Description
Creamy hot honey cream cheese dip combines spicy sweetness with tangy richness. Drizzled with local honey and chili flakes, this simple appetizer delights guests at casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 oz (225 g) cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup (60 ml) sour cream or Greek yogurt
- ¼ cup (60 ml) hot honey
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- ¼ tsp cayenne pepper
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Hot honey (additional drizzle)
- Crushed red pepper flakes
- Fresh chives
- Fresh parsley
Instructions
- Preheat Preparation: Warm the oven to 375F (190C), setting the stage for a delectable flavor fusion and golden-brown finish.
- Dish Setup: Lightly grease a baking dish with cooking spray, ensuring effortless serving and minimal post-cooking cleanup.
- Creamy Foundation: Whip cream cheese in a mixing bowl until silky smooth, eliminating any stubborn lumps with consistent, gentle strokes.
- Flavor Infusion: Introduce honey into the cream cheese, creating a mesmerizing swirl that blends tangy and sweet notes harmoniously.
- Ingredient Integration: Gently fold remaining ingredients into the mixture, maintaining a delicate texture and avoiding over-mixing.
- Baking Arrangement: Spread the velvety mixture evenly in the prepared dish, promoting uniform heating and an appetizing appearance.
- Oven Transformation: Position the dish in the preheated oven, allowing ingredients to meld and develop into a luxurious, bubbling delicacy.
- Doneness Check: Bake until edges turn golden brown and the center sets with a slight wobble, approximately 15-20 minutes.
- Resting Period: Remove from oven and allow the dip to stabilize briefly, enhancing its creamy consistency and intensifying flavors.
- Final Flourish: Embellish with optional garnishes like fresh herbs or an extra drizzle of hot honey for an elevated taste experience.
- Serving Suggestion: Present immediately while warm, paired with crisp crackers, toasted bread, or a colorful array of fresh vegetable crudités.
Notes
- Prevent Lumpy Texture: Soften cream cheese at room temperature for 30 minutes before mixing to ensure a smooth, velvety consistency without unwanted chunks.
- Control Honey Heat: Adjust hot honey quantity based on spice tolerance; start with less and gradually add more to customize the heat level without overwhelming the dip.
- Avoid Overbaking: Watch the dip closely during final minutes of baking; golden edges are ideal, but avoid burning or creating a dry, cracked surface that compromises creamy texture.
- Enhance Serving Versatility: Experiment with gluten-free crackers, veggie sticks, or low-carb alternatives for different dietary needs while maintaining the dip’s delicious flavor profile.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 9
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 200 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 10 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 30 mg