Picture this: the irresistible aroma of roasted garlic and bubbling, golden cheese wafting through your kitchen as you prepare to serve a dish that combines the essence of garlic bread with the creaminess of a decadent dip. This Baked Garlic Bread Dip is a celebration of everything we love about garlic bread—its rich, garlicky flavor, buttery undertones, and cheesy goodness—all served in a warm, dippable form.
Perfect for holidays, game days, or casual gatherings, this dip brings people together, one delicious bite at a time. Whether you’re dipping crusty bread, crunchy pita chips, or fresh veggies, this recipe is bound to be the talk of the table.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Comfort Food Perfection: It’s everything you love about garlic bread in a rich, creamy dip that’s impossible to resist.
- Versatile Pairings: This dip pairs beautifully with a variety of dippers—think toasted baguette slices, bagel chips, crackers, or even raw veggies for a lighter option.
- Customizable: You can easily adjust the flavors to suit your preferences, whether it’s adding more garlic for boldness or tweaking the spice level.
- Make-Ahead Convenience: Prepare the dip ahead of time, then bake it fresh when you’re ready to serve—a lifesaver for busy hosts.
A Little Backstory
Garlic bread has a way of stealing the show, doesn’t it? From cozy pasta nights to big family feasts, it’s a staple that’s universally adored. But what if you could take that same comforting flavor and make it the star of a dish all its own? Enter Baked Garlic Bread Dip.
This recipe was born out of a love for garlic bread and a desire to make it even more shareable. By incorporating roasted garlic, creamy cheese, and savory seasonings into a warm, bubbly dip, we’ve created a dish that feels nostalgic yet innovative. It’s perfect for entertaining or simply indulging in a little comfort food magic at home.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Dip Base:
- 2 whole shallots
- 2 heads of garlic
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 8 oz block of cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup sour cream
For the Cheesy Goodness:
- 1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
For Seasoning:
- ½ cup fresh parsley, chopped (reserve some for topping)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
How to Make Baked Garlic Bread Dip
Step 1: Roast the Garlic and Shallots
The key to this dip’s incredible flavor lies in the roasted garlic and shallots. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cut the tops off the garlic heads to expose the cloves. Trim the bottoms of the shallots for even roasting.
- Place the garlic heads and shallots on a sheet of aluminum foil. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with a pinch of salt. Wrap the foil tightly to seal.
- Roast in the oven for about 1 hour, or until the garlic is soft and caramelized, and the shallots are tender and aromatic.
Pro Tip: Roasted garlic transforms into a sweet, buttery ingredient that takes this dip to the next level. If you’ve never roasted garlic before, you’re in for a treat. The kitchen fills with the most heavenly aroma, and the garlic itself becomes irresistibly smooth and spreadable.
Step 2: Make the Dip Mixture
Once the roasted garlic and shallots have cooled, the real fun begins. Squeeze the roasted garlic cloves out of their skins into a mixing bowl, and do the same with the softened shallots. Mash them together into a flavorful paste.
- Add the softened cream cheese and sour cream to the bowl. Mix until smooth and creamy.
- Stir in ½ cup of shredded mozzarella, all of the Parmesan cheese, fresh parsley, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Combine until all the ingredients are evenly distributed.
Pro Tip: Softening your cream cheese beforehand is essential for a smooth texture. Forgot to take it out of the fridge? A quick 15-second zap in the microwave will do the trick.
Step 3: Assemble the Dip
- Lower your oven temperature to 350°F (175°C).
- Transfer the dip mixture into a baking dish—an 8 or 9-inch pie plate works perfectly. Spread it out evenly.
- Top with the remaining 1 cup of shredded mozzarella, ensuring the dip is fully covered for that irresistible cheesy crust.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Bake the dip for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, golden brown, and bubbling around the edges.
Personal Anecdote: I’ll never forget the first time I served this dip at a holiday party. The room fell silent as everyone took their first bite, and then the compliments started pouring in. Watching that golden crust bubble in the oven is a moment of pure anticipation—you know something amazing is about to happen.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Remove the dip from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley and a pinch of red pepper flakes for a touch of color and heat. Serve warm with your favorite dippers, and prepare for rave reviews.
Dipper Ideas
- Toasted Baguette Slices: Classic and crispy.
- Pita Chips: Perfect for scooping up every bit of cheesy goodness.
- Bagel Chips: A hearty, crunchy option.
- Vegetables: Fresh celery, carrot sticks, or bell pepper slices for a lighter alternative.
Helpful Tips
- Roast Ahead: Roasting the garlic and shallots ahead of time can save you prep work on the day of your event. Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Shred Your Own Cheese: Pre-shredded cheese often contains additives that prevent melting. For the best gooey texture, grate your mozzarella and Parmesan fresh.
