Name: Hot Honey Cream Cheese Dip Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 (8-ounce) block cream cheese, softened; 1/4 cup hot honey (plus extra for drizzling); 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes; 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 tablespoon chopped fresh chives (optional); Crackers, crostini, or sliced baguette

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

If you’re looking for the star of your next gathering, the Hot Honey Cream Cheese Dip is bound to steal the show! Creamy, sweet, spicy, and utterly irresistible, this appetizer is the perfect balance of flavors and textures. It comes together in a flash and always disappears just as quickly, making it the ultimate crowd-pleaser for potlucks, game nights, or whenever you want a little something special to dip your bread or crackers into. The best part? You only need a handful of easy-to-find ingredients and 20 minutes from start to finish to whip up this unforgettable Hot Honey Cream Cheese Dip.

Hot Honey Cream Cheese Dip Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This dip is proof that simple can be oh-so-satisfying! Each ingredient brings something unique to the table, layering on flavor, heat, or that crave-worthy creamy texture that makes everyone want to dive back in for more. Here’s what you’ll need to create your own Hot Honey Cream Cheese Dip masterpiece:

Cream Cheese: The foundation of the dip, lending its ultra-rich, velvety texture—make sure it’s softened for easy mixing!
Hot Honey: Sweet with a kick, this is the magic ingredient that delivers both heat and sticky richness; feel free to use store-bought or homemade.
Crushed Red Pepper Flakes: These fiery little flecks allow you to control the spicy factor to your liking—a little goes a long way!
Garlic Powder: Just a touch brings a subtle warmth and savory depth, keeping the dip from veering too sweet.
Chopped Fresh Chives (Optional): A bright, oniony finish that adds color and a fresh punch—absolutely lovely if you have them on hand.
Crackers, Crostini, or Sliced Baguette: Your vehicle for dunking; the crispier, the better to scoop up all that creamy dip.

How to Make Hot Honey Cream Cheese Dip

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Getting the oven nice and hot means your dip will come out bubbly and perfectly golden around the edges, ready to be devoured the moment it’s baked.

Step 2: Mix the Base

In a small mixing bowl, add the softened cream cheese, hot honey, red pepper flakes, and garlic powder. Grab a sturdy spoon or a hand mixer and blend everything together until the mixture is creamy, smooth, and all the flavors are mingling beautifully. This is your chance to sneak a taste and tweak the spice level to your preference!

Step 3: Prep for Baking

Spoon the creamy mixture into a small oven-safe baking dish, using the back of your spoon or a spatula to smooth out the top. A smaller dish means a thicker, gooier dip—just how we like it for scooping.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Pop the dish in your preheated oven and bake for 15 to 18 minutes. Keep an eye out for those telltale golden edges and bubbling around the sides—that’s when you know it’s ready. The aroma will have everyone drifting into the kitchen wondering what smells so amazing!

Step 5: Finish and Serve

Once baked, drizzle generously with extra hot honey so each bite gets that signature sweet-heat finish. Sprinkle with a handful of chopped chives if you’re using them for a pop of color and freshness. Serve immediately with crackers, crostini, or your favorite crusty bread while the Hot Honey Cream Cheese Dip is warm and gooey.

How to Serve Hot Honey Cream Cheese Dip

Garnishes

For a visually stunning finish, don’t forget to drizzle extra hot honey right before serving—it glistens beautifully and amps up the flavor. A scatter of chopped fresh chives lends a burst of green, while a sprinkle of extra red pepper flakes can signal a little extra heat. If you’re feeling adventurous, even toasted pecans or a pinch of smoked paprika on top can make this Hot Honey Cream Cheese Dip really stand out.

Side Dishes

This dip is endlessly versatile! Classic pairings like crispy crackers, crostini, or buttery slices of baguette are always welcome, but think beyond the ordinary—try it with pretzel chips, warm pita, or even crunchy vegetable sticks for a lighter bite. The rich, creamy dip also pairs beautifully with salty, cured meats if you want to assemble an epic snack platter.

