Name: Hot Honey Cream Cheese Dip Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 16 oz cream cheese, softened; 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese; 1/2 cup sour cream; 1/4 cup mayonnaise; 1/4 cup honey (plus additional honey for drizzling, optional); 2 tablespoons hot sauce (adjust to taste); 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon onion powder; 1/2 teaspoon salt; Fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)

Jump to Recipe

If you are searching for a warm, comforting appetizer that effortlessly combines sweet and spicy flavors, look no further than this Hot Honey Cream Cheese Dip. This creamy, luscious dip packs a punch with the perfect balance of fiery hot sauce and smooth honey sweetness, all wrapped up in a rich blend of cream cheese and sharp cheddar. It’s incredibly easy to make but will wow everyone at your gathering with its irresistible texture and unforgettable taste.

Hot Honey Cream Cheese Dip Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering just the right ingredients is the secret to nailing this Hot Honey Cream Cheese Dip recipe. Each component plays its own crucial role, whether it’s building creamy depth, adding a tangy kick, or giving that subtle heat that keeps people coming back for more.

Cream cheese (16 oz, softened): This is the creamy base that gives the dip its smooth, rich texture.
Sharp cheddar cheese (1 cup, shredded): Adds a bold, savory flavor and a perfect melty stretch.
Sour cream (1/2 cup): Brings a slightly tangy freshness that brightens the entire dip.
Mayonnaise (1/4 cup): Helps keep everything moist and gives a silky mouthfeel.
Honey (1/4 cup): The natural sweetness that balances the heat, and feel free to drizzle extra on top for a glossy finish.
Hot sauce (2 tablespoons): The star of the heat, which you can adjust to your preferred spice level.
Garlic powder (1 teaspoon): Adds a mellow, aromatic depth.
Onion powder (1 teaspoon): Rounds out the flavor with a subtle savory note.
Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Enhances all the other flavors without overpowering.
Fresh parsley (optional garnish): Adds a pop of color and a fresh herbal hint at the end.

How to Make Hot Honey Cream Cheese Dip

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is key so the dip bakes evenly and gets that perfectly bubbly, golden finish. Meanwhile, take the cream cheese out to soften if you haven’t already—softened cream cheese blends much easier and creates a smoother dip.

Step 2: Combine the Creamy Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, shredded sharp cheddar cheese, sour cream, and mayonnaise. Using a whisk or an electric mixer, blend them together until everything is smooth and well combined. This step ensures that the base of your Hot Honey Cream Cheese Dip is luxuriously creamy and perfectly unified.

Step 3: Add the Flavor Boosters

Next, pour in the honey and hot sauce, then sprinkle in the garlic powder, onion powder, and salt. Whisk everything once again until the mixture looks even and inviting. The honey and hot sauce create that signature sweet and spicy magic, while the spices provide a subtle depth that makes this dip truly unforgettable.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Spread the mixture evenly in an oven-safe baking dish, smoothing out the top with a spatula. Bake in your preheated oven for about 20 minutes. The dip should be hot and bubbling at the edges and lightly golden on top—that’s when you know it’s ready to take out.

Step 5: Final Touches

Remove the dip from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes to thicken slightly. Now is the fun part—drizzle extra honey over the top if you want a glossy, sweet finish. For a fresh and colorful contrast, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the dip before serving.

How to Serve Hot Honey Cream Cheese Dip

Garnishes

A little garnish goes a long way in making your dish look irresistible. Try fresh parsley for a burst of green and mild herbaceous flavor. A light dusting of smoked paprika or red pepper flakes can also add a touch of extra warmth and visual appeal.

Side Dishes

This dip pairs beautifully with a variety of dippers. Think crisp crackers, warm toasted baguette slices, crunchy veggie sticks like celery and carrots, or even soft pita chips. Each option offers a different texture that complements the creamy, spicy sweetness of the dip perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

Want to impress your guests visually? Serve your Hot Honey Cream Cheese Dip in a rustic cast-iron skillet or a colorful ceramic dish for a cozy vibe. You could even arrange the dippers around the dish on a wooden board or a large platter, creating an inviting centerpiece that encourages everyone to dig in.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, transfer any leftover Hot Honey Cream Cheese Dip into an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 3 days, making it a perfect appetizer to prepare ahead of time and enjoy over a few days.

Freezing

If you want to save it for longer, you can freeze this dip. Place it in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw it overnight in the fridge for the best texture and flavor retention.

Reheating

Reheat the Hot Honey Cream Cheese Dip gently in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warm and bubbly, about 10-15 minutes. You can also microwave it in short intervals, stirring in between, but the oven method will give it that just-baked appeal and texture you want.

FAQs

Can I make this dip without mayonnaise?

Absolutely! If you prefer to skip mayonnaise, you can substitute it with extra sour cream or Greek yogurt, which will keep the dip creamy though the texture might be slightly different.

Is this dip very spicy?

The heat level depends on the type and amount of hot sauce you use. If you’re sensitive to spice, start with less hot sauce and add more gradually until you reach your desired kick.

Can I use a different kind of cheese?

Definitely! While sharp cheddar is fantastic for its bold flavor, you can experiment with pepper jack for more heat or mozzarella for a milder, stretchier dip.

What is the best honey to use for the dip?

A mild honey like clover or wildflower works wonderfully here because it won’t overpower the other flavors, but feel free to try darker honeys like buckwheat or tupelo for more complex sweetness.

How long can I leave the dip out during a party?

For food safety, it’s best not to leave the dip out at room temperature for more than two hours. If you’re hosting a longer event, consider keeping the dip warm in a small slow cooker or warming tray.

Final Thoughts

Making Hot Honey Cream Cheese Dip is like creating a little bowl of joy that everyone will love. It’s easy to prepare, perfect for sharing, and those sweet and spicy notes are just plain addictive. You owe it to yourself to whip this up for your next gathering or a cozy night in—you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it!

Hot Honey Cream Cheese Dip Recipe

★★★★★

5.3 from 23 reviews

Author: Jack
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 8 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

A creamy, spicy, and sweet dip made with cream cheese, cheddar, honey, and hot sauce that is baked to bubbly perfection. Perfect for parties or cozy snacking, this Hot Honey Cream Cheese Dip pairs wonderfully with crackers, bread, or fresh veggies.

Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it reaches the proper temperature for baking the dip evenly.
Mix Base Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, shredded sharp cheddar cheese, sour cream, and mayonnaise until they form a smooth base.
Add Flavorings: Stir in the honey, hot sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt. Use a whisk or electric mixer to blend the mixture until smooth and fully combined.
Prepare for Baking: Spread the mixture evenly into an oven-safe baking dish, smoothing the top for even cooking.
Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes, or until the dip is hot and bubbly around the edges.
Cool and Drizzle: Remove the dip from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes so it thickens slightly. Drizzle additional honey on top if you like a sweeter finish.
Garnish: Sprinkle fresh parsley over the top for a pop of color and fresh flavor.
Serve: Serve the dip warm alongside crackers, bread, or fresh vegetables for dipping and enjoying.

Notes

Adjust the amount of hot sauce to control the spice level to your preference.
For a thicker dip, use full-fat sour cream and mayonnaise.
You can substitute sharp cheddar with other cheeses like mozzarella or pepper jack for different flavor profiles.
Keep the dip warm by placing it in a low oven or warming tray during serving.
Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently before serving.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Appetizer
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American