If there’s one dish guaranteed to disappear first at any party, it’s Baked Garlic Bread Dip. Imagine everything you love about cheesy garlic bread, but transformed into a bubbly, hot, utterly dippable masterpiece. With layers of creamy cheeses, fresh herbs, and the unmistakable warmth of garlic, this dip is the comfort food superstar you never knew you needed. Set it out with a crusty baguette, and watch as guests circle back for seconds (and thirds). Ready to fall in love with your new favorite appetizer?
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of the best things about Baked Garlic Bread Dip is how each ingredient shines with only a little prep. From the velvety base to those cheesy, garlicky layers, every component is crucial for flavor, texture, and that irresistible aroma once it bakes. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Cream cheese (8 oz, softened): Provides a rich, creamy foundation that pulls all the flavors together.
- Sour cream (1/2 cup): Adds a cool tanginess that balances the richness of the cheeses.
- Mayonnaise (1/4 cup): Boosts the creaminess and helps everything bake up golden and luscious.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese (1 cup): Delivers exceptional melt and that oh-so-stretchy cheesy pull.
- Grated Parmesan cheese (1/2 cup): Brings savory, nutty depth and a touch of saltiness.
- Garlic cloves, minced (4): The star of the show, giving the dip that unmistakable garlicky flavor.
- Chopped fresh parsley (1 tbsp, plus more for garnish): Brightens up the dish with fresh color and a herby finish.
- Italian seasoning (1/2 tsp): Adds a blend of aromatic herbs that mimic classic Italian bread flavors.
- Salt (1/4 tsp): Essential for balancing all the other flavors—don’t skip it!
- Black pepper (1/4 tsp): Gives just the right amount of gentle heat to cut through the richness.
- Baguette or crusty bread, sliced (for serving): The perfect vehicle for scooping up every decadent bite.
How to Make Baked Garlic Bread Dip
Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Dish
Before you start mixing up the magic, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) so the dip bakes up evenly. Lightly grease a small baking dish or oven-safe skillet—this will prevent sticking and make for easy serving once it’s bubbly and golden.
Step 2: Mix the Creamy Base
In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, and mayonnaise. Use a sturdy spatula or hand mixer to blend everything until smooth and lump-free. This trifecta creates the ultra-creamy texture that sets this dip apart.
Step 3: Add Cheeses, Garlic, and Herbs
Stir in the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese, along with the minced garlic, chopped parsley, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. As you mix, you’ll notice the filling becoming thick, aromatic, and speckled with herbs—exactly what you want for that classic Baked Garlic Bread Dip experience.
Step 4: Assemble and Bake
Spoon the mixture into your prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly so every bite gets that luscious cheesy garlic goodness. Slide it into your preheated oven and bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the dip is hot, bubbly, and the top is tinged with a mouthwatering golden color.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Once baked, sprinkle the top with extra chopped parsley for a burst of color and freshness. Serve your Baked Garlic Bread Dip piping hot, surrounded by plenty of sliced baguette, garlic toast, or your favorite dippers.
How to Serve Baked Garlic Bread Dip
Garnishes
Garnishing your Baked Garlic Bread Dip with a good handful of finely chopped fresh parsley is a must for visual pop and a sprinkle of herby freshness. For an extra flourish, you could also add a dusting of grated Parmesan or a light drizzle of olive oil just before serving. If you like heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes will do the trick!
Side Dishes
Baked Garlic Bread Dip is the life of any appetizer spread. Pair it with crisp vegetables like celery sticks, cherry tomatoes, or bell pepper strips for balance. A side salad with lemony vinaigrette helps cut through the creamy richness, and a tangy antipasto platter will make your table look and taste restaurant-worthy.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist at parties, hollow out a round loaf of bread and serve the hot dip right inside as an edible bread bowl—just slice up the removed bread for extra dipping pieces! You can also bake the dip in mini ramekins for individual servings, or double the batch for a crowd and serve from a cast iron skillet for rustic appeal.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Baked Garlic Bread Dip stores beautifully. Let any leftovers cool down to room temperature, then cover tightly with plastic wrap or transfer to an airtight container. Stash in the fridge, and it’ll keep tasting fresh for up to 3 days.
Freezing
You can freeze this dip (either unbaked or baked), though the texture may be slightly softer upon thawing because of the dairy. Wrap tightly in foil and place in a freezer bag. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating or baking.
Reheating
To refresh that fresh-from-the-oven magic, reheat Baked Garlic Bread Dip in a 350°F oven for about 15–20 minutes, until hot and bubbly. For quick single servings, the microwave works just fine—heat in short bursts, stirring in between, until warmed through.
FAQs
Can I make Baked Garlic Bread Dip ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the dip up to a day in advance and store it covered in the fridge. When you’re ready to serve, just bake as directed—no need to bring it to room temperature first, although you might want to add a few minutes to the bake time.
What other dippers work well besides bread?
While crusty bread is classic, the dip also pairs well with breadsticks, crackers, soft pretzels, pita chips, or even sturdy vegetables like carrot chips and thick cucumber slices.
Can I add extra ingredients for variety?
Definitely! Red pepper flakes bring a spicy kick, while chopped spinach, cooked bacon, or even sun-dried tomatoes make fun and flavorful additions. Baked Garlic Bread Dip is famously flexible—customize as you wish!
Is this dip gluten-free?
The dip itself is gluten-free, but if you’re serving for guests avoiding gluten, swap out the baguette for gluten-free bread, crackers, or veggie dippers. Always double-check ingredient labels for hidden gluten sources.
How do I keep the dip warm at a party?
For extra-long gatherings, transfer baked dip to a small slow cooker or a chafing dish set on low. This will keep your Baked Garlic Bread Dip melty and irresistible for hours, ready whenever your guests are!
Final Thoughts
Once you try Baked Garlic Bread Dip, you’ll understand why it’s the appetizer friends request again and again. It’s easy to make, unforgettable to eat, and always the star of the table. Give it a try at your next gathering—or whenever you want a little taste of cheesy comfort!
Print
Baked Garlic Bread Dip Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in this creamy and flavorful Baked Garlic Bread Dip that is perfect for any gathering or party. This cheesy dip is a crowd-pleaser and pairs perfectly with slices of crusty bread or crackers.
Ingredients
Cheesy Garlic Dip:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (plus more for garnish)
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
For Serving:
- 1 baguette or crusty bread, sliced
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Mix the dip: In a mixing bowl, combine cream cheese, sour cream, and mayonnaise until smooth. Add mozzarella, Parmesan, garlic, parsley, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Bake: Transfer the mixture to a baking dish and bake for 20–25 minutes until hot and bubbly.
- Garnish and serve: Garnish with parsley and serve warm with sliced bread or crackers.
Notes
- Add red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
- Try mixing in chopped spinach or cooked crumbled bacon for variety.
- Can be prepped ahead and baked when ready to serve.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 cup
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 3g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
