Hot Honey Cream Cheese Dip is a perfect blend of creamy, spicy, and sweet flavors that will take your appetizer game to the next level. This quick and easy dip is ideal for parties, game days, or just a cozy evening snack. Pair it with crackers, veggies, or breadsticks for a crowd-pleasing treat!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Combines sweet, spicy, and creamy flavors for a unique taste sensation.
- Ready in minutes, making it a go-to recipe for last-minute gatherings.
- Versatile – works as a dip, spread, or topping.
- Uses simple ingredients you probably already have on hand.
- Perfect for any occasion, from casual snacks to elegant appetizers.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Cream cheese
- Hot honey
- Garlic powder
- Red pepper flakes
- Olive oil
- Salt and pepper
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a medium bowl, mix cream cheese, hot honey, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt until smooth.
- Spread the mixture evenly in a small, oven-safe dish.
- Drizzle olive oil over the top and sprinkle with red pepper flakes.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes or until the edges are golden and bubbly.
- Serve warm with crackers, breadsticks, or veggies.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 6-8 servings
- Preparation Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
Variations
- Milder Version: Use regular honey instead of hot honey and skip the red pepper flakes.
- Extra Spicy: Add finely diced jalapeños to the mixture.
- Herbal Twist: Mix in fresh chopped herbs like parsley or chives for added flavor.
- Cheesy Addition: Sprinkle shredded cheddar or mozzarella on top before baking.
- Vegan Option: Replace cream cheese with a dairy-free alternative and use agave syrup instead of honey.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, or microwave in 30-second intervals until warmed through.
FAQs
1. What is hot honey?
Hot honey is honey infused with chili peppers, giving it a sweet and spicy flavor profile.
2. Can I make this dip ahead of time?
Yes! Prepare the dip up to a day in advance, cover, and refrigerate. Bake just before serving.
3. Is this dip gluten-free?
Yes, the dip itself is gluten-free. Just serve it with gluten-free crackers or veggies.
4. Can I serve this dip cold?
While it’s best served warm, you can also enjoy it cold as a spread.
5. What are good dippers for this recipe?
Crackers, breadsticks, sliced veggies, or even potato chips work well.
6. How do I make hot honey at home?
Combine honey and red pepper flakes in a small saucepan over low heat. Let it infuse for 5-10 minutes, then strain.
7. Can I use flavored cream cheese?
Absolutely! Flavored cream cheese, like garlic herb, can add an extra dimension to the dip.
8. How can I adjust the spice level?
Control the amount of hot honey and red pepper flakes to suit your spice tolerance.
9. What if I don’t have an oven-safe dish?
You can bake the dip in a regular baking dish and transfer it to a serving bowl.
10. Can I add other toppings?
Yes, toppings like chopped nuts, crispy bacon bits, or a drizzle of balsamic glaze are great additions.
Conclusion
Hot Honey Cream Cheese Dip is a deliciously creamy, spicy, and sweet appetizer that’s guaranteed to impress. With its quick preparation and endless customization options, it’s a must-try recipe for any occasion. Whip it up, serve it warm, and watch it disappear in no time!
PrintHot Honey Cream Cheese Dip
Hot Honey Cream Cheese Dip is a delightful blend of creamy, sweet, and spicy flavors, making it a perfect appetizer for any occasion. Here’s how you can make it:
Ingredients
- For the Dip:
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup diced red onion
- ¼ cup diced bell pepper (any color)
- ¼ cup diced cucumber
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
- For the Hot Honey:
- ¼ cup honey
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
Instructions
- Prepare the Hot Honey:
- In a small saucepan over low heat, combine the honey and crushed red pepper flakes.
- Warm gently for about 5 minutes, ensuring it doesn’t boil.
- Remove from heat and stir in the apple cider vinegar.
- Let it cool to room temperature.
- Make the Dip:
- In a medium bowl, mix the softened cream cheese until smooth.
- Stir in the diced red onion, bell pepper, cucumber, and chopped cilantro until well combined.
- Combine and Serve:
- Transfer the cream cheese mixture to a serving bowl.
- Drizzle the prepared hot honey over the top of the dip.
- Serve immediately with your choice of crackers, toasted baguette slices, or fresh vegetables.
Notes
- Adjust the amount of crushed red pepper flakes in the hot honey to suit your heat preference.
- For a smoother dip, ensure the cream cheese is fully softened before mixing.
- This dip pairs well with a variety of dippers, including pita chips, pretzels, or sliced cucumbers.