It’s Day 2 of AK Appetizer Week, and I’ve got SUCH a fun, easy dip to serve, whether you’re hosting or in charge of bringing a little something to your friend’s house.
This garlic herb cheese dip starts with a container of Alouette Garlic & Herbs Soft Spreadable Cheese, and gets topped with a little heat from chili crisp and a little sweetness from honey. The result is a beautiful dip that everyone will think you spent hours on (but it takes just 5 minutes to whip up!)
Level up your favorite spreadable cheese with these yummy toppings, then serve the dip with crackers, pretzels, and anything else your heart desires.
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Ingredients in this garlic herb cheese dip
I love taking a simple, store-bought product and making it a little more ambitious. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Cheese: the base of this dip is made with Alouette Garlic & Herbs Soft Spreadable Cheese, which you can find at many grocery stores!
- Chili crisp: everyone’s favorite spicy, crunchy condiment. The chili crisp adds a lovely kick of heat and texture to the dip.
- Honey: a little sweetness from honey pairs wonderfully with the herby cheese and spicy chili crisp.
- For topping: I like to sprinkle on chopped toasted pistachios and fresh chives for more crunch and a little freshness.
Looking for another cheese option?
If you can’t find Alouette or want to try a different base, try my:
- Herbed Goat Cheese Spread for a yummy, tangy option
- Whipped Feta Yogurt Dip for a creamy, sweet & salty option
More easy topping options
There are tons of great ways to make this chili crisp honey cheese dip your own! Here’s what I can recommend:
- For sweetness: instead of honey, I think pomegranate molasses would also be delicious.
- For the nuts: you could also top with toasted walnuts or sliced almonds. Alternatively, feel free to use pepitas or omit the nuts to keep the appetizer nut-free!
- For the spice: if you’re not a fan of spice, feel free to omit the chili crisp, or just start with 1 tablespoon. On the flip side, you could kick up the heat a bit by swapping the regular honey for hot honey, or even adding red pepper flakes!
Our favorite ways to serve this dip
- With multigrain crackers, pretzels, or pita chips
- Spread on top of sweet or savory bagels or a thick slice of bread (my artisan bread would be perfect)
- On your favorite sandwiches for a sweet, spicy, savory element
Make it ahead of time
Yes, you can easily make this dip 1-2 days before serving! Spread the cheese on a platter, top with the chili crisp and honey, then cover it, store it in the fridge, and wait to top with the pistachios and chives until you’re ready to serve it.
Storing tips
Store any leftover garlic and herb cheese dip in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
More appetizers you’ll love
- Spicy Roasted Red Pepper Feta Dip
- Matt’s Olive Cheese Bread
- Parmesan Crusted Crostini with Pear, Walnuts & Hot Honey
- Bacon Wrapped Dark Chocolate & Goat Cheese Stuffed Dates
- Roasted Grape & Brie Crostini with Honey + Sea Salt
Get all of my appetizer recipes here!
I hope you love this chili crisp honey cheese dip! If you make it be sure to leave a comment and a rating so I know how you liked it. Enjoy, xo!
Ambitious Kitchen
Cookbook
125 Ridiculously Good For You, Sometimes Indulgent, and Absolutely Never Boring Recipes for Every Meal of the Day
Garlic Herb Cheese Dip with Honey & Chili Crisp
Ingredients
- 1 ramekin (6.5 ounces) Alouette Garlic & Herbs Soft Spreadable Cheese
- 1 to 2 tablespoons chile crisp
- 2 to 3 teaspoons honey
- 2 tablespoons chopped toasted pistachios
- 1 teaspoon minced chives
- Multigrain crackers, for serving
Instructions
- Scoop the Alouette Garlic & Herbs Soft Spreadable Cheese out of the ramekin and onto a dinner-size plate or serving platter. Use a spoon to spread it in an even layer across the plate, leaving a 1-inch border around the edge of the plate. Use the spoon to make swirls and shallow divots in the cheese in a pretty pattern.
- Spoon and drizzle the chile crisp into the divots of the cheese. Drizzle honey on top. Scatter the chopped toasted pistachios over the plate, then top with a sprinkle of minced chives.
- Arrange the crackers around the rim of the plate. Serve immediately or place the plate in the fridge until ready to serve.
Recipe Notes
Nutrition
Recipe by: Monique Volz // Ambitious Kitchen | Photography by: Eat Love Eats
Hello! I have never heard of chili crisp before! I looked at my local store and could not find it. Do you think sun-dried tomatoes would work as a substitute? )I will chop them very finely) and keep searching for chili crisp! Thank you so much for your recipes this looks
So beautiful and can’t wait to serve it at Thanksgiving!
Hi! Sun-dried tomatoes sound delicious, too, but note that they won’t be spicy 🙂 If you can find regular chili oil I’d suggest adding that, otherwise, the dip would be delicious with some red pepper flakes.
What is chili crisp?
It’s a crunchy, spicy condiment with fried chili peppers and other ingredients infused in oil. I’ve linked it in the blog post (and here!)
Hey! Love your recipes!! This one looks delicious. If you were to do this recipe dairy free, which cheese and how would you get the garlicky flavor?
Hi! I’d use your favorite spreadable dairy-free cheese (even dairy-free cream cheese) and mix it with chives and garlic powder to taste.
This dip is sooooo good-and easy. Even better, it’s easy to double (or triple!) if taking for a crowd. I took it to a party recently and had multiple requests for the recipe. Thanks, Monique!
Absolutely! So glad it was a hit!