Description
A luscious hot honey cream cheese dip combining creamy Monterey Jack and tangy cream cheese with smoky paprika and a sweet, spicy honey drizzle. Perfect for serving warm with crackers, crostini, or fresh vegetables as an irresistible appetizer or snack.
Ingredients
Scale
Cheese Dip
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 4 ounces Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Topping & Serving
- 3 tablespoons hot honey
- Crackers, crostini, or veggies for serving
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to get it ready for baking the dip evenly.
- Mix Cheese Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, shredded Monterey Jack, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and salt. Stir thoroughly until you achieve a smooth and creamy consistency without lumps.
- Transfer to Baking Dish: Spread the cheese mixture evenly into a small baking dish, making sure to distribute it uniformly to ensure even cooking.
- Bake the Dip: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 15 minutes, or until the dip is hot and bubbling around the edges, indicating it’s perfectly melted and heated through.
- Add Hot Honey Drizzle: Remove the dish from the oven and immediately drizzle the hot honey evenly over the top to meld sweet heat with the rich cheese flavors.
- Serve Warm: Serve the dip warm alongside crackers, crostini, or fresh veggies for dipping and enjoying the full flavor experience.
Notes
- Use fully softened cream cheese to ensure a smooth, lump-free dip.
- Adjust the amount of hot honey to taste depending on how spicy and sweet you want the dip.
- Monterey Jack cheese provides a mild melty texture, but you can substitute with mozzarella or mild cheddar if preferred.
- Serve immediately for best texture and flavor; the dip is best warm.
- For a milder version, use regular honey instead of hot honey.
- The dip can be reheated gently in the oven or microwave before serving.
