Baked Garlic Bread Dip for Parties

Every now and then, you come across a recipe that feels like warm sunshine on a chilly day. That’s exactly what this Baked Garlic Bread Dip is for me. It’s an absolute crowd-pleaser, a cozy hug in a dish that magically transforms your everyday gatherings into an unforgettable feast. The first time I made this dip, I was hosting a group of friends for movie night. One scoop, and everyone was hooked! The combination of roasted garlic and creamy cheese, all baked to bubbling perfection, simply sings. And let me tell you, it puts store-bought dips to shame.

Why you’ll love this recipe

Oh, where do I even begin? This dip isn’t just your average appetizer; it’s an experience. You get the nutty sweetness of roasted garlic mingling with the richness of cream cheese and sour cream, plus the satisfying stretch of melted mozzarella. It’s creamy yet decadent, with a little kick from the red pepper flakes that keeps your taste buds dancing. Honestly, who wouldn’t love a dish that smells of roasted garlic wafting through the house? Beyond flavor, it’s super versatile. Perfect for parties, game days, or even a cozy night in. Pair it with crispy bagel chips or toasted bread, and you have the ultimate comfort food!

Gather these ingredients

Let’s talk about the star players in this dip:

• Shallots (2 whole): These little gems bring that sweet, oniony depth. Remember to chop off the bottoms before roasting them.
• Garlic (2 heads): The aroma when these are roasted will have your neighbors peeking over the fence with envy. Trim the tops, and they’re ready to go!
• Olive oil (2 tbsp): A drizzle adds richness and helps with roasting. You could use avocado oil too for a different flavor.
• Cream cheese (1 block, 8 oz): Softened to mix effortlessly into the dip, it’s the base that gives you that luscious creaminess.
• Sour cream (1 cup): This adds tang and balances the richness of the cream cheese. Greek yogurt can be a lighter substitute if you’re watching calories.
• Shredded mozzarella cheese (1 ½ cups, divided): Because who doesn’t love gooey, stretchy cheese?
• Grated parmesan cheese (½ cup): This adds a lovely nutty flavor. Freshly grated is best if you can manage it.
• Fresh parsley (½ cup, chopped): This adds brightness and freshness. Reserve some for that beautiful finishing touch.
• Salt (½ tsp): You’ll need this to elevate all the flavors.
• Black pepper (¼ tsp): Just a touch for that subtle warmth.
• Red pepper flakes (½ tsp): This little sprinkle gives it a kick; feel free to adjust based on your heat preference!

How this recipe comes together

Alright, let’s dive into the cooking process. Trust me, this is where the magic begins!

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) while you prepare your garlic and shallots.
2. Take a sharp knife, and snip off the tops of the garlic heads and the bottoms of the shallots. This exposes their luscious insides, ready for roasting.
3. Place the shallots and garlic heads on a piece of foil. Drizzle with olive oil, and don’t forget to sprinkle a pinch of salt!
4. Wrap them up tightly in the foil, creating a little garlic treasure chest, and pop them into the oven for about 1 hour. You’re looking for that sweet, soft goodness.
5. Once they’re roasted to perfection, squeeze the roasted garlic and shallots out of their skins and into a mixing bowl. Mash them with a fork until you achieve a paste—this is where the flavor really comes alive!
6. Next, introduce the softened cream cheese and sour cream into the mix. Blend until everything is smooth and beautifully combined.
7. Stir in ½ cup of shredded mozzarella, the grated parmesan, chopped parsley, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Mix again—every bite should be packed with flavor!
8. Transfer this wonderful mixture into an 8 or 9-inch pie plate, spreading it into an even layer. Top with the remaining mozzarella for that golden cheesy topping.
9. Lower your oven temperature to 350°F (175°C) and bake for 20-25 minutes, until it’s bubbling and beautifully golden.
10. Finally, garnish with that reserved parsley and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a pop of color before serving.

How to enjoy it

Alright, let’s talk serving suggestions, shall we? This dip absolutely shines when paired with bagel chips, toasted slices of bread, or crunchy pita chips. The contrast of textures—the creamy dip against the crispy dippers—heightens the experience beautifully. And if you want to elevate your spread even further, consider adding olives, pickles, or roasted veggies on the side. This dip also works wonders as a topping for baked potatoes—imagine how decadent that would be.

Storage and reheating tips

Got leftovers? Lucky you! This dip can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days in an airtight container. Just make sure it’s cooled before packing it away. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, gently reheat it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until it’s warmed through. If you’d like to freeze it, you can pop it into the freezer for about a month. Just remember that the texture might change slightly after thawing and reheating; still delicious though!

Helpful cooking tips

A few pro tips for a stellar result:

• Roast the garlic and shallots until they’re caramelized. This deepens their flavor, making your dip sing.
• Don’t rush the mixing; let the cream cheese soften fully to mix in smoothly.
• If you’re a cheese lover, go ahead—add in some extra mozzarella or swap in your favorite melty cheese!

