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This creamy honey cheese dip is my go to recipe whenever I need an easy crowd pleaser for any gathering. The combination of melty cheese and spicy sweet honey makes this dip totally addictive and ideal for game nights or cozy snacking.
The first time I brought this to book club I remember everyone asking what made it taste so unique and it disappeared shockingly fast. Now it is a recurring request.
Ingredients
- Cream cheese: Opt for full fat brick style for best creaminess and flavor
- Sour cream: Adds tang and helps the dip stay extra smooth
- Shredded cheddar cheese: Brings sharpness and depth use extra sharp if you like
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: Gives gooey melt and balances the cheddar
- Hot honey: Adds sweet heat use homemade or a high quality store brand
- Chopped green onions: Lifts the richness and adds color always choose fresh crisp stalks
- Garlic powder: Boosts savory aroma check that your powder is nice and fragrant
- Salt: Essential for flavor
- Black pepper: Balances the richness
- Crushed red pepper flakes: Optional for extra spice use to taste
- Fresh veggies crackers or good bread: For dipping use very fresh crunchy veggies and your favorite sturdy crackers
Instructions
- Soften and Beat Cream Cheese:
- Let your cream cheese come fully to room temperature for smooth blending then beat it with a hand mixer or sturdy spatula for one to two minutes until lump free
- Blend in the Creamy Base:
- Add sour cream and mix until fully combined this helps your dip stay scoopable
- Stir in Cheeses:
- Add shredded cheddar and mozzarella then mix thoroughly so there are no pockets of unmixed cheese
- Pour in Hot Honey:
- Add your hot honey now and stir to distribute its spicy sweetness throughout the base
- Add Seasonings and Scallions:
- Fold in green onions garlic powder salt black pepper and red pepper flakes if you like a bit more heat stir until even
- Transfer to Baking Dish:
- Spoon mixture into a nine inch pie or small casserole dish smoothing the top with your spatula for even baking
- Add Cheesy Topping:
- Sprinkle a generous layer of extra shredded cheeses over the top for a golden bubbly finish
- Bake until Golden:
- Bake at three hundred fifty degrees Fahrenheit for twenty to twenty five minutes Your dip will be bubbling and lightly golden on top
- Cool Slightly:
- Remove from the oven and let sit for a few minutes so it sets slightly and is easy to serve
- Garnish and Serve:
- Top with extra green onions and serve warm with plenty of dippers Think vivid crunchy veggies crackers or sliced rustic bread
- Add More Hot Honey:
- For a finishing touch drizzle a bit more hot honey on top right before serving if you want a sweet kick
Hot honey has become my obsession lately and makes this dip utterly irresistible I remember one holiday when half my family insisted on eating this straight from the dish.
Storage Tips
Cool leftover dip to room temp before covering tightly. Store in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently in the oven at low heat for best texture or microwave in short bursts. If any moisture separates just stir before serving.
Ingredient Substitutions
Pair Greek yogurt for sour cream if you want a bit more tang. Swap out cheddar for smoked gouda or pepper jack for a twist. A little chive or parsley works if you do not have green onions on hand. You can absolutely use regular honey and skip red pepper flakes to keep it mild.
Serving Suggestions
Serve with crisp celery and carrot sticks for a lighter bite. Pretzel crisps and pita chips make hearty scoops. Use as a spread for hearty toasted bread with eggs the next morning. This dip works at brunch parties game nights or any time you gather with loved ones needing comfort food.
Cultural Notes
Hot honey has roots in Southern and Italian American kitchens and has become a favorite in modern cheese boards. The soft tang and gentle heat makes this dip a playful addition to gatherings.
Seasonal Adaptations
Top with fresh chives or herbs in spring. Serve with cherry tomatoes and grilled zucchini in summer. Add a sprinkle of bacon for a cozy fall version.
The creamy texture and mild heat of this dip make it a favorite every time I serve it. If you try it once you will want to make it again for every gathering.
Recipe Q&A
- → Can I make this without hot honey?
Yes, you can use regular honey for a milder, sweeter flavor, or add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes to regular honey for some heat.
- → What are the best dippers to serve alongside?
Fresh veggies like carrots and celery, crackers, pita chips, or slices of crusty bread work perfectly for dipping.
- → Can this be made ahead of time?
Yes, prepare the mixture and store covered in the fridge. Bake just before serving for best texture and flavor.
- → How do I store leftovers?
Keep leftovers in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat before enjoying again.
- → Is it possible to make this dip spicier?
Add extra crushed red pepper flakes or use more hot honey to increase the heat to your liking.