If you love cozy gatherings and crave something irresistibly creamy and packed with flavor, this Baked Garlic Bread Dip Recipe is going to become your new go-to party favorite. Combining roasted garlic and shallots with a luscious blend of cream cheese and tangy sour cream, then topped off with gooey melted mozzarella and a hint of spicy red pepper flakes, this dip offers an unbeatable balance of savory depth and comforting cheesiness. It’s perfect for dipping, spreading, or even dolloping onto your favorite crunchy bites—guaranteed to impress both weeknight snackers and weekend guests alike.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To create this dreamy Baked Garlic Bread Dip Recipe, you only need a handful of simple but essential ingredients. Each one brings something special — from the caramelized sweetness of roasted shallots and garlic to the creamy, rich cheeses that melt beautifully and the fresh parsley that adds a burst of color and brightness.
- 2 whole shallots (bottoms cut off): Roasting transforms their sharpness into a sweet, mellow flavor that deepens the dip’s complexity.
- 2 heads of garlic (tops cut off): Roasted garlic softens and sweetens, making the dip beautifully aromatic without any harsh bite.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Helps roast the garlic and shallots while adding subtle fruity richness.
- 1 (8 oz) block cream cheese, softened: The base that provides creaminess and smooth texture.
- 1 cup sour cream: Adds a tangy brightness to balance the cheese and richness.
- 1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided: Gives that signature melty, stretchy, golden topping we all dream about.
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a sharp, nutty depth for contrast.
- ½ cup fresh parsley, chopped (reserve some for topping): Brings fresh herbal notes and a lovely green pop.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors without overpowering.
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper: Adds gentle warmth and subtle spice.
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes: Introduces a little kick that wakes up the creamy blend.
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 garlic heads and shallots on a piece of foil, drizzle them with olive oil, and sprinkle lightly with salt. Wrap them tightly in the foil packet and roast for about 1 hour until both the garlic and shallots are irresistibly soft and wonderfully fragrant. This roasting process transforms the raw pungency into delicate, caramelized sweetness.
Step 2: Prepare the Dip Mixture
Once roasted, squeeze the garlic cloves and shallots out of their skins and mash them into a smooth paste. In a mixing bowl, combine this beautiful roasted paste with softened cream cheese and sour cream until creamy and well blended. Then stir in half a cup of mozzarella, the Parmesan cheese, chopped parsley, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. This mixture is where all the savory flavors marry together to form the heart of the dish.
Step 3: Assemble and Bake
Spread this rich, cheesy mixture evenly into an 8- or 9-inch pie plate. Top it generously with the remaining cup of shredded mozzarella. Reduce the oven temperature to 350°F (175°C), pop the dish in, and bake for 20 to 25 minutes. You’re looking for a golden brown, bubbly surface that signals the dip is perfectly melted and ready to be enjoyed.
Step 4: Serve and Enjoy
Once out of the oven, garnish your dip with extra fresh parsley and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a touch of color and heat. Serve warm alongside your favorite crunchy bagel chips, toasted bread, or pita chips so everyone can scoop, dunk, and delight in every creamy, garlicky bite.
How to Serve Baked Garlic Bread Dip Recipe
Garnishes
Finishing touches like freshly chopped parsley and a pinch of red pepper flakes not only brighten the appearance of the dip but also elevate the flavors with a hint of herbal freshness and gentle spice. These simple garnishes make the dish that much more inviting and festive.
Side Dishes
This dip pairs beautifully with crisp, crunchy sides like toasted baguette slices, bagel chips, pita chips, or even vegetable sticks such as celery and carrots for a lighter option. The contrasting textures add an exciting element to each bite.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the dip in a hollowed-out sourdough boule or mini bread bowls. You can also layer it in a clear dish with colorful veggie sticks arranged artistically around it to turn this simple appetizer into a real showstopper for your next gathering.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover baked garlic bread dip can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 4 days. The flavors actually continue to develop, making it even tastier the next day.
