If you have ever dreamed of a gooey, flavorful dip that combines the irresistible scent of roasted garlic with melty cheeses and a hint of spice, the Baked Garlic Bread Dip Recipe is exactly what will make your taste buds sing. This dish transforms simple ingredients like shallots, garlic, and cheeses into a warm, cozy masterpiece that’s perfect for sharing at any gathering or for treating yourself on a quiet night in. Each bite delivers creamy texture, bold flavors, and that perfect golden crust that keeps you coming back for more.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Baked Garlic Bread Dip Recipe relies on straightforward, wholesome ingredients that each bring something special to the table. From the sweetness of roasted shallots to the creamy tang of sour cream, these simple components combine to create a dip that feels both indulgent and fresh.
- 2 whole shallots (bottoms cut off): Adds a subtle sweetness and depth when roasted alongside garlic.
- 2 heads of garlic (tops cut off): Roasting softens their pungent bite into a mellow, buttery flavor that is the star of this recipe.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Helps roast the shallots and garlic evenly while adding a silky mouthfeel.
- 1 (8 oz) block cream cheese, softened: Provides rich creaminess and smooth texture to the dip base.
- 1 cup sour cream: Adds tanginess and lightness that balance the richness of the cheeses.
- 1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided: Melts to create a stretchy, bubbly topping and contributes creaminess inside the dip.
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese: Offers a salty, nutty flavor that enhances overall taste complexity.
- ½ cup fresh parsley, chopped (reserve some for topping): Brings a fresh, herbaceous pop of color and taste.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Elevates the flavors and seasons perfectly.
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper: Adds subtle warmth without overpowering.
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes: Introduces a gentle kick that ties all the flavors together.
How to Make Baked Garlic Bread Dip Recipe
Step 1: Roast the Garlic & Shallots
Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place your heads of garlic and whole shallots on a piece of foil. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle lightly with salt to bring out their natural sweetness as they roast. Wrap them up tightly in the foil, sealing all those wonderful juices inside. Roast them for 1 hour until they become soft, fragrant, and golden. This slow roasting transforms raw pungency into a mellow, buttery base for the dip.
Step 2: Prepare the Dip Mixture
Once your garlic and shallots are done roasting, carefully squeeze the garlic cloves and shallots out of their skins and mash them into a paste. This fragrant mash is the magic behind the rich flavor of this dip. In a mixing bowl, blend this garlic-shallot paste with softened cream cheese and sour cream until the mixture is luxuriously smooth and creamy. Next, fold in half a cup of mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, chopped parsley, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. This combination creates an irresistible blend of creamy, cheesy, herbaceous, and spicy notes that makes every bite a delight.
Step 3: Assemble & Bake
Grab an 8- or 9-inch pie plate and spread this delicious mixture evenly over the surface. Then sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of mozzarella cheese over the top to form a luscious, golden crust as it bakes. Lower the oven temperature to 350°F (175°C) and bake your dip for 20 to 25 minutes. Keep an eye out for that perfect golden brown and bubbly finish — this is when you know it’s ready to come out and wow your taste buds.
Step 4: Serve & Enjoy
Garnish your hot, bubbling dip with a sprinkling of fresh parsley and a pinch of red pepper flakes to add an extra splash of color and a little extra zing. Serve it warm alongside crispy bagel chips, toasted crusty bread, or crunchy pita chips, and prepare to enjoy the comforting hug of the Baked Garlic Bread Dip Recipe with every delicious bite.
How to Serve Baked Garlic Bread Dip Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley is a fantastic finishing touch that brightens up the dish visually and adds a herbaceous note that complements the savory garlic and cheeses beautifully. A dusting of red pepper flakes provides playful heat, enhancing the dip’s flavor without stealing the spotlight.