Creative Ways to Present

Spread the Hot Honey Cream Cheese Dip onto a rustic wooden board alongside an array of dippers for an eye-catching centerpiece. Serving it straight from the baking dish with a drizzle of honey creates cozy, homey vibes, or you can bake in individual ramekins for adorable personal appetizers. Even topping the dip with a tangle of microgreens or edible flowers can turn this humble recipe into a true showstopper!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers (it doesn’t happen often!), let the Hot Honey Cream Cheese Dip cool to room temperature, then transfer it into an airtight container. It will keep beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, making it just as delicious when you sneak a bite the next day.

Freezing

While this dip is best enjoyed fresh and warm, you can freeze any leftovers if needed. After cooling, place the dip in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to one month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating, keeping in mind the texture might become a tiny bit softer after freezing, but the flavor will still be spot-on.

Reheating

To reheat, simply scoop the dip into an oven-safe dish and warm in a 350°F oven for 8 to 10 minutes, until hot and bubbly. For a quick fix, microwaving in 20-second bursts (stirring between each) also works well. Don’t forget to finish with a fresh drizzle of hot honey to wake up those flavors again!

FAQs

Can I use whipped cream cheese instead of a block?

Absolutely! Whipped cream cheese will make the dip lighter and fluffier. Just use the same amount and skip the softening step since whipped cream cheese is already easy to stir.

What if I don’t have hot honey—can I make my own?

Yes! Simply combine your favorite honey with a pinch (or more) of crushed red pepper flakes and a dash of cayenne for extra heat. Let it infuse for a few minutes and you’ve got instant hot honey for this dip or any future spicy-sweet cravings.

Is it possible to make Hot Honey Cream Cheese Dip ahead of time?

You sure can. Mix the dip ingredients and spread them in your baking dish, then cover and store in the fridge for up to a day. Just bake it off when guests arrive, adding on a few extra minutes if it’s going straight from the fridge to the oven.

Can I make this dip dairy-free?

Definitely! There are some excellent dairy-free cream cheese alternatives available. Substitute plant-based cream cheese and check your hot honey’s ingredients to ensure it’s vegan-friendly, then proceed as directed for a dairy-free twist on Hot Honey Cream Cheese Dip.

What can I add for extra flavor?

Try stirring in a pinch of smoked paprika for depth, or top the finished dip with chopped toasted pecans or walnuts for crunch. Swapping chopped scallions for chives or adding a light squeeze of lemon juice can give your Hot Honey Cream Cheese Dip a new spin each time you make it.

Final Thoughts

This Hot Honey Cream Cheese Dip is one of those recipes that instantly brightens any gathering—it’s bold, comforting, and comes together in minutes. Whether you’re sharing it with friends, family, or simply treating yourself, give it a try and watch it disappear in no time. You’ll be asked for the recipe every single time!

Hot Honey Cream Cheese Dip Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 7 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 20 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

This hot honey cream cheese dip is a perfect blend of sweet and spicy flavors, making it a crowd-pleasing appetizer for any gathering. Creamy cream cheese is mixed with hot honey, red pepper flakes, and garlic powder, then baked until warm and golden. Drizzle with extra hot honey and serve with your favorite dippers for a delicious treat.

Ingredients

Scale

Cream Cheese Dip:

1 (8-ounce) block cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup hot honey (plus extra for drizzling)
1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1 tablespoon chopped fresh chives (optional)

For Serving:

Crackers, crostini, or sliced baguette

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
Mix the ingredients: In a small bowl, combine the softened cream cheese with hot honey, red pepper flakes, and garlic powder until smooth.
Transfer to baking dish: Transfer the mixture to a small oven-safe dish and bake for 15–18 minutes until warm and slightly golden.
Drizzle and serve: Remove from the oven, drizzle with extra hot honey, and sprinkle with fresh chives if desired. Serve warm with crackers, crostini, or sliced baguette.