Baked Garlic Bread Dip Recipe

Easy Baked Garlic Bread Dip Recipe: A Family Favorite Snack

Creamy cheese blends with robust garlic bread dip that promises a flavor explosion in every scoop.

Warm, golden, and irresistibly rich, this appetizer sparks instant cravings.

Melted cheeses create a velvety texture that beckons hungry guests.

Each bite delivers a comforting blend of herbs and tangy goodness.

Simple ingredients come together effortlessly for a crowd-pleasing starter.

Serve this dip hot and watch as everyone reaches for another slice of bread.

You won’t be able to resist this mouthwatering creation that turns ordinary gatherings into memorable feasts.

Why Garlic Bread Dip Is the Ultimate Party Favorite

  • Foolproof Preparation: Super easy recipe that requires minimal cooking skills, perfect for beginners and seasoned home chefs alike.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Creamy, cheesy dip packed with roasted garlic and shallots that transforms any gathering into a flavor celebration.
  • Versatile Party Companion: Ideal for game nights, potlucks, movie marathons, or casual get-togethers where everyone craves something warm and indulgent.
  • Quick Entertaining Hero: Minimal ingredients and straightforward steps mean you can whip up a restaurant-quality appetizer with zero stress, impressing guests without spending hours in the kitchen.

Ingredients for Cheesy Baked Garlic Dip

Main Ingredients:

Roasted Aromatics: .

  • Garlic Heads: Soft, caramelized flavor bombs.
  • Shallots: Sweet and mild allium wonder.
Cheese Base:
  • Cream Cheese: Smooth and creamy dairy delight.
  • Sour Cream: Tangy and rich dairy companion.
  • Mozzarella Cheese: Stretchy and mild cheese goodness.
  • Parmesan Cheese: Sharp and salty cheese accent.
Seasoning and Herbs:
  • Salt, Pepper: Classic flavor enhancers.
  • Red Pepper Flakes: Spicy little heat sprinklers.
  • Fresh Parsley: Bright and fresh herb garnish.
Baking and Serving Essentials:
  • Olive Oil: Silky roasting liquid.
  • Aluminum Foil: Convenient roasting wrapper.
  • Bread, Bagel Chips, Pita Chips: Delicious dipping vehicles.

How to Make Garlic Bread Dip in the Oven

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Crank your oven to a toasty 375°F and grab a baking sheet lined with aluminum foil.

Step 2: Prepare Garlic and Shallots

  • Whole garlic heads
  • Shallots

Slice off the tops of garlic heads and bottoms of shallots to expose those delicious inner cloves.

Step 3: Create a Flavor Cocoon

Nestle the garlic and shallots on the foil sheet.

Drizzle generously with olive oil and sprinkle with a pinch of salt.

Wrap the foil into a cozy package, sealing in all the amazing flavors.

Step 4: Roast to Perfection

Pop the foil package into the oven and let it work its magic for 1 hour.

You’ll know they’re done when the garlic and shallots turn soft and develop a beautiful caramel-like color.

Step 5: Transform Roasted Vegetables

Allow the roasted garlic and shallots to cool slightly.

Squeeze the tender cloves and bulbs directly into a mixing bowl.

Mash them into a silky-smooth paste using a fork.

Step 6: Create the Creamy Base

Mix in:
  • Cream cheese
  • Sour cream

Blend until the mixture becomes incredibly smooth and creamy.

Step 7: Boost the Flavor Profile

Stir in:
  • Mozzarella cheese
  • Parmesan cheese
  • Fresh parsley
  • Salt
  • Black pepper
  • Red pepper flakes

Combine all ingredients until they’re perfectly incorporated.

Step 8: Set the Stage

Transfer the mixture into an 8 or 9-inch pie plate, spreading it into an even, inviting layer.

Sprinkle additional mozzarella cheese on top for extra indulgence.

Step 9: Final Bake

Lower the oven temperature to 350°F.

Bake for 20-25 minutes until the top turns golden brown and the edges start bubbling with excitement.

