If you’re craving a warm, irresistible snack that brings together creamy, cheesy goodness with the fragrant punch of roasted garlic and shallots, this Baked Garlic Bread Dip Recipe is your new best friend. Imagine scooping into a bubbling, golden layer of melted mozzarella atop a rich spread of garlic, cream cheese, and herbs—every bite delivering a perfect balance of savory flavors and comforting textures. Whether you’re hosting friends or simply treating yourself, this dip will quickly become a staple in your kitchen repertoire.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Don’t let the simplicity of this ingredient list fool you—each item plays a crucial role in creating a creamy, flavorful, and beautifully textured Baked Garlic Bread Dip Recipe. From the sweetness of roasted shallots to the tang of sour cream, these staple ingredients come together to form something truly extraordinary.
- 2 whole shallots (bottoms cut off): Roasting brings out their natural sweetness and depth.
- 2 heads of garlic (tops cut off): Roasting softens garlic’s bite and infuses it with a mellow, rich flavor.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Helps roast the garlic and shallots to perfection while adding subtle fruitiness.
- 1 (8 oz) block cream cheese, softened: Creates a rich and creamy base for the dip.
- 1 cup sour cream: Adds tang and smoothness that balances the richness of the cheeses.
- 1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided: Provides gooey meltiness and a mild, milky flavor.
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese: Brings nutty, savory undertones that elevate the dip.
- ½ cup fresh parsley, chopped (reserve some for topping): Adds fresh color and a mild herbal lift.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Enhances all the other flavors without overwhelming.
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper: Adds a gentle kick to balance the creaminess.
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes: Delivers just the right amount of heat for a subtle zing.
How to Make Baked Garlic Bread Dip Recipe
Step 1: Roast the Garlic and Shallots
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the prepared heads of garlic and shallots on a piece of foil, drizzle them evenly with olive oil, and sprinkle with salt to enhance their natural flavors during roasting. Wrap the foil tightly around them so they steam and roast simultaneously, which softens their texture and brings out that irresistible mellow sweetness. Roast for a whole hour until they’re soft and fragrant—this step sets the foundation for the dip’s deep, rich flavor.
Step 2: Prepare the Dip Mixture
Once roasted, carefully squeeze the softened garlic and shallots out of their skins and mash them into a smooth, aromatic paste. In a mixing bowl, combine this paste with softened cream cheese and sour cream, mixing until silky and seamless. Stir in half of the mozzarella, the Parmesan, chopped parsley, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Each ingredient adds its own layer of creaminess, tang, freshness, and subtle heat to the dip’s hearty base.
Step 3: Assemble and Bake
Spread the savory dip mixture evenly into an 8- or 9-inch pie plate—this shape allows it to bake evenly and makes for easy serving. Top the whole dip with the remaining mozzarella, creating a luscious, melty cheese crust that browns beautifully during baking. Lower your oven temperature to 350°F (175°C) and bake for 20 to 25 minutes until the top turns golden brown and bubbles enticingly, signaling that it’s perfectly cooked.
Step 4: Serve and Enjoy
After baking, sprinkle a little extra fresh parsley and red pepper flakes over the top for a burst of color and light spice. Serve the Baked Garlic Bread Dip Recipe warm alongside your favorite bagel chips, toasted bread slices, or pita chips, so everyone can dive in and savor that perfect balance of creamy, cheesy, and garlicky goodness.
How to Serve Baked Garlic Bread Dip Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley is the star garnish—it adds a bright green pop that catches the eye and a fresh herby note that cuts through the richness. A sprinkle of red pepper flakes adds an unexpected but welcome hint of heat. Both garnishes elevate the dip’s appearance and flavor, making it look as inviting as it tastes.