Creative Twists

Want to make this dip your own? Consider these variations:

• Herbed: Mix in different herbs like thyme or oregano for a fresh twist.
• Spicy: Add some chopped jalapeños for more heat.
• Bacon: Who wouldn’t want to throw in some crispy bacon bits for a meaty touch?

FAQs

1. Can I make this dip ahead of time?

• Absolutely! You can prepare the dip up to a day in advance, keep it refrigerated, and then bake it just before serving.

1. What bread pairs best?

• Bagel chips are a classic choice! But you can’t go wrong with crusty baguette slices or toasted pita chips.

1. Can I use low-fat cream cheese?

• Yes, you can! Just keep in mind that it may alter the texture slightly.

1. What if I don’t like parsley?

• Feel free to substitute with chives or green onions for a different flavor profile.

1. Is it kid-friendly?

• Definitely! Kids love cheesy dip. Just watch the red pepper flakes if they’re sensitive to spice.

Baked Garlic Bread Dip is more than just a recipe; it’s a way to gather friends and family around the table, indulging in good food and great company. Each creamy, cheesy bite is an invitation to slow down, savor, and create memories. So go ahead, whip up this dip, and let the flavors do the talking! Don’t forget to share your twists and experiences in the comments; I can’t wait to hear how yours turns out! 🍽️

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Baked Garlic Bread Dip for Parties

Cooking Method: Baking, Mixing Courses: Appetizer, Sauces & Dips, Snack Recipe Keys: C Comfort Food Dairy E Easy Vegetarian Meals W Warm

Difficulty: Beginner Prep Time Cook Time Total Time 40 hrs

Cooking Temp: 375  F Servings: 8 Estimated Cost: $ 10 Calories: 300

Best Season: Suitable throughout the year

Description

Baked Garlic Bread Dip is a crowd-pleaser that combines roasted garlic, creamy cheese, and a touch of spice for a delicious appetizer that's perfect for parties or cozy nights in.

Ingredients

Scale

1/2x 1x 2x 3x

Dippers

• 2 whole Shallots (Chopped bottoms before roasting)
• 2 heads Garlic (Trim the tops before roasting)
• 2 tbsp Olive oil (Can substitute with avocado oil)
• 1 block (8 oz) Cream cheese (Softened)
• 1 cup Sour cream (Can use Greek yogurt as lighter substitute)
• 1.5 cups Shredded mozzarella cheese (Divided)
• 0.5 cup Grated parmesan cheese (Freshly grated is best)
• 0.5 cup Fresh parsley (Chopped, reserve some for garnish)
• 0.5 tsp Salt (To enhance flavor)
• 0.25 tsp Black pepper (For subtle warmth)
• 0.5 tsp Red pepper flakes (Adjust based on heat preference)

Instructions

Preparation

1. Preheat Oven

   Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
   Mark as complete

2. Prepare Garlic and Shallots

   Snip off the tops of the garlic heads and the bottoms of the shallots.
   This exposes their insides for roasting.
   Mark as complete

3. Roast

   Place shallots and garlic heads on foil, drizzle with olive oil, sprinkle with salt, wrap tightly, and roast for about 1 hour.
   Look for sweet, soft goodness.
   Mark as complete

4. Mix Ingredients

   Squeeze roasted garlic and shallots into a bowl, mash, then mix with cream cheese and sour cream until smooth.
   Mark as complete

5. Add Remaining Ingredients

   Add ½ cup mozzarella, parmesan, parsley, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Mix well.
   Layer in an 8 or 9-inch pie plate.
   Mark as complete

6. Bake

   Lower oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for 20-25 minutes until bubbling and golden.
   Mark as complete

7. Garnish and Serve

   Garnish with reserved parsley and red pepper flakes before serving.
   Mark as complete

Nutrition Facts

Servings 8

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Amount Per Serving

Calories 300kcal

% Daily Value *

Total Fat 20g31%

Saturated Fat 10g50%

Trans Fat 0g

Cholesterol 40mg14%

Sodium 600mg25%

Potassium 200mg6%

Total Carbohydrate 15g5%

Dietary Fiber 1g4%

Sugars 3g

Protein 8g16%

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Vitamin A 500 IU

Vitamin C 3 mg

Calcium 250 mg

Iron 1 mg

Vitamin D 0 IU

Vitamin E 1 IU

Vitamin K 5 mcg

Thiamin 0 mg

Riboflavin 0.5 mg

Niacin 1 mg

Vitamin B6 0.1 mg

Folate 15 mcg

Vitamin B12 2 mcg

Biotin 0 mcg

Pantothenic Acid 0.5 mg

Phosphorus 150 mg

Magnesium 15 mg

Zinc 1 mg

Selenium 7 mcg

Copper 0.1 mg

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Note

This dip can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days or frozen for a month.

Keywords: Garlic, Bread Dip, Appetizer, Cheese, Comfort Food