- Customize the Heat: Add extra red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for a spicier kick.
Recipe Details
- Prep Time: 1 hour 10 minutes (includes roasting)
- Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves 8-10 as an appetizer
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Notes
- Leftovers: Store any leftover dip in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or the oven.
- Make-Ahead Option: Prepare the dip mixture up to 3 days in advance. Cover and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake.
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 250
- Protein: 8g
- Fat: 20g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 2g
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I make this dip gluten-free?
A: The dip itself is naturally gluten-free. Just choose gluten-free dippers like veggie sticks or gluten-free crackers.
Q: What other cheeses can I use?
A: Feel free to experiment with Gruyère, Fontina, or even a sharp Cheddar for a unique twist on flavor.
Q: Can I freeze the dip?
A: While the dip is best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze the unbaked mixture for up to a month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking.
Related Recipes
If you love this dip, you might also enjoy:
Conclusion
Baked Garlic Bread Dip is the perfect appetizer for any occasion. Its rich, cheesy flavor and warm, garlicky undertones are a surefire hit, whether you’re hosting a holiday gathering or simply treating yourself. Give it a try—you’ll see why this dip is guaranteed to become a favorite in your recipe rotation!
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Baked Garlic Bread Dip: A Comforting, Cheesy Delight
Description
Picture this: the irresistible aroma of roasted garlic and bubbling, golden cheese wafting through your kitchen as you prepare to serve a dish that combines the essence of garlic bread with the creaminess of a decadent dip. This Baked Garlic Bread Dip is a celebration of everything we love about garlic bread—its rich, garlicky flavor, buttery undertones, and cheesy goodness—all served in a warm, dippable form.
Perfect for holidays, game days, or casual gatherings, this dip brings people together, one delicious bite at a time. Whether you’re dipping crusty bread, crunchy pita chips, or fresh veggies, this recipe is bound to be the talk of the table.
Ingredients
For the Dip Base:
- 2 whole shallots
- 2 heads of garlic
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 8 oz block of cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup sour cream
For the Cheesy Goodness:
- 1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
For Seasoning:
- ½ cup fresh parsley, chopped (reserve some for topping)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
Instructions
Step 1: Roast the Garlic and Shallots
The key to this dip’s incredible flavor lies in the roasted garlic and shallots. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cut the tops off the garlic heads to expose the cloves. Trim the bottoms of the shallots for even roasting.
- Place the garlic heads and shallots on a sheet of aluminum foil. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with a pinch of salt. Wrap the foil tightly to seal.
- Roast in the oven for about 1 hour, or until the garlic is soft and caramelized, and the shallots are tender and aromatic.
Pro Tip: Roasted garlic transforms into a sweet, buttery ingredient that takes this dip to the next level. If you’ve never roasted garlic before, you’re in for a treat. The kitchen fills with the most heavenly aroma, and the garlic itself becomes irresistibly smooth and spreadable.
Step 2: Make the Dip Mixture
Once the roasted garlic and shallots have cooled, the real fun begins. Squeeze the roasted garlic cloves out of their skins into a mixing bowl, and do the same with the softened shallots. Mash them together into a flavorful paste.
- Add the softened cream cheese and sour cream to the bowl. Mix until smooth and creamy.
- Stir in ½ cup of shredded mozzarella, all of the Parmesan cheese, fresh parsley, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Combine until all the ingredients are evenly distributed.
Pro Tip: Softening your cream cheese beforehand is essential for a smooth texture. Forgot to take it out of the fridge? A quick 15-second zap in the microwave will do the trick.
Step 3: Assemble the Dip
- Lower your oven temperature to 350°F (175°C).
- Transfer the dip mixture into a baking dish—an 8 or 9-inch pie plate works perfectly. Spread it out evenly.
- Top with the remaining 1 cup of shredded mozzarella, ensuring the dip is fully covered for that irresistible cheesy crust.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Bake the dip for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, golden brown, and bubbling around the edges.
Personal Anecdote: I’ll never forget the first time I served this dip at a holiday party. The room fell silent as everyone took their first bite, and then the compliments started pouring in. Watching that golden crust bubble in the oven is a moment of pure anticipation—you know something amazing is about to happen.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Remove the dip from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley and a pinch of red pepper flakes for a touch of color and heat. Serve warm with your favorite dippers, and prepare for rave reviews.
Notes
- Leftovers: Store any leftover dip in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or the oven.
- Make-Ahead Option: Prepare the dip mixture up to 3 days in advance. Cover and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake.
