Hot Honey Delight

This incredibly addictive hot honey cream cheese dip blends velvety, gooey cheeses with just the right mix of sweet heat. It's become my favorite party starter when I want to dazzle friends without slaving away in the kitchen.

I whipped up this dip during a rushed pre-game gathering when I needed something speedy that would still knock my friends' socks off. The scraped-clean dish and endless questions about how I made it told me everything about its crowd-pleasing power.

Ingredients

• 8 ounces cream cheese: left out until soft for smooth blending and the silkiest consistency
• 4 ounces Monterey Jack cheese: grated fresh for better melting results
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder: offers rich flavor without stealing the spotlight
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika: adds a gentle smokiness that works wonderfully with the honey
• ½ teaspoon salt: lifts all the flavors and counteracts the sweetness
• 3 tablespoons hot honey: the key element bringing both sweetness and kick
• Crackers, crostini, or veggies: for dipping, pick firm options that won't break in the thick mixture

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat the Oven:

Turn your oven to 350°F and let it fully warm up while getting the dip ready. This makes sure everything melts evenly and cooks properly. Put your rack right in the middle for the best cooking spot.

Prepare the Cheese Mixture:

Put your room-temperature cream cheese and freshly grated Monterey Jack in a medium bowl. The cream cheese needs to be really soft to mix smoothly without clumps. Throw in the garlic powder, smoked paprika, and salt with the cheeses. Stir everything really well until completely mixed and the paprika gives it all a uniform color. Don't rush this part to make sure the spices spread out evenly.

Bake the Dip:

Scoop your cheese mix into a small oven-safe dish about 6 inches across. Flatten the top with a spatula so it cooks evenly. Stick it in your hot oven and bake for 15 minutes. You'll know it's done when the edges start bubbling and the top gets slightly golden. You want all the cheese melted but not browned.

Add the Hot Honey:

Carefully take the hot dish out using oven mitts. While it's still bubbling hot, pour the hot honey all over the top. The dip's heat will help spread the honey a bit and mix its flavor into the top layer. For a fancy look, you can swirl the honey in a pretty pattern with your spoon.

Serve:

Put your dip in the middle of a serving plate. Arrange a bunch of crackers, sliced bread, or fresh cut veggies all around it. Make sure you serve it while it's still warm for the tastiest experience. Add a small spoon so everyone can easily scoop some onto their plates.

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That hot honey really works magic in this dip. I stumbled upon it at my neighborhood farmers market a few years back and now put it on everything from this dip to my pizza and drinks. My family now specifically asks for this appetizer during holiday gatherings, and seeing everyone's eyes light up after their first taste brings me so much happiness.

Make-Ahead Tips

This dip works wonders for busy hosts. You can mix up the cheese blend two days early and keep it covered in your fridge. When you're ready to serve, just pop it in your baking dish, let it sit out for about 20 minutes to take the chill off, then bake as normal. Always add that hot honey right at the end before serving to keep the flavors bright and exciting.

Substitution Ideas

If you don't like things too spicy, plain honey with a sprinkle of red pepper flakes works just fine. You can swap in pepper jack for Monterey Jack if you want more kick. If you're vegan, try it with plant-based cream cheese and dairy-free shreds and you'll be shocked at how good it turns out. I've also tried making this with goat cheese instead of half the cream cheese for a tangy twist that goes amazingly with the sweet honey.

Serving Suggestions

Though most folks grab crackers for this dip, I've found it goes with tons of things. Try it with apple slices for a sweet-savory combo that'll blow your mind. Want to look fancy? Put small dollops on endive leaves and pass them around as bite-sized snacks. And if you somehow have leftovers, it makes an amazing spread for sandwiches the next day.

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Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use a different cheese?

Sure! Mozzarella or mild cheddar would work well for a similar creamy consistency.

→ How can I make it spicier?

Just add extra hot honey or sprinkle in a little cayenne pepper for more heat.

→ Can I prep it ahead of time?

Yes, mix the cheese and ingredients, store it in the fridge, and bake with honey right before serving.

→ What pairs well for dipping?

Crackers, toasted bread, veggie sticks like celery or carrots, or breadsticks are all great companions.

→ Is there a dairy-free version?

Yes, replace the cream cheese and shredded cheese with vegan alternatives, and use plant-based honey substitutes.