If you’re on the hunt for a crowd-pleasing appetizer that’s both creamy and packed with bold flavor, this Hot Honey Cream Cheese Dip is about to become your new favorite party trick. Imagine a luscious blend of tangy cream cheese, a gentle touch of smoke and spice, and that irresistible drizzle of sweet heat from hot honey. Every scoop is a warm, melty bite that pairs beautifully with crunchy crackers, crostini, or crisp veggies. Whether you’re hosting a festive get-together or looking for a quick, comforting snack, this dip delivers big on taste with minimal effort.
Ingredients You’ll Need
What makes this recipe such a winner is its simplicity—just a handful of everyday ingredients come together to create a dip that’s both impressive and deeply satisfying. Each component plays its own special part, ensuring every spoonful is perfectly balanced and utterly crave-worthy.
- Cream cheese (8 oz, softened): The creamy base that gives the dip its rich, luxurious texture.
- Sour cream (2 tablespoons): Adds tang and lightens the consistency for an extra smooth scoop.
- Mayonnaise (1 tablespoon): Brings a subtle richness and helps bind everything together.
- Apple cider vinegar (1 tablespoon): Lends a bright, zippy note that cuts through the richness.
- Garlic powder (1/4 teaspoon): Provides savory depth and a gentle kick of flavor.
- Onion powder (1/4 teaspoon): Enhances savoriness, rounding out the creamy base.
- Smoked paprika (1/4 teaspoon): Adds a touch of smokiness and gorgeous color.
- Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Balances flavors and makes everything pop.
- Black pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Gives a gentle heat and earthiness.
- Hot honey (2 tablespoons, plus more for drizzling): The star ingredient! Sweet, spicy, and utterly addictive.
- Chopped chives or green onions (optional): For a fresh, vibrant garnish and hint of color.
How to Make Hot Honey Cream Cheese Dip
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Begin by setting your oven to 350°F. A quick preheat ensures your dip will bake evenly, turning irresistibly golden and bubbly on top without drying out.
Step 2: Mix the Creamy Base
In a medium mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise, and apple cider vinegar. Beat or stir until the mixture is smooth and well-blended—the creamier, the better! This step sets the stage for the ultimate Hot Honey Cream Cheese Dip texture.
Step 3: Add Seasonings
Sprinkle in the garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Stir thoroughly to distribute the spices, ensuring every bite is packed with flavor and a subtle warmth that complements the sweet heat of the honey.
Step 4: Incorporate the Hot Honey
Pour in 2 tablespoons of hot honey and mix until fully incorporated. This is where the magic happens: the sweet and spicy notes swirl together with the tangy, creamy base, creating a flavor you’ll want to come back to again and again.
Step 5: Bake Until Golden
Transfer the mixture to a small oven-safe baking dish and smooth the top. Slide it into your preheated oven and bake for 15 to 20 minutes, until the dip is heated through and just beginning to turn golden brown on top. Your kitchen will smell amazing!
Step 6: Finish and Serve
Once baked, drizzle extra hot honey over the top for a glossy, tempting finish. Sprinkle with chopped chives or green onions if you like a pop of color and freshness. Serve your Hot Honey Cream Cheese Dip warm, straight from the oven, with your favorite dippers.
How to Serve Hot Honey Cream Cheese Dip
Garnishes
For a finishing touch that wows, drizzle a little extra hot honey right before serving—this not only adds shine but makes each bite pop with flavor. A sprinkle of fresh chives or green onions brings a burst of color and a delightful, mild oniony crunch.
Side Dishes
This dip is a superstar alongside sturdy crackers, toasted crostini, or fresh vegetable sticks like carrots, celery, and bell peppers. For a heartier spread, try it with warm pita wedges or pretzel chips—it’s endlessly versatile!
Creative Ways to Present
For a showstopper appetizer board, spoon the Hot Honey Cream Cheese Dip into a rustic skillet or mini cocotte. Surround with a rainbow of veggies and artisan breads, and let guests help themselves. Or, serve in individual ramekins for a personal touch at dinner parties.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, simply cover your baking dish tightly with foil or transfer the dip to an airtight container. It will keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, making it easy to enjoy another round of snacking.
Freezing
While dairy-based dips like Hot Honey Cream Cheese Dip can be frozen, the texture might change slightly. If you do freeze it, use a freezer-safe container, and enjoy within one month for the best flavor and consistency. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, cover the dip with foil and warm it in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes, or until hot and melty again. For a quick fix, a few short bursts in the microwave will also do the trick—just stir between intervals for even heating.
FAQs
Can I make Hot Honey Cream Cheese Dip ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the dip up to a day in advance, cover, and refrigerate. When you’re ready to serve, just bake as directed and add your final drizzle of hot honey and garnishes.
What can I use if I don’t have hot honey?
If hot honey isn’t on hand, mix regular honey with a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of your favorite hot sauce. It’s an easy way to get that signature sweet heat in your dip.
Is this dip spicy?
Hot Honey Cream Cheese Dip has a gentle heat balanced by the creamy base, so it’s usually mild enough for most guests. If you want more kick, add a pinch of cayenne or extra hot sauce to taste.
Can I make this dip gluten-free?
The dip itself is naturally gluten-free! Just be sure to serve it with gluten-free crackers, chips, or veggies for a completely gluten-free appetizer spread.
What’s the best way to soften cream cheese quickly?
For speedy softening, cut the cream cheese into cubes and let it sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes. In a pinch, microwave it in short bursts (5-10 seconds), checking frequently so it doesn’t melt.
Final Thoughts
There’s something undeniably comforting about digging into a warm, gooey Hot Honey Cream Cheese Dip. It’s the kind of recipe that brings people together and disappears faster than you think! Give it a try for your next gathering or cozy night in—you just might find it becomes your go-to appetizer.
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Hot Honey Cream Cheese Dip Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Hot Honey Cream Cheese Dip is a deliciously creamy and spicy appetizer perfect for gatherings and parties. It combines softened cream cheese with sour cream, mayonnaise, and a blend of spices, all baked to golden perfection and drizzled with sweet and spicy hot honey. Served warm, it’s ideal for pairing with crackers, crostini, or fresh vegetables.
Ingredients
Dip Base
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 2 tablespoons sour cream
- 1 tablespoon mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
Seasonings
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Sweet and Spicy
- 2 tablespoons hot honey, plus more for drizzling
Garnish (Optional)
- Chopped chives or green onions
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 350°F to get ready for baking the dip.
- Combine the base ingredients: In a medium mixing bowl, mix the softened cream cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise, and apple cider vinegar until the mixture is creamy and smooth.
- Add seasonings: Stir in garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper evenly to ensure the dip is flavorful.
- Mix in hot honey: Blend in 2 tablespoons of hot honey thoroughly, adding a perfect balance of sweetness and spice.
- Transfer and smooth: Spoon the mixture into a small oven-safe baking dish and even out the top for uniform baking.
- Bake the dip: Place the dish in the oven and bake for 15–20 minutes until it is heated through and slightly golden on top.
- Finish and garnish: Remove from the oven, drizzle additional hot honey on top, and optionally garnish with chopped chives or green onions for added color and flavor.
- Serve warm: Present the dip warm alongside crackers, crostini, or fresh vegetables for dipping.
Notes
- For extra heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of hot sauce to the mixture before baking.
- This dip can be made ahead of time and refrigerated before baking to save time on serving day.
- Use freshly chopped chives or green onions for a fresh and vibrant garnish.
- Hot honey can be substituted with regular honey mixed with a bit of cayenne for a similar flavor profile.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 tablespoons
- Calories: 160
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 220mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
