If you’re craving a dip that feels like a warm, cozy hug for your taste buds, this Baked Garlic Bread Dip Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s the perfect marriage of roasted garlic and shallots blended with creamy cheeses, bursting with herby brightness and just the right amount of kick. Whether it’s a game day snack or a party appetizer, this dip transforms simple ingredients into a hearty, comforting delight that everyone will be reaching for again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe keeps things straightforward but packs a punch with each component, ensuring every bite is rich in flavor, texture, and color. Let’s take a look at what you’ll need:
- 2 whole shallots (bottoms cut off): Adds a subtle sweetness and depth when roasted alongside garlic.
- 2 heads of garlic (tops cut off): The star ingredient that gets mellow and buttery once roasted, bringing irresistible aroma.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Helps soften and caramelize the garlic and shallots perfectly in the oven.
- 1 (8 oz) block cream cheese, softened: Provides a smooth, creamy base that makes the dip luscious.
- 1 cup sour cream: Adds tangy freshness and balances the richness of the cheese.
- 1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided: Melts beautifully for gooey, cheesy goodness.
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese: Brings a nutty, salty kick and depth of flavor.
- ½ cup fresh parsley, chopped (reserve some for topping): Adds vibrancy and a fresh herbal note.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Enhances flavor throughout the dip.
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper: Provides a gentle, warming spice.
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes: Gives a subtle heat to keep things interesting.
How to Make Baked Garlic Bread Dip Recipe
Step 1: Roast the Garlic & Shallots
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grab those garlic heads and shallots, trim the ends, and place them on a sheet of foil. Drizzle the olive oil over them, sprinkle a pinch of salt, then wrap everything tightly to keep the moisture locked in. Roast for about an hour; you’ll know they’re ready when the cloves are soft and fragrant, practically melting when you press them. This roasting step transforms the harsh raw garlic into something heavenly and creamy.
Step 2: Prepare the Dip Mixture
Once roasted, gently squeeze the garlic and shallot out of their skins and mash them into a smooth paste. Don’t rush this part—getting a fine paste ensures every bite is packed with that roasted flavor. In a mixing bowl, combine the garlic-shallot paste with softened cream cheese and sour cream until fully smooth. Then fold in half of the mozzarella, Parmesan, chopped parsley, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. This mixture is the heart of the dip, balancing creamy, cheesy, and slightly spicy elements beautifully.
Step 3: Assemble & Bake
Spoon the dip mixture evenly into an 8- or 9-inch pie plate or baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese over the top for that irresistible cheesy crust. Lower your oven temperature to 350°F (175°C) and bake the dip for 20-25 minutes, until you see it turn golden brown and bubbling around the edges. The baking melts all the cheeses together and creates a luscious surface ready for dipping.
Step 4: Serve & Enjoy
Once your dip is out of the oven, garnish it with the reserved fresh parsley and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a pop of color and a hint of extra spice. Serve warm to keep the cheese perfectly melty alongside crispy bagel chips, toasted bread slices, or pita chips. Every scoop delivers creamy roasted garlic flavor that’s impossible to resist.
How to Serve Baked Garlic Bread Dip Recipe
Garnishes
A simple garnish elevates the dip’s presentation and flavor. Fresh, chopped parsley adds a cheerful green contrast and bright herbal notes, while a pinch of red pepper flakes provides a slight kick that wakes up the palate just enough to keep everyone coming back for more.
Side Dishes
This dip pairs wonderfully with crunchy dippers like bagel chips, crusty baguette slices, or pita chips, each offering a satisfying crunch that contrasts the creamy dip beautifully. For a lighter option, fresh veggie sticks like celery or carrot also work great, adding freshness to each bite.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to impress your guests visually? Serve the dip in a hollowed-out sourdough loaf for an edible bowl, or portion it into small ramekins for individual servings. You can also sprinkle some extra grated Parmesan and chopped parsley on top just before serving for a gourmet touch that looks as good as it tastes.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your Baked Garlic Bread Dip Recipe, place any leftovers into an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3-4 days, making it an easy snack to enjoy the next day or even after a busy week.
