Get ready to meet your new party MVP: Baked Garlic Bread Dip! This creamy, cheesy dip is like the best garlic bread you’ve ever had, but in molten, scoopable form. Imagine all the gooey mozzarella, punchy garlic, and savory seasonings you crave, all baked together until bubbly and golden on top. It’s the type Appetizer. Whether served at a cozy family gathering or your next big bash, Baked Garlic Bread Dip is guaranteed to steal the spotlight.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of Baked Garlic Bread Dip lies in its blend of simple, everyday ingredients that work together like old friends. Each one brings a special something: creaminess, richness, a fragrant kick of garlic, or that addictive cheesy pull that keeps you coming back for another swipe.
- Cream Cheese (8 oz, softened): The anchor of this dip, lending tangy creaminess and a luscious texture that melts beautifully.
- Sour Cream (1/2 cup): Adds a cool, subtle tang that balances the richness from the cheeses.
- Mayonnaise (1/2 cup): Helps everything meld together and gives the dip an irresistibly smooth finish.
- Shredded Mozzarella Cheese (1 1/2 cups): For that signature melt and stretch—use whole milk mozzarella for extra gooeyness.
- Grated Parmesan Cheese (1/2 cup): Brings nutty, salty complexity to every bite.
- Garlic (4 cloves, minced): The flavor hero that gives this dip its bold, aromatic punch.
- Italian Seasoning (1 teaspoon): Delivers those classic herby notes reminiscent of your favorite Italian bread.
- Crushed Red Pepper Flakes (1/4 teaspoon, optional): Adds a gentle heat—adjust to your spice preference, or skip altogether for milder palates.
- Chopped Fresh Parsley (1 tablespoon): Finishes the dip with a burst of color and fresh flavor.
- Salt and Pepper (to taste): Essential for amping up all the other flavors—taste as you go!
- French Bread or Baguette (1 loaf, sliced): For dipping—crusty bread makes the perfect scoop, soaking up every cheesy bite.
How to Make Baked Garlic Bread Dip
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Start by setting your oven to 375°F. Giving your oven time to preheat ensures that when your Baked Garlic Bread Dip hits those hot racks, it will bake evenly and get that golden, bubbly top we all love.
Step 2: Make the Creamy Base
In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, and mayonnaise. Stir (or beat with a hand mixer for extra smoothness) until the mixture is completely smooth and free of any lumps. This creamy trio is where your dip gets its rich, addictive base.
Step 3: Add the Cheesy Goodness and Seasonings
Fold in the shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, crushed red pepper flakes (if you’re using them), plus a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix until everything is well combined and you can see flecks of herbs and cheese throughout.
Step 4: Spread and Bake
Transfer the mixture into a small baking dish or an oven-safe skillet. Spread it out evenly, smoothing the top with a spatula. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, until the dip is hot and bubbly with little golden-brown spots on the surface.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Once out of the oven, sprinkle the freshly chopped parsley all over the hot dip for a fresh, colorful finish. Serve it up warm with plenty of sliced French bread or baguette for scooping. The smell alone will have everyone running to the table!
How to Serve Baked Garlic Bread Dip
Garnishes
A shower of fresh parsley brings a pop of green and a lively freshness that complements the richness of the dip. For a little extra flair, you can also add a dusting of more Parmesan or a sprinkle of extra red pepper flakes for those who love a little heat. The garnish isn’t just for looks—it brightens each bite and makes your Baked Garlic Bread Dip look party-ready.
Side Dishes
This dip loves company! Pair it with a platter of crisp, raw veggies like bell peppers, carrots, and celery for an extra crunch and a fresh contrast. Classic party snacks like olives, marinated artichokes, or a big green salad also work wonders when you want to balance out the cheesiness of the Baked Garlic Bread Dip.
Creative Ways to Present
Take things up a notch by serving your dip inside a hollowed-out bread bowl, or scatter the bread slices around the baking dish for a rustic, shareable look. For mini gatherings, bake in individual ramekins so everyone gets their own molten personal Baked Garlic Bread Dip. No matter how you present it, this dip always steals the show!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, keep them covered in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors get even more robust as they mingle, so a spoonful the next day can feel like an extra-special snack.
Freezing
Want to get a jump on party prep? Assemble the unbaked dip in a freezer-safe container and wrap it tightly. Freeze for up to one month. Thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as directed when you’re ready to serve. The cheesy magic of Baked Garlic Bread Dip returns with just a little planning ahead!
Reheating
To reheat, simply cover the baking dish with foil and warm in a 350°F oven for about 15 to 20 minutes, or until heated through. For a quick fix, you can also zap individual portions in the microwave until hot and creamy—just keep an eye on it to avoid overheating.
FAQs
Can I use roasted garlic instead of raw garlic?
Absolutely! Roasted garlic gives the Baked Garlic Bread Dip an even deeper, sweeter flavor. Just squeeze the soft cloves in, mix well, and enjoy the mellow, caramelized notes it brings to the dip.
Can I add other mix-ins to this dip?
Definitely. Make it your own by folding in chopped cooked bacon, sautéed spinach, or sun-dried tomatoes before baking. Each add-in brings its own personality and amps up the flavor in a truly custom way.
Is there a gluten-free way to serve Baked Garlic Bread Dip?
For a gluten-free experience, serve with gluten-free baguette slices, crunchy rice crackers, or fresh veggie sticks instead of traditional bread. The dip shines just as brightly no matter how you scoop!
Can I assemble the dip ahead of time?
Yes! You can mix everything together up to a day in advance, spread it in your baking dish, cover, and refrigerate. When you’re ready, just pop it in the oven for freshly baked, cheesy goodness.
What’s the best way to keep the dip warm for a party?
Keep Baked Garlic Bread Dip warm by baking it in an oven-safe skillet or a shallow slow cooker. If using the skillet, you can pop it back into a low oven as needed, or flip your slow cooker to the “warm” setting to keep that cheese molten and inviting.
Final Thoughts
Sharing Baked Garlic Bread Dip is the fastest way to turn any gathering into a celebration. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just treating your family to something delicious, make this dip once and you’ll find it showing up on your party table again and again. Give it a go, and watch your guests light up with every cheesy, garlicky bite!
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 irresistibly creamy Baked Garlic Bread Dip, a crowd-pleasing appetizer that’s perfect for any gathering. This gooey, cheesy dip infused with garlic and herbs is baked to golden perfection, ready to be scooped up with slices of crusty French bread. It’s a flavor-packed treat that will disappear in seconds!
Ingredients
Cheese Mixture:
- 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:
- 1 loaf French bread or baguette, sliced for serving
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F.
- Mix the cheese: In a medium bowl, combine the cream cheese, sour cream, and mayonnaise until smooth. Add mozzarella, Parmesan, garlic, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
- Bake: Spread the mixture into a baking dish or skillet. Bake for 20–25 minutes until bubbly and golden. Sprinkle with parsley.
- Serve: Serve warm with sliced French bread for dipping.
Notes
- For a bolder flavor, use roasted garlic instead of raw.
- Enhance with cooked bacon, spinach, or sun-dried tomatoes.
- Prepare in advance and refrigerate until ready to bake.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: About 1/4 cup
- Calories: 215
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 310mg
- Fat: 19g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 3g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
