Get ready to welcome a warm, cheesy delight into your kitchen with this Baked Garlic Bread Dip Recipe. It’s the perfect blend of creamy cheeses, robust garlic flavor, and a hint of fresh parsley, all baked until golden and bubbly. Whether you’re hosting a party or craving a cozy night in, this dip transforms simple ingredients into an irresistible appetizer that pairs beautifully with toasted bread. Trust me, once you try this dip, it’ll quickly become your go-to for any occasion where comfort and flavor are a must.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are simple yet thoughtfully chosen to create that irresistible creamy, cheesy texture and savory garlic punch that makes this dip so memorable. Each component adds its own magic—from the tangy sour cream to the melty mozzarella that brings everything together perfectly.
- Cream cheese (8 ounces, softened): Provides a rich, smooth base that makes the dip creamy and luscious.
- Sour cream (1/2 cup): Adds a touch of tanginess that brightens the flavor and keeps the dip from feeling too heavy.
- Mayonnaise (1/4 cup): Offers extra creaminess and helps bind all the ingredients together seamlessly.
- Mozzarella cheese (1 cup, shredded): Melts beautifully to give that stretchy, gooey texture everyone loves.
- Parmesan cheese (1/2 cup, grated): Brings a nutty, salty depth that complements the garlic perfectly.
- Garlic (3 cloves, minced): The star of the show, delivering bold and fragrant garlic flavor throughout the dip.
- Garlic powder (1/2 teaspoon): Enhances the garlic essence with a subtle, consistent garlic undertone.
- Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Balances and enhances all the flavors without overpowering them.
- Black pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Adds a mild kick and layers of complexity to the taste.
- Fresh parsley (2 tablespoons, chopped): Brings fresh, vibrant color and a touch of herbal brightness to the dip.
- Bread (1 French baguette or Italian bread, sliced): Perfect for scooping and soaking up that cheesy, garlicky goodness.
How to Make Baked Garlic Bread Dip Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare the Creamy Mixture
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) so it’s nice and ready for baking. In a medium mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, and mayonnaise. Mix them together until everything is smooth and creamy—this is the luscious base your dip will be built on.
Step 2: Add the Cheeses and Garlic
Now stir in the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan, giving your dip that perfect cheesy texture. Add the minced garlic, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper, folding everything until you get a uniform mixture bursting with flavor.
Step 3: Incorporate Fresh Parsley
Finally, add the chopped fresh parsley to infuse a pop of green color and a subtle herbal note that brightens every bite.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Spread the mixture evenly into a small baking dish or an oven-safe skillet. Smooth out the top with a spatula to make it picture-perfect. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes until the dip is bubbly and has a beautiful golden brown crust on top. This step turns the creamy ingredients into a hot, irresistible party favorite.
Step 5: Let It Cool Slightly and Serve
Once out of the oven, allow the dip to cool for a few minutes so it firms up just enough for easy dipping but stays warm and gooey inside. Serve immediately with slices of toasted baguette or Italian bread.
How to Serve Baked Garlic Bread Dip Recipe
Garnishes
To add a fresh, colorful touch, sprinkle a little extra chopped parsley or a pinch of red pepper flakes on top before serving. These simple garnishes boost visual appeal and add subtle flavor enhancements that will elevate your dip experience.
Side Dishes
This Baked Garlic Bread Dip Recipe goes wonderfully with crunchy raw veggies like carrot sticks, celery, and bell pepper slices for a lighter, refreshing contrast. You can also serve it alongside a crisp green salad to balance the richness of the dip.
Creative Ways to Present
For a charming appetizer spread, serve this dip in a cast-iron skillet or a rustic ceramic dish surrounded by an assortment of toasted bread slices, crackers, and veggie sticks. Another fun idea is to hollow out a round bread loaf and bake the dip inside the bread bowl for a show-stopping presentation that’s as delicious as it is impressive.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers, don’t worry—this dip stores really well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just be sure to cover it tightly to maintain freshness and prevent it from absorbing other fridge odors.
Freezing
While this dip tastes best fresh, you can freeze portions in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating to keep its creamy consistency intact.
Reheating
To reheat, place the dip in an oven-safe dish and warm at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. Stir halfway to ensure even warming. This way, you’ll recapture the original gooey, cheesy perfection with a fresh-out-of-the-oven feel.
FAQs
Can I make the dip ahead of time?
Absolutely! Prepare the dip and refrigerate it covered. When ready to serve, just bake it for an extra 5 minutes to ensure it’s warm and bubbly.
What type of bread works best for this dip?
A crusty French baguette or Italian bread works best because they hold up well when scooping and add a wonderful crunch that complements the creamy dip.
Can I make this dip spicy?
Yes, adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce into the mixture before baking adds a nice spicy kick without overpowering the garlic flavor.
Is this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, this Baked Garlic Bread Dip Recipe is perfect for vegetarians as it contains no meat products, only cheeses, dairy, and fresh herbs.
Can I use shredded cheddar instead of mozzarella?
While mozzarella gives a great melt and stretch, you can substitute with cheddar for a sharper flavor, though the texture will be a bit different.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about the way this Baked Garlic Bread Dip Recipe brings people together—warm, cheesy, garlicky, and comfort-filled. Whether it’s a casual snack or star of your appetizer spread, this recipe is simple enough to whip up anytime and always impresses. So grab your favorite bread, gather your loved ones, and dive into cheesy goodness that feels like a big, tasty hug from the oven.
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
Baked Garlic Bread Dip is a creamy, cheesy appetizer perfect for parties and gatherings. Combining cream cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise, mozzarella, and Parmesan with garlic and herbs, this warm dip is baked until bubbly and golden, served with sliced baguette or Italian bread for dipping.
Ingredients
Dip Ingredients
- 1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
For Serving
- 1 French baguette or Italian bread, sliced (for serving)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the dip.
- Mix Base Ingredients: In a medium mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, and mayonnaise. Stir until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Add Cheeses and Seasonings: Incorporate shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, minced garlic, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and chopped fresh parsley into the mixture. Mix well to ensure all ingredients are evenly combined.
- Spread in Baking Dish: Transfer the combined mixture into a small baking dish or oven-safe skillet. Smooth the top evenly to prepare for baking.
- Bake the Dip: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes until the dip is bubbly and golden brown on top.
- Cool and Serve: Let the dip cool slightly to thicken before serving. Serve warm alongside sliced and toasted baguette or Italian bread for dipping.
Notes
- For a spicy twist, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the dip mixture before baking.
- This dip also pairs well with crackers or fresh vegetables as dipping options.
- You can prepare this dip ahead of time and refrigerate it; if baking cold, add 5 extra minutes to the baking time.