Side Dishes
This dip pairs wonderfully with crunchy sides like bagel chips, toasted baguette slices, or pita chips, which offer a satisfying bite and the perfect vehicle for scooping. For a hearty spread, serve alongside crisp veggie sticks such as celery, carrots, or bell peppers, which add a refreshing crunch and color contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving the dip in a hollowed-out sourdough loaf or a rustic bread bowl for an impressive centerpiece. You could also portion it into mini ramekins for individual servings at a party. For an interactive twist, offer an assortment of dippables like assorted crackers, grilled flatbreads, or even roasted potato wedges.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Baked Garlic Bread Dip Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will deepen over time, but be sure to cover it well to keep it fresh and prevent it from absorbing other fridge odors.
Freezing
This dip freezes well if you want to prepare it in advance. After baking and cooling, transfer it to a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating, ensuring you maintain its creamy texture.
Reheating
Reheat the dip gently in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15 minutes or until warmed through and bubbly. You can also microwave individual portions, but keep an eye on it to avoid overcooking and drying out the creamy mixture.
FAQs
Can I use jarred minced garlic instead of fresh garlic heads?
For this Baked Garlic Bread Dip Recipe, fresh roasted garlic heads bring out a unique sweetness and mellow flavor that jarred garlic can’t match. While you can substitute, the depth and texture will be less rich without roasting fresh garlic.
What can I use if I don’t have shallots?
Yellow onions can be a good substitute if you don’t have shallots, although shallots have a milder, sweeter flavor. If using onions, roast them just the same to caramelize and soften their taste for the dip.
Is this dip gluten-free?
The dip itself is naturally gluten-free, but be sure to serve it with gluten-free dippers if you’re catering to someone with dietary restrictions. Many chips and crackers are available in gluten-free varieties.
Can I make this dip vegan or dairy-free?
To make a vegan version of this Baked Garlic Bread Dip Recipe, substitute the cream cheese, sour cream, and cheeses with plant-based alternatives. Keep in mind the flavor and texture may vary, but it can still be delicious with the right vegan products.
How spicy is this dip with the red pepper flakes?
The red pepper flakes add just a gentle hint of heat that enhances the flavors without overpowering the creamy, cheesy base. You can easily adjust or omit them if you prefer a milder dip.
Final Thoughts
Whipping up this Baked Garlic Bread Dip Recipe is truly a joyful experience, from roasting the garlic to that satisfying sizzle when it comes out of the oven bubbling and golden. It’s an easy but show-stopping dip that’s perfect for any occasion, guaranteed to become a crowd favorite at your table. So don’t hesitate—gather your ingredients and treat yourself and your loved ones to this cozy, memorable dish!
Print
Baked Garlic Bread Dip Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This cozy Baked Garlic Bread Dip features rich roasted garlic and shallots blended into a creamy mixture of cream cheese, sour cream, mozzarella, Parmesan, and fresh parsley. Baked until golden and bubbly, it makes a perfect warm appetizer or snack when served with bagel chips, toasted bread, or pita chips.
Ingredients
Roasted Garlic & Shallots
- 2 whole shallots (bottoms cut off)
- 2 heads of garlic (tops cut off)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- ½ teaspoon salt
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 salt. Wrap them tightly in the foil and roast for 1 hour until they become soft and fragrant.
- Prepare the Dip Mixture: After roasting, squeeze the garlic and shallots out of their skins and mash into a smooth paste. In a mixing bowl, combine this garlic-shallot paste with the softened cream cheese and sour cream, stirring until smooth. Then stir in ½ cup of mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, chopped parsley, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes until well blended.
- Assemble & Bake: Evenly spread the prepared dip mixture into an 8- or 9-inch pie plate. Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese evenly on top. Reduce the oven temperature to 350°F (175°C) and bake the dip for 20-25 minutes until it is golden brown and bubbly.
- Serve & Enjoy: Garnish the baked dip with extra fresh parsley and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for added color and flavor. Serve warm with bagel chips, toasted bread, or pita chips for dipping.
Notes
- Roasting the garlic and shallots slowly brings out their natural sweetness and mellows their sharpness.
- You can prepare the garlic and shallots a day ahead to save time on serving day.
- For extra richness, use full-fat cream cheese and sour cream.
- Feel free to adjust red pepper flakes to control the heat level according to your preference.
- Serve immediately after baking for the best texture and flavor.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator and reheated gently before serving.
