This warm Baked Garlic Bread Dip is like a cozy hug for your taste buds! With creamy cheese and garlic goodness, it’s perfect for sharing with friends or family.
Every bite feels like a party, and the toasted bread on the side is just waiting to scoop up all that tasty dip. Trust me, it’s hard to stop at one bite! 🥖
I love serving this dip at gatherings. It’s easy to make, and it always impresses everyone. Just pop it in the oven, and get ready for compliments!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cream Cheese: This is the creamy base for your dip. If you’re looking for a lighter version, you can use Neufchâtel cheese instead.
Cheeses: I love using mozzarella for its meltiness and Parmesan for that distinct flavor. If you’re dairy-free, consider using vegan cream cheese and dairy-free cheese alternatives.
Garlic: Fresh garlic packs the best flavor. If you’re short on time, you can use jarred minced garlic, but fresh is always better!
Mayonnaise: This adds creaminess. You can substitute Greek yogurt for a tangy twist or to make it a bit healthier if you prefer.
Parsley: Fresh parsley brightens up the dip. If you don’t have any, dried herbs like Italian seasoning can work, but use less, as they are more concentrated.
How Do You Make the Dip Extra Creamy and Flavorful?
The key to achieving a smooth and creamy dip is to make sure all your cheeses are at room temperature before mixing. This helps them blend together easily!
- Softening cream cheese allows for easy mixing, so leave it out for about 30 minutes before starting.
- Mix until smooth; no lumps should be visible, which contributes to the creaminess.
- Baking it until bubbly is crucial! That means it’s perfectly heated and ready to enjoy.
- Under the broiler for a minute can add that extra touch of golden perfection, but keep an eye on it!
With these tips, you’ll have a delicious dip that everyone will love. Pair it with toasted bread for the perfect scoop! Enjoy!
Baked Garlic Bread Dip
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 3-4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (plus more for garnish)
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Optional: pinch of crushed red pepper flakes for a bit of heat
- Sliced baguette or Italian bread, toasted, for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious dip will take you about 10 minutes to prep, and then it needs around 20-25 minutes of baking time. So, in total, you can have this creamy, garlicky dip ready in about 35-40 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This step is essential to ensure your dip bakes evenly and becomes perfectly golden.
2. Make the Cheese Mixture:
In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, minced garlic, mayonnaise, chopped parsley, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix everything together until it’s smooth and well blended. You’ll want it to be nice and creamy!
3. Prepare for Baking:
Transfer the cheese mixture into a small oven-safe skillet or baking dish and spread it out evenly. This will help the dip cook evenly and get that lovely bubbly top.
4. Bake Until Bubbly:
Place the dish in the oven and bake for about 20-25 minutes. Keep an eye out for that lovely golden brown color on top—that’s when you know it’s ready!
5. Optional Broiling:
If you want an extra crispy top, you can place the dip under the broiler for an additional 1-2 minutes. Just watch it closely to prevent burning—you want it to be perfectly toasted!
6. Finishing Touch:
Once done, remove it from the oven and sprinkle a little more chopped parsley on top for a fresh garnish. It’ll look gorgeous and inviting!
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve the dip hot alongside toasted baguette or Italian bread slices. Get ready for a deliciously cheesy treat that everyone will love! Enjoy!
Can I Use Low-Fat Cream Cheese in This Dip?
Yes, you can substitute low-fat cream cheese! It still provides a creamy texture, though the flavor may be slightly less rich. Just ensure it’s softened before mixing for best results.
How Can I Make This Dip Spicier?
If you’d like a spicy kick, consider adding more crushed red pepper flakes or even a bit of diced jalapeño to the cheese mixture! Adjust to your preferred level of heat.
Can I Prepare This Dip Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can mix the dip ingredients the day before and store it in the fridge. Just spread it in the baking dish when you’re ready to bake, and it may need a couple of extra minutes in the oven if it’s cold from refrigeration.
What Should I Do with Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop it back in a preheated oven until warmed through, or microwave in short bursts, stirring occasionally.
