Hot Honey Cream Cheese Dip: The Ultimate Sweet & Spicy Appetizer Recipe
Introduction
This Hot Honey Cream Cheese Dip perfectly balances sweet and spicy flavors in a creamy, irresistible appetizer. It’s quick to make and pairs wonderfully with crackers, veggies, or toasted bread for any gathering.
Ingredients
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 3 tbsp hot honey
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
Instructions
- Step 1: Let the cream cheese sit at room temperature for 10 minutes or microwave it for 15 seconds until softened.
- Step 2: In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and 2 tablespoons of hot honey. Stir the mixture until smooth and well blended.
- Step 3: Mix in the red pepper flakes, adjusting the amount to your preferred spice level.
- Step 4: Transfer the dip to a serving bowl. Drizzle the remaining 1 tablespoon of hot honey on top and sprinkle with additional chili flakes if you like extra heat and visual appeal.
Tips & Variations
- For a milder version, reduce or omit the red pepper flakes and add a pinch of smoked paprika for subtle smoky warmth.
- Try using flavored hot honey (like chipotle or jalapeño) to add extra depth and unique flavor.
- Serve with a variety of dippers such as pretzels, sliced apples, or pita chips for added texture and taste contrasts.
Storage
Store the dip in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Before serving again, let it come to room temperature and stir gently. You can also reheat briefly in the microwave for about 10 seconds to soften it up.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I make this dip ahead of time?
Yes, this dip can be prepared a few hours in advance. Just cover and refrigerate it, then bring to room temperature before serving.
What can I use if I don’t have hot honey?
If you don’t have hot honey, you can mix regular honey with a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili flakes to mimic the sweet and spicy flavor.
PrintHot Honey Cream Cheese Dip: The Ultimate Sweet & Spicy Appetizer Recipe
This Hot Honey Cream Cheese Dip is the perfect balance of sweet and spicy, making it an irresistible appetizer. Creamy softened cream cheese is combined with smoky paprika, garlic powder, and a fiery kick from red pepper flakes, all harmonized by the smooth sweetness of hot honey. It’s quick to prepare and ideal for serving with crackers, bread, or fresh vegetables.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 1 cup of dip, serving 6-8 people 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 3 tbsp hot honey
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
Instructions
- Soften the Cream Cheese: Let the cream cheese rest at room temperature for about 10 minutes or microwave it for 15 seconds until it becomes soft and easy to mix.
- Combine Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, blend together the softened cream cheese, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and 2 tablespoons of hot honey. Stir vigorously until the mixture is smooth and uniformly combined.
- Add the Heat: Mix in the red pepper flakes according to your preferred spice intensity, blending them evenly through the dip.
- Finish and Serve: Transfer the dip to a serving bowl. Drizzle the remaining tablespoon of hot honey over the top and sprinkle additional chili flakes if you want an extra kick and flavor garnish.
Notes
- You can adjust the amount of red pepper flakes based on how spicy you want the dip.
- For an extra smoky flavor, consider adding a touch more smoked paprika.
- This dip pairs wonderfully with crackers, toasted bread, or fresh vegetable sticks.
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Keywords: hot honey cream cheese dip, sweet and spicy dip, easy appetizer, no-cook dip, smoky paprika dip, spicy cheese dip
