If you love the comforting aroma and rich flavor of garlic bread but want to take it up a notch, you are going to adore this Baked Garlic Bread Dip Recipe. It transforms all those beloved flavors into a creamy, cheesy dip that’s irresistibly bubbly and golden on top, perfect for sharing with friends or cozying up on a night in. This recipe combines the satisfying crunch of toasted bread with a luscious mixture of cheeses, garlic, and herbs—guaranteed to become your new favorite appetizer or snack that everyone will ask you to make again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the ingredients right for this dip is all about balance, bringing together simple staples that each lend something important: creaminess, zest, or that perfect herby punch. These are everyday pantry superheroes that make this Baked Garlic Bread Dip Recipe come alive.
- Baguette or sourdough bread: Choose a crusty loaf for a perfect toasty, dippable base.
- Cream cheese, softened: Adds smooth richness and a mild tang to the dip.
- Sour cream: Brings a bit of tangy creaminess and lightens the texture.
- Mayonnaise: Provides extra silkiness and moisture.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully for that stretchy, gooey effect everyone loves.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a nutty, sharp depth of flavor.
- Garlic cloves, minced: The star flavor, offering pungent, aromatic warmth.
- Fresh parsley, chopped: Adds fresh herbal brightness and color.
- Dried oregano: Introduces a subtle earthiness that complements the garlic perfectly.
- Black pepper: Lends a hint of spice to wake up the flavors.
- Olive oil: For drizzling on the bread slices, enhancing toasty flavor and crispness.
How to Make Baked Garlic Bread Dip Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures your dip will bake perfectly, turning golden and bubbly. While the oven warms, prepare all your ingredients to make the assembly quick and easy.
Step 2: Mix the Dip Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise, mozzarella, Parmesan, minced garlic, fresh parsley, oregano, and black pepper. Stir everything together until fully incorporated and smooth. This mixture is the heart of the recipe, balancing creamy textures with potent flavors.
Step 3: Transfer and Spread
Grease an oven-safe dish lightly to prevent sticking, then spread the dip mixture evenly across the bottom. Distributing the dip uniformly helps it bake evenly, giving you that perfect bubbly surface with every spoonful.
Step 4: Bake Until Golden
Place your dish in the oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes. Keep an eye on it toward the end—the top should turn a gorgeous golden hue and bubble enthusiastically, signaling it’s ready to be enjoyed.
Step 5: Toast the Bread
While the dip bakes, brush your sliced bread with olive oil on both sides and toast them in the oven for 8 to 10 minutes, flipping once halfway through. This step delivers that irresistible crispy-toasty crunch that pairs beautifully with the creamy dip.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Once out of the oven, sprinkle extra fresh parsley over the dip for a pop of color and fresh herbal scent. Serve your dip hot alongside the toasted bread slices, crackers, or fresh vegetables.
How to Serve Baked Garlic Bread Dip Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley always livens up the presentation and offers a subtle fresh contrast to the richness. For extra flair, a light drizzle of olive oil or a pinch of red pepper flakes can add aroma and a little heat without overpowering the flavors.
Side Dishes
This dip pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad for a light contrast or alongside crunchy vegetable sticks like carrots and cucumber for a refreshing bite. It also makes an excellent crowd-pleasing appetizer at parties or game days.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving this Baked Garlic Bread Dip Recipe in a hollowed-out rustic bread bowl for extra charm, or offer individual ramekins for a personalized snack experience. You can even layer the dip into a casserole dish then swirl in a bit of pesto or sun-dried tomatoes before baking for an exciting twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover dip can be covered tightly in the fridge for up to 3 days. Make sure to use an airtight container or cover the dish securely with plastic wrap to maintain freshness and prevent other fridge odors from seeping in.
Freezing
This dip freezes well if stored properly. Transfer cooled dip into a freezer-safe container, leaving some room for expansion. It can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best results.
Reheating
To reheat, place the dip in an oven-safe dish and warm it in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 15 minutes until heated through and bubbly again. Avoid microwaving to retain that delightful texture and crispy top.
FAQs
Can I use other types of cheese in this dip?
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with cheeses like cheddar, fontina, or gouda for different flavor profiles. Just keep the total cheese amount similar to maintain the right creamy texture.
Is this dip gluten-free?
The dip itself is gluten-free, but be sure to serve it with gluten-free bread or crackers if you are avoiding gluten entirely.
Can I make this dip vegan?
While this recipe relies on dairy, you can swap cream cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise, and cheeses for vegan alternatives. Keep the garlic and herbs the same to preserve the flavor.
How long does it take to prepare this dip?
The total time, including baking and toasting bread, is about 35 minutes, making it a fantastic quick and impressive appetizer for last-minute gatherings.
Can I prepare this dip ahead and bake on the day?
Yes! Combine the dip ingredients and refrigerate the mixture in the baking dish, covered. When ready to serve, simply bake it as directed. Toast the bread fresh just before serving for the best crunch.
Final Thoughts
This Baked Garlic Bread Dip Recipe is pure comfort in a dish, marrying creamy cheeses, garlicky goodness, and perfectly toasted bread for dipping delight. It’s easy to prepare, endlessly versatile, and guaranteed to become a crowd favorite at your table. Give it a try and watch how quickly everyone digs in—it’s one of those recipes you’ll want to keep on hand for any occasion.
Print
Baked Garlic Bread Dip Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Baked Garlic Bread Dip is a warm, cheesy, and garlicky appetizer perfect for parties or cozy nights in. Cream cheese, sour cream, and mayonnaise form a creamy base, loaded with mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses, fresh garlic, and herbs. Baked until bubbly and golden, it pairs perfectly with toasted baguette or sourdough slices for dipping.
Ingredients
For the Dip
- 1 ½ cups cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup sour cream
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (plus extra for garnish)
- ½ tsp dried oregano
- ¼ tsp black pepper
For Serving
- 1 baguette or sourdough bread, sliced
- Olive oil for drizzling
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare it for baking the dip.
- Mix the Dip Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise, shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, minced garlic, chopped fresh parsley, dried oregano, and black pepper. Stir until the mixture is smooth and well blended.
- Transfer to Baking Dish: Grease an oven-safe dish lightly, then spread the creamy mixture evenly into the dish.
- Bake the Dip: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes until the dip is bubbly and golden on top.
- Toast the Bread: While the dip is baking, drizzle olive oil on the bread slices and toast them in the oven or on a pan for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through to get them evenly golden and crisp.
- Garnish and Serve: Once baked, remove the dip from the oven, garnish with extra chopped parsley, and serve immediately with the toasted bread slices, crackers, or fresh vegetables for dipping.
Notes
- You can substitute mozzarella with a blend of cheeses like cheddar or Monterey Jack for a different flavor.
- For extra spice, add a pinch of red pepper flakes into the dip mixture.
- Use day-old bread for better toasting that holds up well to dipping.
- Leftover dip can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and gently reheated before serving.
