Let the cream cheese soften before beginning.

Properly softened cream cheese is much easier to beat and creates a smoother, lighter spread.

Step 2: Prepare the Jalapeños and Herbs

Finely dice 1 to 2 fresh jalapeños.

Finely chop the green onion and cilantro, and mince the fresh garlic.

Keeping these ingredients finely chopped ensures that they are distributed throughout the spread rather than creating overly large pieces in individual bites.

Step 3: Make the Creamy Base

Add the softened cream cheese to a medium mixing bowl along with the sour cream or Greek yogurt and hot honey.

Add the minced garlic, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, black pepper, and salt.

Step 4: Beat Until Smooth

Using a hand mixer, beat the cream cheese mixture until smooth and creamy.

Scrape down the sides of the bowl as necessary so the spices and hot honey are evenly incorporated.

Step 5: Fold in the Cheddar and Fresh Ingredients

Add the shredded sharp cheddar, diced jalapeños, chopped green onion, and fresh cilantro.

Fold everything together until the ingredients are evenly distributed throughout the cream cheese mixture.

Step 6: Adjust the Heat

Taste the spread.

If you’d like more jalapeño flavor, fold in additional finely diced pepper.

For even more heat, add up to 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes.

Remember that the jalapeño flavor can become more noticeable as the spread chills, so add extra spice gradually.

Step 7: Chill the Spread

Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.

This resting time allows the jalapeño, garlic, honey, herbs, and seasonings to blend while also helping the spread firm up.

Step 8: Garnish and Serve

Before serving, drizzle approximately 1 additional teaspoon of hot honey over the top.

Finish with a little finely diced jalapeño and fresh cilantro.

Serve with your favorite breads, crackers, chips, or vegetables.