Meet your new favorite party trick: Hot Honey Cream Cheese Dip. It’s the kind of recipe that makes you a legend at gatherings and family movie nights alike—rich, creamy, and tingling with gentle heat thanks to a swirl of hot honey. Every scoop is a dreamy combo of sweetness, spice, and velvety cheese, balanced with savory depth and a hint of smokiness. Best of all, you’re barely thirty minutes away from dipping bliss, and you’ll want to drizzle this dip over everything. Trust me, once you make it, there’s no going back!
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Hot Honey Cream Cheese Dip recipe calls for just a handful of pantry staples, each one working hard to build big flavor and that irresistible, creamy texture. Don’t skip or swap these key players—they’re what make this dip sing!
- Cream Cheese (8 ounces, softened): The star of the show—make sure it’s softened for the smoothest blend and the creamiest texture.
- Hot Honey (1/4 cup, plus more for drizzling): Adds sweet heat and a sticky glaze that elevates the dip from good to unforgettable. Use your favorite hot honey or infuse your own with chili flakes!
- Garlic Powder (1/2 teaspoon): Brings subtle savory notes and a little zing that rounds out the richness.
- Smoked Paprika (1/4 teaspoon): Provides a gentle smokiness that deepens the flavor—perfect for a little extra oomph.
- Cayenne Pepper (1/8 teaspoon, optional): For those who like a bolder kick. Dial it up or skip it altogether—it’s your call!
- Pinch of Salt: The unsung hero, bringing all the flavors into harmony.
- Chopped Chives or Parsley (optional, for garnish): Brings a pop of fresh color and herby finish.
- Crackers, Crostini, or Veggies (for serving): Choose your favorite dippers—they’re just as crucial as the dip itself for the perfect bite.
How to Make Hot Honey Cream Cheese Dip
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
First off, set your oven to 375°F (190°C) so it’s nice and hot by the time you’re ready to bake. Preheating is key—it ensures the Hot Honey Cream Cheese Dip gets evenly warmed and slightly puffed, just as it should be. Take this moment to set out your cream cheese so it has a chance to soften further if needed.
Step 2: Blend the Base
In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, hot honey, garlic powder, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper (if using), and a pinch of salt. Mix until everything is smooth, luscious, and thoroughly combined. Don’t be afraid to taste at this point—this is the moment where you can adjust for even more sweet heat or smoky goodness.
Step 3: Prep for Baking
Spoon the cream cheese mixture into a small oven-safe baking dish. Using a spatula, spread it into an even layer so it heats uniformly. The aroma will already have you excited for what’s coming next!
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Slide the dish into your preheated oven and bake for 15 to 18 minutes. Watch for those bubbling edges and the irresistible golden glow—those are your signs it’s ready. The dip should be hot throughout and slightly puffed, with a bit of caramelization around the sides for extra flavor.
Step 5: Finish and Serve
Cautiously remove the Hot Honey Cream Cheese Dip from the oven. While it’s still hot, drizzle over an extra swirl of hot honey for that signature glossy finish. Garnish with a handful of chopped chives or parsley if you like—a little green makes it pop. Bring your dippers to the table and let the feasting begin!
How to Serve Hot Honey Cream Cheese Dip
Garnishes
A warm drizzle of hot honey just before serving is non-negotiable in my book—it’s the finishing touch that wows every time. For color and a fresh note, scatter chopped chives or parsley across the top. If you want to play up the heat, sprinkle a pinch of red pepper flakes or an extra dusting of smoked paprika. Your party guests will love the inviting look!
Side Dishes
This Hot Honey Cream Cheese Dip is perfectly at home with a roster of crispy crackers, toasted baguette crostini, or sturdy pretzel chips. For a lighter side, serve with fresh veggies like bell pepper strips, cucumber rounds, or even endive leaves for a crunchy counterpoint. It will disappear fast, so offer plenty!
Creative Ways to Present
The best way to impress? Serve the dip hot and bubbly straight from the oven in a rustic, oven-to-table dish. For a charcuterie board twist, spoon a little onto individual crostini, drizzle with hot honey, and garnish each bite. Or try serving mini versions in ramekins for personal-sized dipping—guests will love the extra-special touch!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, transfer the cooled dip to an airtight container and refrigerate. It will stay fresh and delicious for up to four days, making it a great option for quick snacks or a delicious topping for baked potatoes the next day.
Freezing
While Hot Honey Cream Cheese Dip is best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze it if needed. Spoon the cooled dip into a freezer-safe container, press plastic wrap directly onto the surface to prevent ice crystals, and freeze for up to one month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for the best texture.
Reheating
To reheat, scrape the dip into a small oven-safe dish and warm it in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes, or just until hot and bubbly. You can also microwave individual portions for a quick snack—just heat in 30-second bursts, stirring in between. Always finish with a fresh drizzle of hot honey before serving to bring back that signature zing.
FAQs
Can I make Hot Honey Cream Cheese Dip ahead of time?
Absolutely! Prepare and assemble the dip a day ahead, cover, and refrigerate. When you’re ready to serve, just pop it in the oven and bake until hot and bubbly. Add your garnish and extra honey drizzle just before serving for best results.
What is hot honey, and can I make my own?
Hot honey is simply honey infused with chili—either from chili flakes or fresh chili—bringing a unique blend of sweet and spicy. To DIY, gently heat honey with red pepper flakes for a few minutes, let cool, and strain. Homemade or store-bought, it’s fantastic in this dip!
Is this Hot Honey Cream Cheese Dip very spicy?
The beauty of this recipe is its flexibility. The basic version has mild heat, but you can turn up the fire by adding more cayenne or red chili flakes, or keep it gentle by leaving them out. Taste as you go to hit your perfect spice level.
What are the best dipping options for this dip?
Crackers, crostini, and sliced baguettes are classics, but don’t overlook veggies—carrot sticks, cucumber slices, and bell peppers all work beautifully. For a hearty touch, try pretzel chips or pita wedges for scooping every last bit.
Can I double the recipe for a party?
Definitely! Simply double all the ingredients and bake in a larger baking dish. Increase the baking time by a few minutes and keep a close eye so it heats through evenly. Your guests will be thrilled to see a big batch on the table!
Final Thoughts
There you have it—the Hot Honey Cream Cheese Dip that’s about to be the highlight of your appetizer lineup. Whether you’re hosting friends, surprising your family, or just craving a little sweet heat, give this one a try. I can’t wait for you to fall in love with every creamy, spicy, honey-drizzled bite!
Print
Hot Honey Cream Cheese Dip Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Hot Honey Cream Cheese Dip is a flavorful and creamy appetizer that’s perfect for any gathering. The combination of spicy hot honey with smooth cream cheese creates a delicious dip that pairs perfectly with crackers, crostini, or fresh veggies.
Ingredients
Cream Cheese Dip:
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup hot honey, plus more for drizzling
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- Pinch of salt
- Chopped chives or parsley for garnish (optional)
Serving Suggestions:
- Crackers, crostini, or veggies for serving
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Mix ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese with hot honey, garlic powder, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, and salt until smooth.
- Transfer to dish: Transfer the mixture to a small oven-safe dish and spread it evenly.
- Bake: Bake for 15–18 minutes until warm and bubbly.
- Drizzle and garnish: Remove from the oven, drizzle with extra hot honey, and garnish with chopped chives or parsley.
- Serve: Serve immediately with crackers, crostini, or veggies.
Notes
- To make it spicier, add red pepper flakes or extra cayenne.
- For a smoky twist, use chipotle powder instead of paprika.
- This dip can be made ahead and reheated before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 tablespoons
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 120 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 7 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 30 mg