Step 10: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle fresh parsley and a dash of red pepper flakes on top.

Serve piping hot alongside toasted bread, crispy bagel chips, or crunchy pita chips.

Handy Tips for Melty, Golden Garlic Dip

  • Always use fresh garlic heads and choose plump, firm bulbs for the most intense flavor and smooth roasting results.
  • Wrap garlic and shallots completely in foil to ensure even roasting and protect them from direct heat, which can cause bitter burning.
  • Use room temperature cream cheese for smoother blending and ensure even cheese distribution throughout the dip for maximum creaminess.
  • Prepare the garlic-shallot paste and mix base ingredients up to 2 days in advance, storing covered in the refrigerator to enhance flavor development.
  • Adjust red pepper flakes according to personal heat preference – use less for mild flavor or more for a spicier kick that adds exciting depth.

Storing and Reheating Baked Garlic Dip

  • Store leftover dip in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Always use clean utensils when scooping to prevent bacterial growth.
  • Preheat oven to 350°F. Transfer dip to an oven-safe dish and cover with foil. Warm for 10-15 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating.
  • Reheat in small portions for 30-45 seconds, stirring between intervals. Watch carefully to prevent overheating and maintain creamy texture.
  • Freeze in freezer-safe container for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating to preserve flavor and consistency.

Dippers That Pair Perfectly With Garlic Dip

Perfectly Paired Dip Companions: Elevate Your Garlic Bread Dip Experience

  • Wine Wonderland: Select crisp white wines like sauvignon blanc or chardonnay that complement the creamy, rich dip with their refreshing acidity and bright flavor profiles.
  • Craft Beer Companions: Choose hoppy IPAs or smooth amber ales that can cut through the dip's richness while enhancing its robust garlic and cheese notes with complementary malty undertones.
  • Crunch-Worthy Dippers: Go beyond basic chips by selecting artisan sourdough toasts, herbed focaccia, grilled flatbreads, or rustic baguette slices that provide textural contrast and absorb the dip's decadent flavors.
  • Veggie Fresh Accents: Add raw vegetable sticks like cucumber, bell peppers, and celery to introduce a light, crisp element that balances the dip's intense, creamy texture and provides a healthy counterpoint.

Delicious Spin Ideas for Garlic Bread Dip

  • Vegan Garlic Bliss Dip: Replace cream cheese and sour cream with cashew-based alternatives, using nutritional yeast for cheesy flavor and plant-based mozzarella for topping.
  • Keto-Friendly Garlic Sensation: Swap cream cheese for full-fat version, use almond flour-based chips for dipping, and add extra herbs like chives for low-carb crunch.
  • Dairy-Free Garlic Dish: Substitute dairy ingredients with coconut cream, plant-based cheese alternatives, and use extra roasted vegetables like cauliflower for dipping.
  • Spicy Mediterranean Remix: Add za'atar spice blend, swap parmesan with feta cheese, include roasted red pepper, and serve with Mediterranean-style flatbread.

FAQs

  • Why roast garlic and shallots before making the dip?

Roasting develops a deeper, sweeter flavor by caramelizing the natural sugars in garlic and shallots. This process softens their harsh bite and creates a rich, mellow taste that enhances the overall dip.

  • Can I use pre-minced garlic instead of whole roasted garlic?

Fresh roasted garlic provides a much more complex and intense flavor compared to pre-minced garlic. Pre-minced garlic lacks the depth and sweetness that comes from slow roasting whole garlic heads.

  • How do I know the garlic and shallots are properly roasted?

The garlic and shallots are done when they turn soft, golden brown, and can be easily squeezed out of their skins. They should have a caramelized, sweet aroma and a spreadable, paste-like consistency.

  • What makes the texture of this dip creamy and smooth?

The combination of cream cheese, sour cream, and mashed roasted garlic and shallots creates a rich, velvety texture. The melted mozzarella on top adds an extra layer of creaminess and a golden brown finish.

