If there’s one party starter I just can’t resist, it’s Baked Garlic Bread Dip. This crowd-pleasing appetizer is irresistibly cheesy, garlicky, and golden on top, with all the indulgent flavors of classic garlic bread transformed into a warm, creamy baked dip. It’s the kind of dish that sparks people to gather around, cracker or baguette slice in hand, eagerly scooping up every last bit. Whether you’re hosting a game night, a cozy dinner with friends, or simply want something that feels a little extra special, this Baked Garlic Bread Dip brings all the comfort and joy of your favorite Italian side in a whole new way.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple, familiar ingredients come together to make this Baked Garlic Bread Dip completely irresistible. Each one plays a vital role, whether it’s lending creaminess, adding depth, or delivering that quintessential garlic punch we all love. Here’s what you’ll need and why each element matters:
- Cream Cheese (8 oz, softened): The creamy base that makes the dip luxuriously rich and keeps everything spreadable.
- Sour Cream (1/2 cup): Adds a tangy backbone that brightens the flavors and keeps things from feeling too heavy.
- Mayonnaise (1/2 cup): Provides silkiness and a subtle savory note that rounds out the cheesy goodness.
- Shredded Mozzarella Cheese (1 1/2 cups): Melts to bubbly perfection, giving the dip those craveable cheesy pulls with every scoop.
- Grated Parmesan Cheese (1/2 cup): Brings nutty, salty depth and forms that golden top everyone fights for.
- Garlic (4 cloves, minced): No garlic bread flavor without plenty of real garlic — fresh is best for bold, sharp flavor.
- Italian Seasoning (1 teaspoon): Layers in classic herbal notes that taste distinctly “pizza-parlor” delicious.
- Crushed Red Pepper Flakes (1/4 teaspoon, optional): Use if you want a hint of heat to balance the richness.
- Fresh Parsley (1 tablespoon, chopped): A pop of green and freshness at the very end for color and flavor contrast.
- Salt and Pepper (to taste): Essential for sharpening all the other flavors to perfection.
- French Bread or Baguette (1 loaf, sliced): Nothing beats tearing into good bread, toasted or fresh, for scooping up the dip.
How to Make Baked Garlic Bread Dip
Step 1: Get Your Oven Ready
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F. This ensures the dip cooks evenly and quickly, turning golden and bubbly by the time it’s ready to serve. It’s a simple but important first step.
Step 2: Mix Up the Creamy Base
In a medium bowl, blend together the softened cream cheese, sour cream, and mayonnaise. Use a sturdy spoon or a handheld mixer—just make sure you mix until the base is completely smooth, with no lumps of cream cheese left behind. This makes the dip supremely scoopable.
Step 3: Blend in the Flavors
Add the shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, crushed red pepper flakes (if you want a little heat), plus a pinch each of salt and pepper. Mix well to distribute the cheeses and seasonings evenly. At this point, the aroma will already have you craving Baked Garlic Bread Dip!
Step 4: Bake to Golden Perfection
Spread the mixture into a small baking dish or oven-safe skillet. Pop it in the oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, until the top is molten and bubbly, with gorgeous golden patches. If you like an even crispier top, broil for an extra minute at the end—but watch carefully!
Step 5: Finish and Serve
Once out of the oven, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley across the top. Not only does it add a burst of color, but it brings freshness to balance each rich, cheesy bite. Serve immediately with plenty of fresh or toasted French bread or baguette slices for dunking.
How to Serve Baked Garlic Bread Dip
Garnishes
A generous sprinkle of fresh parsley is classic, but feel free to get creative! Try a shower of extra Parmesan, a pinch of red pepper flakes, or even a drizzle of good olive oil right before serving for extra flair. A few cracks of black pepper on top are always welcome, too.
Side Dishes
Baked Garlic Bread Dip is a party in itself, but it’s also fantastic alongside a crisp green salad, a robust tomato soup, or a platter of roasted veggies. The creamy, garlicky notes pair particularly well with veggies like bell peppers and broccoli, especially for lighter gatherings.
Creative Ways to Present
You don’t have to limit the dip to a single dish! Serve Baked Garlic Bread Dip in individual ramekins for charming personal portions, or hollow out a round loaf of sourdough and bake the dip right inside for an edible bread bowl. For a fun buffet or potluck, surround the dip with an array of crackers, breadsticks, and crunchy crudités.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, transfer any leftover dip to an airtight container and refrigerate. It keeps beautifully for up to three days, making it an easy option for snacking or lunch the next day. The flavors actually intensify overnight!
Freezing
You can absolutely freeze Baked Garlic Bread Dip before baking. Assemble the mixture in a freezer-safe dish and wrap tightly. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw in the fridge overnight and bake as usual. This makes party prep a breeze (and it tastes just as delicious)!
Reheating
To reheat leftover dip, scoop what you need into a small oven-safe dish and bake at 350°F for about 10 minutes, or until warmed through and bubbling again. If you’re in a hurry, microwaving in 30-second intervals works, but the oven keeps the edges crispier and the cheese gooey.
FAQs
Can I make Baked Garlic Bread Dip ahead of time?
Absolutely! Assemble the dip (without baking), cover, and refrigerate for up to a day in advance. When guests arrive, just pop it into the oven and bake until hot and bubbly.
Is there a way to make this dip lighter?
Yes, you can swap in reduced fat cream cheese, light mayonnaise, or Greek yogurt in place of sour cream to trim a few calories, but the dip will still retain much of its lush, cheesy personality.
What are good dippers besides bread?
Try crunchy options like breadsticks, crostini, crackers, pretzel thins, or even crisp vegetables such as celery, carrots, and mini bell peppers for a colorful, health-conscious platter.
How can I add extra flavor or customize Baked Garlic Bread Dip?
Stir in cooked, crumbled bacon, chopped spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, roasted red peppers, or caramelized onions before baking to put your own delicious twist on the classic recipe.
Can I double the recipe for a big group?
Of course! Simply double all ingredient amounts and use a larger baking dish. Keep in mind it may need a few extra minutes in the oven to get that perfect bubbly top.
Final Thoughts
So there you have it — the cheesy, garlicky magic of Baked Garlic Bread Dip, ready for your next gathering or a night in when nothing but comfort food will do. Once you’ve tried it, you’ll understand why this dip disappears so quickly! Go ahead and treat yourself — your friends and taste buds will thank you.
Print
Baked Garlic Bread Dip Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in this irresistible Baked Garlic Bread Dip, a creamy and cheesy appetizer perfect for any gathering. With a flavorful blend of cream cheese, mozzarella, and Parmesan, this hot dip is a crowd-pleaser!
Ingredients
Cheese Dip:
- 8 oz cream cheese (softened)
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
- Salt and pepper to taste
Serving Suggestions:
- 1 loaf French bread or baguette (sliced for serving)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F.
- Mix the dip: In a medium bowl, combine cream cheese, sour cream, and mayonnaise. Add mozzarella, Parmesan, garlic, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper, stirring until well combined.
- Bake: Spread the dip in a baking dish and bake for 20–25 minutes until bubbly and golden on top.
- Finish and serve: Sprinkle with parsley and serve warm with bread slices.
Notes
- For extra flavor, top with additional cheese before baking.
- You can add bacon or spinach for variety.
- To prepare ahead, assemble the dip and refrigerate until baking.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: About 1/4 cup
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
