Baked Garlic Bread Dip Recipe | Cheesy, Crispy & Delicious
I’ll be honest the first time I made this baked garlic bread dip, I thought I’d stumbled onto something magical. The scent of roasting garlic filled my kitchen and brought everyone to the counter before it was even done. Once it came out golden, bubbly, and irresistibly creamy, I couldn’t help but dig in with toasted bread.
Whether you’re making this for game night, a cozy night in, or a holiday appetizer spread, this dip instantly becomes the star. It’s cheesy, garlicky, and every bite tastes like garlic bread in dip form. I swear, it disappears fast every single time. If you enjoy recipes like this, you might also love the Extra Crispy Fried Buffalo Chicken Sandwich Recipe for a fun, flavorful meal.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this crowd‑pleasing baked garlic bread dip:
- 2 whole shallots – removing the ends ensures even roasting and sweetness comes out instead of sharp raw flavor.
- 2 heads of garlic – roasting the whole garlic heads mellows the pungency and gives a deep, rich flavor.
- 2 tbsp olive oil – coats the shallots and garlic for caramelization and keeps them from drying out.
- 1 (8 oz) block softened cream cheese – room‑temperature cream cheese blends easier and makes the dip ultra‑smooth.
- 1 cup sour cream – brings tanginess and creaminess for a balanced base.
- 1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided – fresh‑shredded melts better and creates that signature stringy, gooey texture.
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese – adds salty, nutty depth to the cheesy base.
- ½ cup fresh chopped parsley – fresh herbs brighten up the rich cheese mix.
- ½ tsp salt – enhances all the flavors without making it salty.
- ¼ tsp pepper – just a hint of spice to keep the dip well‑rounded.
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes – optional kick for heat lovers.
Note: serves about 8 people as an appetizer. If you like creamy chicken dishes as well, try the Creamy Dijon Chicken Recipe for a rich, flavorful dinner option.
Variations
Want to switch things up or fit dietary preferences? Try these:
Dairy‑Free: Swap cream cheese and sour cream for plant‑based versions; use dairy‑free mozzarella and nutritional yeast for cheesy flavor.
Lower Heat: Omit red pepper flakes if you prefer mild, classic garlic flavor.
Herb Boost: Add chopped basil or oregano for a more Italian profile.
Extra Cheesy: Stir in a handful of fontina or cheddar for richness and a sharper taste.
Cooking Time
Here’s a quick look at how long this recipe takes:
- Prep Time: ~10 minutes (plus roasting time)
- Cook Time: ~20–25 minutes
- Total Time: ~1 hour 30 minutes (including garlic roasting)
Equipment You Need
Here’s the gear I used when making this dip — and why it’s important:
- Cutting board – for safely prepping the garlic and shallots.
- Kitchen knife – a sharp blade makes trimming easier and cleaner.
- Mixing bowls – to combine all creamy ingredients smoothly.
- Rubber spatula – great for scraping every cheesy bit into the baking dish.
- Cheese grater – freshly shredded cheese melts better than pre‑shredded.
- Pie plate (8–9 inch) – holds the dip perfectly for baking and browning.
How to Make Baked Garlic Bread Dip Recipe Name?
Roast the Garlic and Shallots
First, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and trim the tops off the garlic heads and the bottoms of the shallots. Lay them on foil, drizzle with olive oil, sprinkle a bit of salt, and wrap the foil tight so they steam and roast together. This step transforms raw garlic into sweet, buttery cloves and softens the shallots beautifully.
Mash and Mix the Base
Once cool enough to handle, squeeze the garlic and shallots out of their skins into a bowl. Mash into a paste and add the softened cream cheese and sour cream. Stir until fully combined, then fold in half of the mozzarella, all the Parmesan, chopped parsley, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes for that classic savory flavor.
Bake Until Golden and Bubbly
Spread this creamy mix into your pie plate and smooth the top. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella evenly over it. Lower the oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for 20–25 minutes until the cheese is melted, golden, and sizzling around the edges. Garnish with extra parsley and pepper flakes before serving warm.
Additional Tips for Making This Recipe Better
From my own kitchen experiments, here are a few tips that make this dip even more irresistible:
- Always roast the garlic slowly — it turns mellow and sweet instead of harsh and sharp.
- I like to shred cheese fresh at home; store‑bought pre‑shredded tends to melt less smoothly.
- For a golden cheesy top, I sometimes broil for 1–2 minutes at the end — just watch carefully!
- Let the dip sit a few minutes before serving so it thickens slightly without cooling too fast.
How to Serve Baked Garlic Bread Dip Recipe Name?
I love serving this dip straight from the oven while it’s still bubbling. Here are some ideas:
Serve with toasted baguette slices brushed with olive oil and lightly seasoned — they soak up the creamy garlic goodness perfectly.
Add a side of bagel chips, pita chips, or even veggie sticks to give variety in textures.
Sprinkle a touch of extra parsley or a drizzle of olive oil on top to make it look just as good as it tastes.
Nutritional Information
Here’s a general idea of what you’re getting per serving (approximate, based on key ingredients):
- Calories: ~250–300 calories (depends on cheese and portion size)
- Protein: ~10–12g (from the cheeses)
- Carbohydrates: ~3–5g (mainly from garlic and shallots)
- Fat: ~20–25g (from cream cheese, sour cream, and cheese)
Make Ahead and Storage
Refrigerating Before Baking
You can prepare the dip up to 3 days in advance — just hold off on adding the final layer of mozzarella. Keep it tightly covered in the fridge until you’re ready to bake.
Storing Leftovers
Once fully baked and cooled, transfer leftovers to an airtight container. It will stay fresh in the fridge for up to 5 days. Warm it up in the microwave or oven until hot.
Freezing
This dip freezes well! Portion it into freezer‑safe containers and store for up to 2–3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating and baking again.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Here are a few reasons this dip makes it into my regular rotation:
- Unbelievably Flavorful: Between roasting garlic and rich cheeses, every bite feels indulgent.
- Perfect for Gatherings: From game day to holiday tables, it’s always a crowd‑pleaser.
- Simple Prep: No fancy techniques — just roast, mix, and bake.
- Customizable: Easy to adapt with herbs, spice levels, or dairy alternatives.
- Warm, Comforting Texture: Bubbling cheese and creamy garlic is pure comfort food.
Baked Garlic Bread Dip Recipe
Ingredients
Method
- First, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and trim the tops off the garlic heads and the bottoms of the shallots. Lay them on foil, drizzle with olive oil, sprinkle a bit of salt, and wrap the foil tight so they steam and roast together. This step transforms raw garlic into sweet, buttery cloves and softens the shallots beautifully.
- Once cool enough to handle, squeeze the garlic and shallots out of their skins into a bowl. Mash into a paste and add the softened cream cheese and sour cream. Stir until fully combined, then fold in half of the mozzarella, all the Parmesan, chopped parsley, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes for that classic savory flavor.
- Spread this creamy mix into your pie plate and smooth the top. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella evenly over it. Lower the oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for 20–25 minutes until the cheese is melted, golden, and sizzling around the edges. Garnish with extra parsley and pepper flakes before serving warm.
Notes
- Always roast the garlic slowly — it turns mellow and sweet instead of harsh and sharp.
- I like to shred cheese fresh at home; store‑bought pre‑shredded tends to melt less smoothly.
- For a golden cheesy top, I sometimes broil for 1–2 minutes at the end — just watch carefully!
- Let the dip sit a few minutes before serving so it thickens slightly without cooling too fast.