Freezing
You can freeze this dip, but keep in mind its creamy texture may change slightly upon thawing. To freeze, place the cooled dip in a freezer-safe container and store for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently.
Reheating
Rewarm leftovers in a microwave-safe dish or in an oven set to 350°F (175°C) until heated through and bubbly again. If reheating from frozen, allow the dip to thaw completely in the refrigerator first for best results.
FAQs
Can I use regular garlic instead of garlic heads?
While you can, roasting whole garlic heads is special because it softens the cloves perfectly and brings out a sweeter, milder flavor that raw or minced garlic can’t replicate. It’s worth the extra step for the best taste.
What can I substitute for cream cheese?
If you want a lighter version, you can try using Greek yogurt, but the dip won’t be quite as creamy and thick. Cream cheese gives essential richness and body that other substitutes may lack.
Is this dip spicy?
The red pepper flakes add just a gentle kick to wake up your taste buds, but it’s not overwhelmingly spicy. You can easily adjust the amount to suit your heat preference or omit it entirely.
Can this dip be made vegan?
Making a vegan version would require swapping out the cream cheese, sour cream, and cheeses for plant-based alternatives. While this is possible, it will alter the traditional flavor and texture quite a bit.
What’s the best bread to serve with this dip?
Anything with a sturdy crust works great—bagel chips, toasted baguette slices, pita chips, or thick-cut sourdough are all wonderful choices that hold up well to scooping this luscious dip.
Final Thoughts
I promise once you try this Baked Garlic Bread Dip Recipe, it will quickly become one of your favorite ways to elevate any casual get-together or cozy night in. The combination of slow-roasted garlic and shallots with that creamy, cheesy goodness is simply unbeatable. So, invite some friends, grab your favorite dippers, and get ready to enjoy a warm, comforting dish that will have everyone asking for seconds.
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
Description
This Baked Garlic Bread Dip is a creamy, cheesy, and flavorful appetizer perfect for parties or cozy gatherings. Roasted garlic and shallots create a rich, aromatic base enhanced with cream cheese, sour cream, mozzarella, Parmesan, and fresh parsley. Baked until bubbly and golden, it pairs perfectly with toasted bread, bagel chips, or pita chips for dipping.
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 prepared garlic heads and shallots on a sheet of foil, drizzle them evenly with olive oil, and sprinkle with salt. Wrap the foil tightly to seal in the flavors and roast for 1 hour until the garlic and shallots are soft and fragrant.
- Prepare the Dip Mixture: Once roasted, carefully squeeze the garlic and shallots out of their skins and mash them into a smooth paste. In a mixing bowl, combine this roasted garlic-shallot paste with softened cream cheese and sour cream, mixing until smooth and fully incorporated. Stir in half a cup of mozzarella cheese, grated Parmesan, chopped parsley, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes for a balanced flavor.
- Assemble & Bake: Spread the creamy mixture evenly into an 8- or 9-inch pie plate. Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of mozzarella cheese evenly over the top. Reduce the oven temperature to 350°F (175°C) and bake the dip for 20 to 25 minutes until it turns golden brown and bubbly, indicating it’s hot and ready to serve.
- Serve & Enjoy: Remove the baked dip from the oven and garnish with extra chopped parsley and a light sprinkle of red pepper flakes for added color and heat. Serve the dip warm alongside bagel chips, toasted bread, or pita chips, perfect for dipping and sharing.
Notes
- Roasting garlic and shallots deeply enhances their sweetness and reduces pungency, creating a mellow and savory flavor in the dip.
- For extra flavor, you can add a pinch of smoked paprika or Italian seasoning to the dip mixture.
- Ensure the cream cheese is softened at room temperature for easier mixing and a smoother dip texture.
- This dip is best served warm but can be reheated gently in the oven or microwave.
- Can be paired with a variety of dippers such as fresh veggies if you want a lighter option.
