If you’re ready to bring irresistible comfort to your next gathering, look no further than this Baked Garlic Bread Dip. Imagine everything you love about cheesy garlic bread, transformed into a bubbling, creamy dip that’s just begging to be scooped up with a crisp baguette or a piece of pillowy garlic bread. This dish is a true celebration of bold flavors and melty cheese, yet it comes together with everyday ingredients and just a few easy steps—perfect for potlucks, movie nights, holidays, or whenever you want to wow your friends and family.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple pantry staples come together in this Baked Garlic Bread Dip, each playing a vital role in the final showstopping flavor. These ingredients are all about building irresistible creaminess and that undeniable garlicky, cheesy pull. Here’s what you need:
- Cream Cheese (8 ounces, softened): Gives the dip its classic creamy, tangy base and lovely spreadable texture—make sure it’s soft for the smoothest results!
- Sour Cream (½ cup): Adds extra creaminess and just the right amount of tang to brighten the richness.
- Mayonnaise (½ cup): Keeps the dip super smooth and lends a subtle savoriness that ties everything together.
- Mozzarella Cheese, shredded (1½ cups): The secret to all that gooey, cheese-pull action you crave!
- Parmesan Cheese, grated (½ cup): Provides a salty, nutty punch that sharpens and deepens the flavors.
- Garlic, minced (4 cloves): The star of the show, for bold, aromatic flavor in every bite.
- Italian Seasoning (1 teaspoon): A balanced blend of herbs that brings that classic garlic bread flavor to life.
- Crushed Red Pepper Flakes (¼ teaspoon, optional): Kick up the heat if you’re feeling feisty—just a pinch makes a difference!
- Salt and Pepper to taste: The finishing touch to make all the flavors sing.
- Parsley, chopped (2 tablespoons, for garnish): Adds a pop of freshness and lovely color right before serving.
- Toasted Baguette Slices or Garlic Bread: Pick your favorite vessel for scooping up that decadent dip—you can’t go wrong!
How to Make Baked Garlic Bread Dip
Step 1: Prepare and Preheat
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly greasing a small baking dish. This will ensure your Baked Garlic Bread Dip won’t stick and the edges will get perfectly golden. Pro tip: Use a dish that’ll look great for serving, straight from oven to table!
Step 2: Mix the Creamy Base
In a large bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, and mayonnaise. Blend until it’s completely smooth and beautifully creamy, with no lumps. This is the foundation of your dip, so take a minute to get it just right—an electric mixer makes this step especially quick and easy!
Step 3: Add the Cheesy, Garlicky Goodness
Now for the magic: stir in the shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes (if using), plus a pinch each of salt and pepper. Mix until everything is evenly combined. You’ll already be able to smell that dreamy garlic and herbs coming together!
Step 4: Assemble and Bake
Transfer the mixture to your prepared baking dish, spreading it out nice and evenly. Pop it in the oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes—when you see a bubbly, golden top and a little browning around the edges, you’ll know it’s ready. Be prepared: your kitchen is about to smell incredible!
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Remove your dip from the oven, sprinkle the chopped parsley generously over the top, and get those baguette slices (or garlic bread) ready. Serve the Baked Garlic Bread Dip warm, and watch it disappear—there’s truly nothing better.
How to Serve Baked Garlic Bread Dip
Garnishes
Finish your Baked Garlic Bread Dip with a flurry of freshly chopped parsley for color and freshness. You can also add a sprinkle of extra Parmesan or a pinch of red pepper flakes if you want to dress it up for guests. The little touches make a beautiful difference!
Side Dishes
Besides classic toasted baguette or garlic bread slices, this dip pairs fantastically with an easy green salad or a platter of crisp veggies like carrots, celery, and bell peppers. For heavier appetizers, try serving alongside meatballs or marinated olives for a full party spread.
Creative Ways to Present
Go beyond the basic! Serve your Baked Garlic Bread Dip in a rustic bread bowl for extra wow factor or in individual ramekins for personal portions. For fun gatherings, offer a variety of dippers ranging from soft pretzels to crunchy breadsticks. You can even drizzle the top with a bit of chili oil or infused olive oil for a gourmet touch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have any dip left, store it tightly covered in the refrigerator. It will keep for up to 3 days, making it perfect for next-day snacking or sandwich spreads.
Freezing
You can freeze the assembled (unbaked) dip by tightly wrapping your baking dish in plastic wrap and foil. Thaw it overnight in the fridge, then bake as directed. The texture may change slightly due to the dairy, but it will still be delicious.
Reheating
To bring leftovers back to life, reheat the Baked Garlic Bread Dip in a 350°F (175°C) oven until hot and bubbly, about 10 minutes. For smaller portions, a quick zap in the microwave works wonders—just stir well before serving.
FAQs
Can I add meat to the dip?
Absolutely! Crumbled cooked sausage or even pepperoni make excellent mix-ins for a heartier twist on Baked Garlic Bread Dip. Just fold them in before baking for even more flavor.
How can I make this gluten-free?
The dip itself is naturally gluten-free. Simply serve it with gluten-free bread, crackers, or even fresh vegetable dippers for a gluten-free option everyone can enjoy.
What’s the best way to soften cream cheese quickly?
Cut the cream cheese into cubes and let it sit out at room temperature for 20 to 30 minutes. In a hurry? Microwave it (out of the foil!) on low power for 10-15 seconds, then check and stir.
Can I make Baked Garlic Bread Dip ahead of time?
Yes! Prepare and assemble the dip up to a day in advance, cover, and refrigerate. Bake just before serving so you can still enjoy that bubbly, piping-hot goodness straight from the oven.
Is this dip spicy?
Only if you want it to be! The red pepper flakes add a mild kick, but you can always adjust the amount to suit your preference—or skip them for a milder, kid-friendly dip.
Final Thoughts
This Baked Garlic Bread Dip is everything you crave in a hot appetizer—creamy, cheesy, loaded with garlic, and utterly crowd-pleasing. Try it at your next get-together, and watch it vanish faster than you can say “just one more scoop!” Even if you’re a beginner, you’ll love how easy and delightful this dip is to make and share.
Print
Baked Garlic Bread Dip Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in this irresistible Baked Garlic Bread Dip, a creamy and cheesy appetizer perfect for any gathering. This hot and bubbly dip paired with toasted baguette slices will be the star of the party!
Ingredients
Creamy Dip:
- 8 ounces cream cheese (softened)
- ½ cup sour cream
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Garnish and Serving:
- 2 tablespoons chopped parsley (for garnish)
- toasted baguette slices or garlic bread for serving
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a small baking dish.
- Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine cream cheese, sour cream, and mayonnaise until smooth. Stir in mozzarella, Parmesan, garlic, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper.
- Bake: Transfer the mixture to the dish, spread evenly, and bake for 20–25 minutes until hot and bubbly with a golden top.
- Finish and Serve: Remove from the oven, sprinkle with parsley, and serve warm with toasted baguette slices or garlic bread.
Notes
- Add cooked crumbled sausage or chopped spinach for a heartier version.
- Can be assembled ahead and baked just before serving.
- Leftovers reheat well in the oven or microwave.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: ¼ cup
- Calories: 230
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 310mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 3g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