Print
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Baked Garlic Bread Dip Recipe

Baked Garlic Bread Dip Recipe


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4.5 from 25 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
  • Yield: 8 1x

Description

Garlic bread dip brings warmth and comfort to any gathering, blending classic Italian flavors with creamy, cheesy goodness. Rich herbed cream cheese melts perfectly with garlic and parmesan, creating a delightful starter you’ll crave at every meal.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 1 (8 ounces) block cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup sour cream
  • 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese

Roasting Ingredients:

  • 2 whole shallots, bottoms cut off
  • 2 heads garlic, tops cut off
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

Seasoning and Garnish:

  • 1/2 cup fresh chopped parsley
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes

Instructions

  1. Warm the kitchen oven to a temperature of 375°F, preparing for the roasting process.
  2. Carefully slice the tops off garlic heads and trim the bottoms of shallots to expose their inner cloves and bulbs.
  3. Position the prepared garlic and shallots onto a generous aluminum foil sheet.
  4. Generously drizzle olive oil over the vegetables and dust with a light sprinkle of salt.
  5. Completely enclose the garlic and shallots in the foil, creating a sealed packet.
  6. Roast the wrapped vegetables in the oven for approximately one hour until they become soft and develop a rich caramelized exterior.
  7. Allow the roasted vegetables to cool slightly, then gently squeeze the tender cloves from their papery skins into a mixing bowl.
  8. Using a fork, transform the roasted garlic and shallots into a smooth, fragrant paste.
  9. Incorporate softened cream cheese and sour cream into the vegetable paste, blending until thoroughly combined.
  10. Fold in mozzarella, parmesan, chopped parsley, seasonings, and red pepper flakes, creating a harmonious mixture.
  11. Transfer the creamy mixture into an 8 or 9-inch pie plate, smoothing it into an even layer.
  12. Scatter the remaining mozzarella across the top of the dip.
  13. Reduce oven temperature to 350°F for the final baking stage.
  14. Bake for 20-25 minutes until the surface turns golden and the edges bubble enticingly.
  15. Decorate with fresh parsley and an additional sprinkle of red pepper flakes.
  16. Present immediately alongside toasted bread, crispy bagel chips, or crunchy pita chips for dipping.

Notes

  • Roast garlic and shallots low and slow to develop deep, sweet caramelized flavors that transform the entire dip’s taste profile.
  • Experiment with cheese varieties like gruyère or fontina for a more complex, nutty undertone that elevates the traditional mozzarella base.
  • For a lighter version, substitute cream cheese with Greek yogurt and use reduced-fat cheeses to cut down on calories without sacrificing rich, creamy texture.
  • Make this dip keto-friendly by replacing bread chips with crispy cucumber slices, zucchini rounds, or pork rinds for a low-carb dipping option.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
  • Category: Appetizer, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 8
  • Calories: 232
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 380 mg
  • Fat: 20 g
  • Saturated Fat: 10 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 9 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 7 g
  • Cholesterol: 40 mg
James Hambly

James Hambly

Founder & Recipe Creator

Expertise

Recipe Development, Culinary Education, Farm-to-Table Cooking, Southern Cuisine

Education

Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College
Certificate in Culinary Arts
Focus: Hands-on training in professional cooking techniques, emphasizing farm-to-table practices and Southern cuisine.

The Chef’s Academy
Associate Degree in Culinary Arts
Focus: Comprehensive culinary education covering global cuisines, kitchen management, and food safety.​


James grew up surrounded by the smells of cast-iron skillets and slow-cooked Southern meals in Asheville, North Carolina.
He sharpened his skills with a Certificate in Culinary Arts from Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College, and later leveled up with an Associate Degree from The Chef’s Academy.
James’s philosophy is simple: the best meals don’t need fancy tricks, just fresh ingredients, a hot pan, and a little bit of heart. His favorite days are spent testing one-pan wonders, chasing bold flavors, and creating recipes that feel easy, even on a busy night.

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