A rich, cheesy, and creamy dip packed with the savory flavors of roasted garlic and shallots. This warm, irresistible appetizer is perfect for parties, game days, or gatherings where you want to impress. With a golden, bubbly top and layers of garlic-infused goodness, this dip is sure to be a crowd-pleaser!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Super cheesy & creamy – A blend of cream cheese, mozzarella, and Parmesan.
- Packed with roasted garlic flavor – Slow-roasted garlic and shallots add depth and richness.
- Perfect for dipping – Serve with bagel chips, toasted bread, or pita chips.
- Great for parties & gatherings – A warm, comforting appetizer everyone will love.
- Make-ahead friendly – Easy to prep in advance and bake when ready to serve.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 2 whole shallots (bottoms cut off)
- 2 heads of garlic (tops cut off)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 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
Directions
Roast the Garlic & Shallots
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Place garlic heads and shallots on a sheet of foil, drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with salt.
- Wrap tightly in foil and roast for 1 hour until soft and fragrant.
Prepare the Dip Mixture
- Squeeze the roasted garlic and shallots out of their skins and mash into a paste.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the garlic-shallot paste with cream cheese and sour cream until smooth.
- Stir in ½ cup mozzarella, Parmesan, parsley, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes.
Assemble & Bake
- Spread the mixture evenly in an 8- or 9-inch pie plate.
- Top with the remaining 1 cup mozzarella.
- Reduce oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for 20-25 minutes, until golden brown and bubbly.
Serve & Enjoy
- Garnish with extra parsley and red pepper flakes.
- Serve warm with bagel chips, toasted bread, or pita chips.
Servings and Timing
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
- Servings: 6-8
- Calories: 280 kcal per serving
Variations
- Extra Cheesy: Add a sprinkle of shredded Gruyère or fontina for even more melty goodness.
- Spicy Kick: Increase the red pepper flakes or add a dash of hot sauce.
- Herb Lover’s Version: Mix in extra fresh herbs like basil or thyme.
- Crunchy Topping: Sprinkle with toasted breadcrumbs before baking for a crispy finish.
- Dairy-Free Alternative: Use dairy-free cream cheese, sour cream, and cheese substitutes.
Storage/Reheating
- Make-Ahead: Mix all ingredients and refrigerate up to 3 days before baking.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
- Reheating: Warm in the microwave or oven until heated through.
FAQs
1. Can I use pre-minced garlic instead of roasting whole garlic?
Roasting whole garlic gives a deeper, sweeter flavor, but pre-minced garlic can work in a pinch—use 1 tablespoon for a milder taste.
2. What’s the best way to serve this dip?
It’s great with toasted bagel chips, crostini, pita chips, crackers, or even fresh veggies.
3. Can I freeze this dip?
It’s best fresh, but you can freeze the unbaked dip for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before baking.
4. Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Yes! Mix everything together, cook on low for 2-3 hours, and stir occasionally.
5. How do I make it even creamier?
Use full-fat sour cream and cream cheese, and mix well before baking.
6. Can I add protein to this dip?
Yes! Try mixing in shredded chicken or crumbled sausage for a heartier version.
7. What if I don’t have shallots?
You can substitute with half of a small onion, finely minced and sautéed.
8. How do I prevent the dip from becoming too greasy?
Use part-skim mozzarella instead of full-fat to reduce excess oil.
9. Can I add a smoky flavor?
Yes! Stir in ½ teaspoon smoked paprika or add roasted red peppers for a smoky kick.
10. What type of mozzarella works best?
Shredded mozzarella melts well, but fresh mozzarella can also be used for a more decadent texture.
Conclusion
This Baked Garlic Bread Dip is the ultimate cheesy, garlicky appetizer that’s perfect for any occasion. With its golden, bubbly top and creamy texture, it’s sure to be a hit at parties, game nights, or whenever you need a comforting snack. Give it a try and enjoy the bold flavors of roasted garlic and melted cheese in every bite!
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Baked Garlic Bread Dip
This Baked Garlic Bread Dip is a creamy, cheesy, and flavorful appetizer packed with roasted garlic, shallots, and a blend of mozzarella and Parmesan. Perfect for game days, parties, or cozy nights, this warm dip pairs beautifully with toasted bread, crackers, or pita chips. Make-ahead friendly and easy to bake, this irresistible dip will be a crowd-pleaser at any gathering!
- Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
- Yield: 6-8 servings
Ingredients
For the Roasted Garlic & Shallots:
- 2 whole shallots (bottoms cut off)
- 2 heads of garlic (tops cut off)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
For the Dip:
- 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
1. Roast the Garlic & Shallots:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Place garlic heads and shallots on a sheet of foil, drizzle with olive oil, and sprinkle with salt.
- Wrap tightly and roast for 1 hour until soft and fragrant.
2. Prepare the Dip Mixture:
- Squeeze roasted garlic and shallots out of their skins and mash into a paste.
- In a mixing bowl, combine garlic-shallot paste, cream cheese, and sour cream until smooth.
- Stir in ½ cup mozzarella, Parmesan, parsley, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes.
3. Assemble & Bake:
- Spread mixture evenly in an 8- or 9-inch pie plate.
- Top with remaining 1 cup mozzarella.
- Reduce oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for 20-25 minutes, until golden brown and bubbly.
4. Serve & Enjoy:
- Garnish with extra parsley and red pepper flakes.
- Serve warm with bagel chips, toasted bread, or pita chips.
Notes
- Extra Cheesy: Add shredded Gruyère or fontina for extra meltiness.
- Spicy Kick: Increase red pepper flakes or add a dash of hot sauce.
- Crunchy Topping: Sprinkle with toasted breadcrumbs before baking.
- Dairy-Free Alternative: Use dairy-free cheese and cream cheese substitutes.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
- Category: Sauces & Dips
- Method: Baking, Roasting
- Cuisine: Comfort Food, Party Appetizer
- Diet: Vegetarian