Baked Garlic Bread Dip Recipe
If you love the irresistible aroma of freshly baked garlic bread but crave something even cheesier and more shareable, this Baked Garlic Bread Dip is about to become your new crowd-pleasing favorite. Imagine everything you adore about classic garlic bread—creamy cheeses, punchy garlic, and savory Italian herbs—mixed into a golden, gooey dip. This recipe promises all the ooey-gooey comfort of garlic bread, transformed into the ultimate warm and bubbly appetizer that everyone will want to dig into. Whether you’re hosting a party or simply planning a cozy night in, this dip brings excitement and comfort to your table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Great recipes don’t need to be complicated, and the ingredient list for this Baked Garlic Bread Dip is proof. Each item on this list has a mission: to deliver the perfect balance of creaminess, flavor, and crave-worthy texture that leaves everyone reaching for just one more scoop.
- Cream Cheese (8 ounces, softened): Gives the dip a supremely creamy, spreadable base that holds all the flavors together.
- Mayonnaise (1/2 cup): Adds tang and luxurious silkiness, making the dip irresistibly rich.
- Mozzarella Cheese (1 cup, shredded): Brings that marvelous stretch and gooeyness you want in every cheesy dip.
- Parmesan Cheese (1/2 cup, grated): Layers in savory and nutty undertones that elevate every scoop.
- Garlic (4 cloves, minced): Infuses every bite with bold, aromatic garlic flavor—absolutely essential!
- Italian Seasoning (1 teaspoon): Provides a fragrant blend of herbs that screams “garlic bread.”
- Crushed Red Pepper Flakes (1/4 teaspoon, optional): Adds a gentle, tingly heat; use more or less to suit your guests.
- Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Enhances and balances all the cheesy, garlicky goodness.
- Black Pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Rounds out the flavors with just the right touch of bite.
- Fresh Parsley (2 tablespoons, chopped): Adds a pop of color and freshness right at the finish.
- Baguette Slices or Breadsticks (for serving): Scoop up every last bit with your favorite bread—soft or crunchy!
How to Make Baked Garlic Bread Dip
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Start by setting your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures your dip bakes up hot, golden, and bubbly every single time. Taking a moment to preheat means the dip will go from fridge to fabulous in no time once it’s assembled.
Step 2: Mix the Cheesy Base
In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, mayonnaise, shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, crushed red pepper flakes (if you’re adding them), salt, and black pepper. Stir until everything is well blended and creamy—don’t worry if it’s a little lumpy; that just means there’ll be delicious cheesy pockets throughout!
Step 3: Transfer and Level
Spoon the mixture into an oven-safe baking dish. Use a spatula or the back of a spoon to spread the dip evenly, all the way to the edges. This step helps the dip bake uniformly and ensures everyone gets an equally cheesy, garlicky scoop.
Step 4: Bake Until Bubbly
Bake on the center rack for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the dip is piping hot and the top is bubbling and turning lightly golden. If you love an extra gooey top, go ahead and sprinkle a bit more mozzarella before baking for bonus cheese pulls.
Step 5: Add Fresh Parsley
As soon as your Baked Garlic Bread Dip is out of the oven, scatter the chopped fresh parsley across the top. The bright green herb not only looks beautiful but also wakes up the entire dish with a hint of freshness.
Step 6: Serve Warm
Grab those baguette slices or breadsticks, because this dip is best enjoyed warm and melty. Set everything out while the dip is still hot and watch how quickly it disappears!
How to Serve Baked Garlic Bread Dip
Garnishes
When it comes to garnishes, keep things simple but vibrant. A final shower of freshly chopped parsley or even a sprinkle of extra Parmesan right as it comes out of the oven adds a lovely finish. For a little zing, try a tiny drizzle of good olive oil or a pinch of extra crushed red pepper flakes before serving.
Side Dishes
This Baked Garlic Bread Dip is a showstopper appetizer on its own, but it also plays beautifully with a spread of antipasti. Pair it with crisp veggies (like bell pepper strips or celery), olives, roasted cherry tomatoes, or a fresh green salad for balance and color on the table.
Creative Ways to Present
Take your party presentation up a notch by hollowing out a round loaf and pouring the hot dip inside; you get a built-in bread bowl and an edible centerpiece! For brunch, try serving Baked Garlic Bread Dip with crostini, grilled flatbreads, or even crisp pita chips for a delicious twist. Mini cast iron skillets or ramekins also turn it into a fun, individual appetizer option.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftover dip (which, honestly, is a rare treat!), simply transfer it to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors actually deepen as they rest, making that leftover spoonful extra delicious the next day.
Freezing
Want to get ahead of your next craving? Baked Garlic Bread Dip freezes surprisingly well before it’s baked! Just assemble the dip, cover tightly, and freeze for up to two months. When ready to bake, let it thaw overnight in the fridge, then bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes if necessary.
Reheating
To reheat, scoop the desired amount into an oven-safe dish and warm at 350°F (175°C) until bubbly again—about 10 to 15 minutes. If you’re in a hurry, a few short bursts in the microwave work too, just be careful not to overcook or it may lose that dreamy, melty texture.
FAQs
Can I make Baked Garlic Bread Dip ahead of time?
Absolutely, and it’s perfect for party prep! Simply mix the dip, spread it in your baking dish, cover, and refrigerate for up to a day in advance. When you’re ready, bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes to the total bake time if coming straight from the fridge.
What type Appetizer
Rustic baguette slices or crunchy breadsticks are classic because they hold up beautifully to the melty, rich dip. But feel free to experiment—try ciabatta, sourdough, or even garlic pita chips for something extra snappy!
Is there a lighter or healthier way to make this dip?
Yes! You can swap in low-fat cream cheese or Greek yogurt for some of the cream cheese or mayo to reduce calories, though the dip will still be gloriously creamy. Just be sure to keep that combo of cheeses for flavor and texture.
What can I add to customize my Baked Garlic Bread Dip?
This dip loves a good remix. Try adding chopped sun-dried tomatoes, crispy cooked bacon, fresh basil, or a layer of caramelized onions for extra flavor. Stir them right into the base before baking for a personal touch.
Can I double this recipe for a bigger crowd?
Definitely! Just double all the ingredients and bake in a larger dish. Keep an eye on the oven; a bigger batch may need a few extra minutes. It’s a total lifesaver for potlucks, parties, or game day gatherings!
Final Thoughts
Whenever I make Baked Garlic Bread Dip, it instantly turns an ordinary gathering into something special. There’s just something magical about sharing gooey, herby cheese and garlic with friends and family. I hope you’ll give this recipe a try and turn your next get-together into a hands-down hit!
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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 that’s perfect for any gathering. With a blend of cream cheese, mozzarella, Parmesan, and garlic, this dip is flavorful and satisfying. Pair it with crispy baguette slices or breadsticks for a delightful party snack.
Ingredients
Cream Cheese Mixture:
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
For Serving:
- Baguette slices or breadsticks
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Mix Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, combine cream cheese, mayonnaise, mozzarella, Parmesan, garlic, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and black pepper. Stir until fully blended.
- Transfer and Bake: Transfer the mixture to an oven-safe baking dish and spread it evenly. Bake for 20–25 minutes until hot and bubbly with a golden top.
- Final Touch: Sprinkle with fresh parsley before serving. Enjoy warm with baguette slices or breadsticks for dipping.
Notes
- For extra flavor, top with more mozzarella before baking.
- This dip can be prepared ahead of time, refrigerated, and baked when ready to serve—adjust bake time accordingly.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American, Italian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/8 of recipe
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 350 mg
- Fat: 19 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 3 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 35 mg
