A creamy, savory, lightly sweet appetizer that comes together in minutes. This Garlic Herb Cheese Dip with Honey and Chili Crisp combines rich herbed cheese with a touch of heat and a drizzle of honey, finished with crunchy toasted pistachios and fresh chives for an elegant yet effortless dish.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This dip is a perfect example of simple ingredients transformed into something impressive. The soft spreadable cheese provides a silky, flavorful base, while the chili crisp adds gentle heat and texture. Honey brings balance with natural sweetness, and the toppings make it look restaurant-worthy. Best of all, it’s ready in just minutes and pairs beautifully with crackers, bread, or pretzels.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
1 ramekin (6.5 ounces) Alouette Garlic & Herbs Soft Spreadable Cheese
1 to 2 tablespoons chili crisp
2 to 3 teaspoons honey
2 tablespoons chopped toasted pistachios
1 teaspoon minced chives
Multigrain crackers for serving
Directions
Transfer the garlic and herb cheese from the ramekin onto a dinner-size plate or serving platter. Using a spoon, spread it into an even layer, leaving a 1-inch border around the edge. Create shallow swirls and divots in the cheese for texture.
Spoon and drizzle the chili crisp into the divots across the surface of the cheese.
Drizzle the honey evenly over the top.
Sprinkle chopped toasted pistachios and minced chives across the dip.
Arrange multigrain crackers around the rim of the platter. Serve immediately or refrigerate until ready to serve.
Servings and timing
Serves: 4
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes
Variations
For extra sweetness, replace honey with pomegranate molasses.
To adjust crunch, substitute pistachios with toasted walnuts, sliced almonds, or pepitas.
For less heat, reduce or omit the chili crisp. For more heat, use hot honey or add a pinch of red pepper flakes.
Swap the base cheese with herbed goat cheese or whipped feta for a different flavor profile.
Storage/Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. This dip does not require reheating; simply serve chilled or allow it to soften slightly at room temperature before serving.
FAQs
How far in advance can I make this dip?
You can prepare it 1–2 days ahead. Add pistachios and chives just before serving for the freshest texture.
Can I make this recipe nut-free?
Yes. Omit the pistachios or replace them with toasted pepitas.
What can I use instead of Alouette cheese?
Herbed goat cheese or whipped feta yogurt dip both work beautifully.
Is this dip spicy?
It has mild heat from the chili crisp, but you can adjust the amount to taste.
Can I use hot honey?
Yes, hot honey adds an extra layer of heat and complements the chili crisp.
What should I serve with this dip?
Crackers, pita chips, pretzels, or sliced bread all pair well.
Can I spread this on sandwiches?
Absolutely. It adds a sweet, spicy, herby flavor to wraps, bagels, and sandwiches.
How do I toast pistachios?
Add them to a dry skillet over medium heat and cook for 2–3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until fragrant.
Can I omit the honey?
Yes. The dip will be more savory, or you can replace honey with a different syrup like pomegranate molasses.
Does this dip need to be heated?
No. It is meant to be enjoyed chilled or at room temperature.
Conclusion
This Garlic Herb Cheese Dip with Honey and Chili Crisp is a quick, crowd-pleasing appetizer that looks elegant and tastes unforgettable. With just a handful of ingredients and almost no prep time, it’s perfect for gatherings, holidays, or last-minute entertaining. Enjoy its blend of creamy, sweet, spicy, and crunchy elements every time you serve it.
This Garlic Herb Cheese Dip with Honey and Chili Crisp is a creamy, savory, and slightly sweet appetizer topped with crunchy pistachios and chives. It’s an elegant, flavor-packed dip that’s ready in minutes and perfect for entertaining.
Transfer the garlic and herb cheese onto a serving plate. Spread into an even layer, leaving a 1-inch border. Use the back of a spoon to create shallow swirls and divots.
Spoon the chili crisp over the cheese, letting it fill the swirls and divots.
Drizzle honey evenly across the top.
Sprinkle with chopped toasted pistachios and minced chives.
Serve immediately with multigrain crackers or refrigerate until ready to serve.
Notes
Use herbed goat cheese or whipped feta as an alternative to Alouette cheese.
For a nut-free version, substitute pistachios with toasted pepitas or omit entirely.
To increase heat, use hot honey or extra chili crisp.
Toast pistachios in a dry skillet over medium heat for 2–3 minutes until fragrant.
Serve chilled or allow to soften slightly at room temperature for easy spreading.