Freezing
If you want to keep the dip longer, you can freeze it in a freezer-safe container. Because of the cheese and cream base, freezing may slightly change the texture, but it will still be delicious. Freeze for up to 2 months and thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
To bring the dip back to life, bake it uncovered in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 15 minutes or until warmed through and bubbly again. Alternatively, you can microwave small portions, but baking helps restore that wonderful melty top layer perfectly.
FAQs
Can I use regular garlic instead of roasted garlic in this recipe?
Using roasted garlic is key for this recipe’s mellow and creamy flavor profile. Raw garlic would be too sharp and overpower the balance. If you’re short on time, roasting garlic quickly in the oven is worth the effort for that signature depth.
Is there a dairy-free option for this dip?
You can experiment with dairy-free cream cheese, sour cream alternatives, and vegan mozzarella to make a dairy-free version, though the texture and flavor will differ somewhat. Roasted garlic remains the heart of the flavor, so that aspect still shines through.
Can I make this dip spicier?
Absolutely! Increase the red pepper flakes or add a dash of cayenne pepper if you want it extra spicy. Just be careful to balance it so the creamy base doesn’t get overwhelmed.
What is the best way to serve leftover dip at a party?
Reheat the leftover dip as described and serve it with fresh dippers like crisp veggies or warm bread. You can also provide small spoons so guests can add it as a topping to baked potatoes or grilled meats.
Can this dip be made ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dip mixture a day in advance before assembling and baking. Store it tightly covered in the refrigerator, then bake fresh before serving to keep it warm and bubbly.
Final Thoughts
This Baked Garlic Bread Dip Recipe is truly a celebration of comforting flavors with minimal fuss. The slow-roasted garlic paired with creamy cheeses and herbs makes for a dip that’s as inviting as it is delicious. Whether you’re after a snack to wow guests or a cozy treat for yourself, this recipe is guaranteed to become a favorite go-to. So grab your ingredients, preheat the oven, and get ready to dip into something unforgettable!
Print
Baked Garlic Bread Dip Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Baked Garlic Bread Dip is a creamy, cheesy, and flavorful appetizer featuring roasted garlic and shallots blended into a smooth mixture with cream cheese, sour cream, and a blend of mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. It’s baked until golden and bubbly, then garnished with fresh parsley and red pepper flakes, making it perfect for serving warm with bagel chips, toasted bread, or pita chips at any gathering.
Ingredients
Roasted Garlic & Shallots
- 2 whole shallots (bottoms cut off)
- 2 heads of garlic (tops cut off)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- ½ teaspoon salt (for roasting)
Dip Mixture
- 1 (8 oz) block cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup fresh parsley, chopped (reserve some for topping)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Roast the Garlic & Shallots: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the garlic heads and shallots on a sheet of foil, drizzle them with olive oil, and sprinkle with ½ teaspoon salt. Wrap them tightly in the foil and roast for 1 hour until the garlic and shallots become soft and fragrant.
- Prepare the Dip Mixture: Remove the roasted garlic and shallots from their skins and mash them into a smooth paste. In a mixing bowl, combine this garlic-shallot paste with softened cream cheese and sour cream until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Then stir in ½ cup of shredded mozzarella, Parmesan cheese, chopped parsley, ½ teaspoon salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes until well incorporated.
- Assemble & Bake: Spread the prepared dip mixture evenly in an 8- or 9-inch pie plate. Top the mixture with the remaining 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese. Reduce the oven temperature to 350°F (175°C) and bake the dip for 20-25 minutes, until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
- Serve & Enjoy: Garnish the hot dip with extra chopped parsley and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes. Serve the baked garlic bread dip warm alongside bagel chips, toasted bread, or pita chips for dipping and enjoying immediately.
Notes
- For best results, make sure the cream cheese is softened before mixing to ensure a smooth dip.
- You can substitute sour cream with Greek yogurt for a tangier flavor and added protein.
- Roasting garlic and shallots in foil helps them become tender and infuse their flavors deeply into the dip.
- This dip can be prepared ahead of time—roast and mix the ingredients, then refrigerate and bake just before serving.
- Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to control the heat level to your preference.
