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
Scale
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.
