There’s nothing quite like the rich, buttery aroma of Baked Garlic Bread Dip filling the kitchen. This warm, cheesy dip is everything you love about garlic bread, transformed into a creamy, scoopable delight. Perfect for game nights, holiday parties, or just a comforting snack, this dip is always a crowd-pleaser.
I first made this dip on a whim when I had leftover cream cheese and mozzarella from another recipe. I decided to combine them with roasted garlic and herbs, and what came out of the oven was pure magic. It’s now a staple at every family gathering, and I’m confident it’ll become a favorite in your home too.
Why You’ll Love This Baked Garlic Bread Dip
Get ready to fall in love with this irresistible dip. Not only is it incredibly easy to make, but it’s packed with flavor and versatility.
First, the combination of roasted garlic and creamy cheeses creates an indulgently rich and smooth texture. Every bite delivers the garlicky, cheesy goodness of classic garlic bread.
It’s also perfect for entertaining. You can prepare it ahead of time and bake it just before guests arrive. Serve it straight from the oven with slices of crusty bread, crackers, or even veggies.
Plus, this dip is highly customizable. Whether you want to add bacon, extra herbs, or a spicy kick with red pepper flakes, there are endless ways to tweak it to your taste.
Ingredients Notes
The magic of this Baked Garlic Bread Dip comes from simple, flavorful ingredients that work together beautifully.
Cream cheese is the foundation of this dip, creating a creamy, luscious base. Make sure to let it soften at room temperature for easy mixing.
The star of the show is roasted garlic. Roasting the garlic brings out its natural sweetness and mellows its sharp bite, infusing the dip with deep, rich flavor. If you’re short on time, you can use minced garlic, but the roasted version is highly recommended.
Mozzarella and Parmesan cheese work together to create a gooey, cheesy masterpiece. Mozzarella gives you that classic stretch, while Parmesan adds a nutty depth that balances everything out.
To enhance the flavor, Italian seasoning and fresh parsley bring in herbaceous notes, making this dip taste just like your favorite garlic bread.
For baking, you’ll need a small oven-safe dish to ensure even cooking and a golden-brown, bubbly top.
How to Make This Baked Garlic Bread Dip
Creating this cheesy, garlicky masterpiece is easier than you think. Let’s break it down step by step.
Start by roasting the garlic. Cut the top off a head of garlic, drizzle it with olive oil, wrap it in foil, and roast at 400°F for about 30 minutes. Once golden and soft, squeeze the cloves out and mash them into a paste.
In a mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese, shredded mozzarella, Parmesan, Italian seasoning, and the roasted garlic paste. Stir everything together until smooth and well incorporated.
Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle a bit more mozzarella and Parmesan on top for extra cheesiness.
Bake at 375°F for 20-25 minutes, or until the dip is bubbly and golden brown on top. If you love a crispy crust, broil it for the last 2-3 minutes.
Remove from the oven and garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness. Serve immediately with toasted baguette slices or crackers.
Storage Options
If you happen to have leftovers (which is rare!), this dip stores beautifully.
To refrigerate, transfer it to an airtight container and keep it for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warm and bubbly.
For freezing, place the unbaked dip in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as usual.
Variations and Substitutions
One of the best things about this dip is how easy it is to customize.
- Make it spicy by adding red pepper flakes or a few dashes of hot sauce.
- Add protein with crumbled bacon, cooked sausage, or shredded chicken.
- Use different cheeses like Gouda, Fontina, or Gruyère for a unique flavor twist.
- Lighten it up by using Greek yogurt instead of some of the cream cheese.
- Make it gluten-free by serving with gluten-free crackers or veggie sticks.
No matter how you tweak it, this Baked Garlic Bread Dip is guaranteed to be a hit. Give it a try and watch it disappear in minutes!
PrintBaked Garlic Bread Dip Recipe
This baked garlic bread dip is a creamy, cheesy, and garlicky delight, perfect for parties or gatherings. Made with a rich blend of cream cheese, mozzarella, parmesan, and roasted garlic, this dip is baked to golden perfection and pairs beautifully with toasted bread or crackers.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
- ¼ cup sour cream
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp butter, melted
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 baguette, sliced and toasted for dipping
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a small baking dish.
- In a bowl, mix cream cheese, mozzarella, Parmesan, mayonnaise, sour cream, garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- Transfer to the prepared baking dish and spread evenly.
- Drizzle melted butter over the top and sprinkle with fresh parsley.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes or until bubbly and golden brown.
- Serve warm with toasted baguette slices or crackers.
Notes
- Add red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
- Use roasted garlic for a milder, sweeter garlic flavor.
- Can be made ahead and refrigerated before baking.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: ¼ cup
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 340mg
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