixing until the mixture is well blended.
- Incorporate hot honey: Pour in the hot honey and mix well. If using homemade hot honey, infuse honey with red pepper flakes for a few hours beforehand for best flavor.
- Season the dip: Stir in the chopped green onions, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes (if using) until evenly combined.
- Preheat oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) to get ready for baking.
- Transfer to baking dish: Pour the dip mixture into a 9-inch pie dish or a small casserole dish. Smooth out the top with a spatula.
- Optional topping: For extra cheesiness, sprinkle additional shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses on top.
- Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes until bubbly and golden on top.
- Cool and garnish: Carefully remove the dip from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with extra chopped green onions.
- Serve: Serve the dip warm with fresh vegetables, crackers, or slices of crusty bread.
- Optional finishing touch: Drizzle additional hot honey on top just before serving for an extra spicy-sweet kick.
Notes
- This dip is perfect for parties, game days, or cozy nights in.
- Adjust the amount of hot honey and crushed red pepper flakes to customize heat level.
- Make homemade hot honey by infusing honey with red pepper flakes for several hours.
- Ensure cream cheese is softened to achieve a smooth dip texture.
- Use a baking dish suitable for even heat distribution to prevent burning.
