Garlic Bread Dip Recipe

Introduction

This Garlic Bread Dip is a warm, cheesy delight perfect for any gathering or cozy night in. Roasted garlic gives it a rich, mellow flavor that pairs beautifully with melted mozzarella and parmesan. Serve it with crostini or crackers for an irresistible appetizer.

Ingredients

• 2 heads garlic
• 1 teaspoon olive oil
• 8 ounces cream cheese, room temperature
• 1 cup sour cream
• 4 ounces shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup grated parmesan cheese, divided
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon pepper
• 1 teaspoon fresh chopped parsley, as a garnish
• Crostini or crackers, for serving

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 400℉. Remove excess paper from the garlic heads and slice off about ¼ inch from the top of each to expose the cloves, discarding the sliced portion.
2. Step 2: Create a foil bowl to hold the garlic heads upright. Drizzle olive oil over the exposed tops and cover completely with foil. Roast for 50 minutes until garlic is soft and lightly browned. Remove and let cool.
3. Step 3: Lower oven temperature to 350℉.
4. Step 4: Squeeze the roasted garlic cloves from their skins into a large bowl and mash with a fork until a smooth paste forms.
5. Step 5: Add the cream cheese and sour cream to the garlic paste, mixing well until combined.
6. Step 6: Stir in shredded mozzarella, half of the parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper until fully incorporated.
7. Step 7: Spread the mixture evenly in an 8×8 inch baking dish or an 8-9 inch pie pan. Sprinkle the remaining parmesan cheese on top.
8. Step 8: Bake for 28 minutes or until the center is hot and bubbling, and the top is lightly browned. Remove from oven and let cool for 5 minutes.
9. Step 9: Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and serve warm with crostini or crackers.

Tips & Variations

• Use room temperature cream cheese for easier mixing and a creamier dip.
• Roast the garlic a day ahead and refrigerate to save time when assembling the dip.
• For a lighter version, substitute light sour cream and reduced-fat cheese.
• Make homemade crostini by toasting baguette slices brushed with olive oil until crispy.
• Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.

Storage

Store leftover dip in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave until warm throughout. For best texture, avoid overheating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use fresh garlic instead of roasted garlic?

Fresh garlic is much stronger and harsher in flavor. Roasting mellows the garlic and adds sweetness, which is key to this dip’s creamy, rich taste.

What can I serve with Garlic Bread Dip?

This dip pairs well with crostini, crackers, raw veggies like celery or carrots, and even toasted pita chips for variety.

Garlic Bread Dip Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 127 reviews

This Garlic Bread Dip is a warm, cheesy, and flavorful appetizer featuring roasted garlic blended into a creamy mixture of cream cheese, sour cream, mozzarella, and parmesan. Perfect for serving with crostini or crackers, it’s an irresistible dish to share at gatherings or enjoy as a cozy snack.

• Author: Nethan
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 78 minutes
• Total Time: 93 minutes
• Yield: 6–8 servings 1x
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Roasted Garlic

• 2 heads garlic
• 1 teaspoon olive oil

Dip

• 8 ounces cream cheese, room temperature
• 1 cup sour cream
• 4 ounces shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup grated parmesan cheese, divided
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon pepper
• 1 teaspoon fresh chopped parsley, as a garnish
• Crostini or crackers, for serving

Instructions

1. Preheat and Prepare Garlic: Preheat the oven to 400℉. Remove excess papery layers from the outside of the garlic heads. Using a sharp knife, slice off about ¼ inch from the top of each head to expose the tops of the garlic cloves and discard the sliced portion.
2. Roast Garlic: Create a foil bowl that can hold the garlic heads upright. Place the garlic heads in the foil, drizzle the exposed tops with olive oil, then cover completely with foil. Roast in the oven for 50 minutes or until the garlic cloves are soft and lightly browned. Remove and allow to cool enough to handle safely.
3. Reduce Oven Temperature: Lower the oven temperature to 350℉ to prepare for baking the dip.
4. Make Garlic Paste: Squeeze the softened roasted garlic cloves out of their skins into a large mixing bowl. Use a fork to mash the garlic into a smooth paste.
5. Combine Dip Ingredients: Add the room temperature cream cheese and sour cream to the bowl with the garlic paste. Mix well until fully combined. Stir in the shredded mozzarella, half of the grated parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper, ensuring all ingredients are thoroughly blended.
6. Prepare for Baking: Transfer the mixture evenly into an 8×8 inch baking dish or an 8-9 inch pie pan. Sprinkle the remaining parmesan cheese evenly over the top.
7. Bake the Dip: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 28 minutes, or until the dip is hot, bubbling, and the top has a light golden brown color. Remove from oven and let it cool for about 5 minutes before serving.
8. Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley over the warm dip. Serve immediately with crostini or crackers for dipping.

Notes

• Use room temperature cream cheese for easier mixing and a smoother dip texture.
• The garlic can be roasted a day ahead and refrigerated to save time before assembling the dip.
• For a lighter version, substitute light sour cream and reduced-fat cheese options.
• Crostini can be toasted slices of baguette brushed with olive oil and baked until crispy.
• Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick if desired.

Keywords: Garlic Bread Dip, Roasted Garlic Dip, Cheesy Garlic Dip, Appetizer, Party Dip, Crostini Dip