Hot Honey Cream Cheese Dip Recipe

If you love dips that deliver bold flavor with minimal fuss, Hot Honey Cream Cheese Dip is about to become your new obsession. Imagine silky cream cheese melting into tangy sour cream, with ribbons of spicy hot sauce and the irresistible sweetness of honey, all baked to bubbly, golden perfection. Finished with a generous drizzle of hot honey for extra zing, this dip is an easy, crowd-pleasing appetizer that always disappears faster than you’d expect. Whether you’re gathering with friends for game night or just treating yourself to a cozy snack, this recipe checks every box for taste, texture, and pure dip bliss.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in this Hot Honey Cream Cheese Dip pulls its weight—some bringing creamy richness, others a spicy spark or gentle sweetness. With just a handful of pantry staples and a few flavor-boosting accents, you’ll see how effortlessly big taste can come together.

• Cream Cheese (8 ounces, softened): The foundation for that luscious, scoopable texture that sets this dip apart.
• Sour Cream (¼ cup): Adds tangy creaminess, perfectly balancing richness and heat.
• Hot Sauce (1 tablespoon, such as Frank’s RedHot): Invites in a bold, zesty kick that absolutely wakes up your taste buds.
• Honey (2 tablespoons): Brings a touch of sweetness to dance with the spice—don’t skip this!
• Crushed Red Pepper Flakes (1 teaspoon, adjust to taste): For extra fire—add more or less, according to your heat preference.
• Garlic Powder (½ teaspoon): Lends a mellow, savory underpinning that rounds out the flavors.
• Salt (¼ teaspoon): Sharpens every other flavor and keeps the dip from tasting flat.
• Shredded Cheddar Cheese (¼ cup, optional): For those who want to double down on cheesy goodness—highly recommended!
• Extra Hot Honey (for drizzling): A generous finish of hot honey amps up the wow factor and looks gorgeous, too.
• Crackers, Pretzels, or Bread (for serving): The all-important vehicles for enjoying every creamy, spicy-sweet scoop.

How to Make Hot Honey Cream Cheese Dip

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Set your oven to 375°F so it’s nice and hot when you’re ready to bake. This temperature helps the dip get melty and golden but won’t dry it out—a quick preheat makes all the difference.

Step 2: Mix It All Together

In a medium bowl, stir together the softened cream cheese and sour cream until they’re smooth. Add the hot sauce, honey, red pepper flakes, garlic powder, and salt. Keep mixing until the blend looks ultra-creamy and evenly combined. If you’re into extra cheesiness, gently fold in the shredded cheddar now.

Step 3: Get Ready for the Oven

Spoon the mixture into a small baking dish, then use a spatula to smooth the top. It only needs a modest dish since you want the dip thick and scoopable—no sprawling casseroles here!

Step 4: Bake to Bubbly Perfection

Slide your dish into the oven and bake for 15 to 18 minutes. The dip should be hot throughout and just starting to turn golden at the edges. Your kitchen will smell dreamy—that’s when you know it’s almost ready!

Step 5: Drizzle and Serve

Pull the dip from the oven and immediately drizzle with plenty of extra hot honey. This last touch adds both a beautiful shine and a sweet-spicy punch right at first bite. Serve it up warm with an overflowing platter of crackers, pretzels, or a heap of toasted bread on the side.

How to Serve Hot Honey Cream Cheese Dip

Garnishes

Sprinkle extra crushed red pepper flakes for extra color and heat, or add finely chopped chives or parsley to brighten things up and add a fresh, herby finish. If you want to go all-out, a scattering of crispy fried shallots or a pinch of flaky sea salt takes this Hot Honey Cream Cheese Dip straight into gourmet territory.

Side Dishes

This dip’s spicy-sweet magic pairs perfectly with crunchy, salty snacks like pretzels and crackers, but don’t hesitate to try thick slices of toasted baguette or an array of vegetable sticks (think celery, cucumber, or bell pepper strips) for a lighter crunch. It comes alive on a snack board next to olives, pickles, and maybe even a few fresh apple slices.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, spoon the dip into mini ramekins for individual servings or try hollowing out a rustic round bread loaf to use as an edible bowl. If you’re hosting outdoors, keep everything bite-sized: place dollops of dip on toasted crostini and top with a tiny swirl of hot honey or a sprinkle of chives. However you present it, the star quality of Hot Honey Cream Cheese Dip shines through every time.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Hot Honey Cream Cheese Dip keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. Let it cool to room temperature first to avoid condensation and sogginess, and store any drizzled hot honey separately so you can add it fresh when serving again.

Freezing

While you technically can freeze this dip, the dairy can lose some of its creaminess once thawed. For best results, freeze the unbaked mixture in a sealed container, then thaw overnight in the fridge and bake fresh before your next gathering for that just-made texture.

Reheating

To reheat, simply transfer the leftover dip back to an oven-safe dish and warm at 350°F until it’s hot and creamy—usually about 10 minutes. Add a new drizzle of hot honey after baking to revive all the bright, spicy-sweet flavors.

FAQs

Can I make Hot Honey Cream Cheese Dip ahead of time?

Absolutely! Prepare everything up to the point of baking, cover, and refrigerate the dish. When party time rolls around, just bake as directed and finish with your hot honey drizzle for a fresh-from-the-oven appetizer.

Is there a way to make Hot Honey Cream Cheese Dip less spicy?

Yes! Simply reduce or omit the red pepper flakes and/or hot sauce. If you prefer a gentler heat, you can also use a milder hot sauce—this way, you still get that tang and color without the intense burn.

What’s the best way to soften cream cheese quickly?

If you forgot to set your cream cheese out ahead, unwrap it and microwave in 10-second bursts until just softened (but not melted). Alternatively, cut into cubes and leave at room temperature for about 15 minutes.

Can I make my own hot honey for drizzling?

Definitely! Warm ¼ cup honey with 1 to 2 teaspoons of red pepper flakes over low heat for a few minutes, let it cool, then strain if you prefer a smooth drizzle. Homemade hot honey will keep in the fridge for a few weeks.

What are some ways to make this dip even cheesier?

If you’re a serious cheese lover, double the cheddar or mix in some pepper jack or Monterey Jack for extra melt. You can even sprinkle a little extra cheese on top before baking for that golden, bubbly crust.

Final Thoughts

There’s a reason Hot Honey Cream Cheese Dip has become such a favorite for so many—they’re easy, zesty, and completely unforgettable with every bite. Give it a try for your next get-together or a cozy night in, and don’t be surprised if it’s the first dish everyone asks about. Go ahead, make a double batch… you’ll be glad you did!

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