Baked Garlic Bread Dip is the kind of indulgent, crowd-pleasing appetizer that turns any gathering into a party. Each gooey, golden bite is packed with creamy cheeses, bold garlic, and a savory Italian kick. Whether you scoop it up with crusty baguette slices or crisp crackers, this dip is bound to disappear fast—so you might want to make a double batch if friends are coming over. It’s rich, warm, and ridiculously easy to assemble, making it one of those recipes you’ll want to keep in your back pocket for game day, holidays, or any night that calls for comfort food with a tasty twist.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of Baked Garlic Bread Dip comes from using a handful of simple, classic ingredients that each play a starring role. From the creaminess of the cheeses to the aromatic punch of garlic and Italian seasoning, every element adds depth and crave-worthy flavor. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Cream Cheese (8 oz block, softened): The creamy base that makes this dip luxuriously rich and scoopable—make sure it’s softened for easy mixing.
- Mayonnaise (1/2 cup): Adds a hint of tang and extra silkiness to the overall texture.
- Sour Cream (1/2 cup): Provides a gentle tang and helps lighten the mixture without losing creaminess.
- Shredded Mozzarella Cheese (1 cup): Melty, stretchy, and essential for that ultimate cheese pull with every bite.
- Shredded Parmesan Cheese (1/2 cup): Gives a salty, nutty depth and irresistibly golden top when baked.
- Garlic, minced (3 cloves): The heart of the flavor—fresh garlic infuses every bite with bold, aromatic goodness.
- Garlic Powder (1/2 teaspoon): Boosts the garlicky flavor for extra punch.
- Italian Seasoning (1/2 teaspoon): A fragrant blend that brings all the classic herb notes of garlic bread into the dip.
- Crushed Red Pepper Flakes (1/4 teaspoon, optional): For a gentle kick—add as much or as little as you like.
- Salt and Black Pepper to taste: Essential for balancing the richness and amping up all the other flavors.
- Chopped Fresh Parsley (1 tablespoon, optional): Sprinkled on top for freshness and a pop of color.
- Toasted Baguette Slices, Breadsticks, or Crackers: These dippers are the perfect vessels for scooping up every luscious bite of the dip.
How to Make Baked Garlic Bread Dip
Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Dish
Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F. Grab a small baking dish or an oven-safe skillet, then give it a quick grease to make sure every delicious bit of dip can be scooped out easily (and for easy cleanup later!). This step sets the stage for the bubbling, golden magic that happens in the oven.
Step 2: Mix the Base
In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, mayonnaise, and sour cream. Stir until the mixture is creamy and smooth—no lumps here! This is your rich, velvety base and getting it smooth means every bite later will be perfectly luscious.
Step 3: Add Cheese and Flavor
Now, stir in the shredded mozzarella and Parmesan (hello, cheese heaven!), minced garlic, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, crushed red pepper flakes if you like a little heat, plus a pinch each of salt and black pepper. This is where all those familiar, comforting garlic bread flavors start to come together.
Step 4: Spread and Bake
Transfer the creamy mixture to your prepared baking dish, spreading it into an even layer. Slide it into the oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the top is golden and the edges are bubbly and inviting. Your kitchen will smell like pure garlic bread bliss!
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Once your Baked Garlic Bread Dip is fresh from the oven, sprinkle it with chopped fresh parsley if you’re feeling fancy. Serve it up immediately—warm and melty—with a generous array of toasted baguette slices, garlic bread, or crackers for dipping.
How to Serve Baked Garlic Bread Dip
Garnishes
A final flourish of bright green parsley right after baking makes this hot dip look downright irresistible. Chopped chives or even a dash of extra Parmesan work beautifully, adding a touch of freshness and color that balances the rich, golden layers beneath.
Side Dishes
Pair this Baked Garlic Bread Dip with crunchy crudités like carrot sticks, celery, or bell peppers for a touch of freshness. It also makes a fabulous centerpiece on an appetizer board surrounded by olives, marinated artichokes, and cured meats for a memorable, festive spread.
Creative Ways to Present
Try spooning the hot dip into a hollowed-out sourdough boule for a stunning, edible serving vessel—everyone loves pulling pieces of bread straight from the bowl. For individual servings, bake the dip in small ramekins or muffin tins for personal-sized portions, or offer a mix of classic and gluten-free dippers to make every guest happy.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Baked Garlic Bread Dip keeps well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. It’s still rich and creamy after reheating, so don’t worry about the flavors fading—they might even get better! Just be sure to stash any dippers separately so they stay crisp.
Freezing
While most cheesy dips don’t freeze perfectly, this one fares surprisingly well! Spoon any cooled leftovers into a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to one month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best results—just expect a slightly softer texture but all that bold flavor.
Reheating
To reheat, simply bake covered at 350°F until hot and bubbly (about 15–20 minutes), or pop a portion in the microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring between each round. The dip comes back to life beautifully, ready to enjoy once again.
FAQs
Can I prepare Baked Garlic Bread Dip in advance?
Absolutely! You can mix everything together and spread it in the baking dish up to a day ahead—just cover and refrigerate. When you’re ready to serve, let it sit at room temperature while the oven preheats, then bake as usual.
Can I add other ingredients to the base recipe?
Definitely give your Baked Garlic Bread Dip a twist! Stir in cooked chopped spinach, crispy bacon, or even a dollop of pesto for a different flavor profile. You can also swap in cheeses like Gruyère or fontina for extra depth.
What are the best dippers for this dip?
Toasted baguette slices or classic garlic bread make this dip shine, but sturdy crackers, focaccia, warm pita, or fresh vegetables like bell pepper strips all work wonderfully. You want something that can stand up to all that cheesy goodness!
Is Baked Garlic Bread Dip gluten-free?
The dip itself is totally gluten-free, so if you need a GF option just serve it with gluten-free bread, crackers, or veggies. It’s an easy swap and everyone can enjoy.
How do I keep the dip warm for a party?
If you’re serving this at a gathering, keep the dip warm by placing the baking dish on a warming tray or in a slow cooker set to “warm.” This way, you and your guests can enjoy that melty, garlicky dip for hours.
Final Thoughts
Trust me, you’ll fall in love at first scoop with this Baked Garlic Bread Dip. It’s comfort food in its most shareable form—cheesy, garlicky, and oh-so-inviting. I hope it becomes your new go-to appetizer for gatherings big and small!
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Baked Garlic Bread Dip Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Baked Garlic Bread Dip is a creamy and cheesy appetizer perfect for parties or gatherings. It features a blend of cream cheese, mozzarella, Parmesan, and garlic, baked until bubbly and golden. Serve with toasted baguette slices or crackers for a deliciously indulgent snack.
Ingredients
Cheesy Garlic Dip:
- 1 (8 oz) block cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional)
For Serving:
- Toasted baguette slices
- Breadsticks
- Crackers
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F and lightly grease a small baking dish or oven-safe skillet.
- Prepare the dip: In a medium bowl, mix together the softened cream cheese, mayonnaise, and sour cream until smooth. Stir in the mozzarella, Parmesan, minced garlic, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, crushed red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper.
- Bake: Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish and spread it into an even layer. Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until hot and bubbly with a golden top.
- Finish and serve: Remove from the oven and sprinkle with fresh parsley if desired. Serve warm with toasted baguette slices, garlic bread, or crackers for dipping.
Notes
- This dip can be made ahead and refrigerated before baking.
- Add chopped cooked bacon or spinach for a variation.
- Leftovers can be stored in the fridge and reheated in the oven or microwave.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/8 of dip (not including dippers)
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 310 mg
- Fat: 19 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 3 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 35 mg