Side Dishes
This dip pairs wonderfully with a variety of crunchy sides such as toasted baguette slices, pita chips, or even fresh vegetable sticks like celery and bell peppers. It’s ideal as an appetizer before a meal or as a cozy snack during movie nights.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to wow your guests? Try serving the dip in a hollowed-out sourdough bread bowl. Alternatively, consider individual ramekins for personalized portions. For a party, arrange a colorful platter around the dip with fresh veggies, cured meats, and olives to turn it into a full grazing board experience.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Baked Garlic Bread Dip Recipe is a treasure you’ll want to save. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure it’s fully cooled before sealing to maintain freshness and flavor.
Freezing
If you’re preparing this dip in advance or have a generous amount, it freezes well. Place the cooled dip in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to enjoy that freshly baked taste all over again.
Reheating
To reheat, place the dip in an oven-safe dish and warm it in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 15-20 minutes until hot and bubbly. You can also microwave individual servings, but reheating in the oven helps restore the melty, golden top that makes this dip so addictive.
FAQs
Can I make this dip without shallots?
Absolutely! While shallots add a delicate sweetness and depth, you can omit them if unavailable. The dip will still be delicious with just roasted garlic as the main aromatic.
Is this dip gluten-free?
The dip itself is naturally gluten-free. Just be sure to serve it with gluten-free dippers like veggie sticks or gluten-free crackers to keep it entirely safe for gluten-sensitive guests.
Can I use different cheeses in the recipe?
Yes! Feel free to experiment. Cheeses like fontina or gouda can add a unique twist, but mozzarella and Parmesan provide the classic melty and savory balance that works perfectly here.
How spicy is this dip?
The red pepper flakes add a mild, warming heat that balances the richness without overwhelming. You can always adjust the amount based on your heat preference or leave it out entirely for a milder version.
Can I prepare this dip ahead of time before baking?
Definitely! You can mix the dip ingredients and store the uncooked dip in the fridge for up to a day before baking. Just add the final mozzarella topping before baking to get that fresh, bubbly crust.
Final Thoughts
There is something incredibly satisfying about homemade comfort food that you can share with loved ones, and the Baked Garlic Bread Dip Recipe delivers exactly that. It’s warm, cheesy, packed with flavor, and so easy to make that you’ll find yourself reaching for it time and time again. Give it a try—you might just discover your new favorite go-to dip for any occasion!
Print
Baked Garlic Bread Dip Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Baked Garlic Bread Dip is a creamy, cheesy delight perfect for gatherings and cozy nights in. Roasted garlic and shallots add a sweet, mellow flavor, blended with cream cheese, sour cream, and cheeses for a rich dip that’s baked until golden and bubbly. Serve it warm with your favorite chips or toasted bread for a crowd-pleasing appetizer.
Ingredients
Roasted Aromatics
- 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 the foil tightly to create a sealed packet, then roast for about 1 hour, or until the garlic and shallots are soft and aromatic.
- Prepare the Dip Mixture: Once roasted, squeeze the garlic and shallots out of their skins and mash them into a smooth paste. In a mixing bowl, combine this paste with the softened cream cheese and sour cream, mixing until smooth. Stir in half a cup of the mozzarella, Parmesan cheese, chopped parsley, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes until well blended.
- Assemble & Bake: Spread the prepared dip mixture evenly into an 8- or 9-inch pie plate. Top with the remaining 1 cup of shredded mozzarella. Reduce the oven temperature to 350°F (175°C) and bake the dip for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the dip is bubbling hot.
- Serve & Enjoy: Garnish the hot dip with extra parsley and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes. Serve warm alongside bagel chips, toasted bread, or pita chips for dipping.
Notes
- For the best flavor, use fresh garlic and shallots for roasting.
- Make sure the cream cheese is softened to facilitate smooth mixing.
- You can substitute mozzarella with a mix of Italian cheeses for varied flavor.
- Keep an eye on the baking time to avoid over-browning the cheese topping.
- This dip is best served warm but can be reheated gently if needed.
