This Baked Garlic Bread Dip is creamy, cheesy, and bursting with garlic flavor! It’s the perfect warm snack for sharing with friends and family during movie nights or gatherings.
What’s not to love about a dish that lets you scoop with crispy bread? I could eat this all day—just keep the bread coming! 🥖😋 Perfect for when you need a crowd-pleaser.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cream Cheese: This is the base for the dip, providing creaminess. If you want a lighter option, try using Neufchâtel cheese, which has less fat. For a dairy-free version, look for vegan cream cheese alternatives.
Sour Cream: A must for tanginess! Plain Greek yogurt can be a perfect substitute if you’re looking for a bit of extra protein. It will add creaminess without losing flavor.
Mayonnaise: This adds richness to the dip. If you’re avoiding eggs, use egg-free or vegan mayo. You can also use plain yogurt for a healthier twist, just note it will be less creamy.
Cheeses: Mozzarella gives that stretchy quality, while Parmesan adds a nice sharpness. If you can’t find them, feel free to substitute with cheddar or a blend of your favorite cheeses to change up the flavor.
Garlic: Fresh garlic adds the best flavor, but if you’re in a pinch, garlic powder works too. If you like it mild, reduce the amount or use roasted garlic for a sweeter taste.
How Do I Get the Dip Creamy and Smooth?
It’s important to mix the base ingredients well to achieve that creamy consistency. Here’s how to nail it:
- Start by letting your cream cheese sit out to soften for about 30 minutes before mixing. This helps it blend smoothly.
- Use an electric mixer if you have one, as it makes blending much easier and faster.
- Mix the cream cheese, sour cream, and mayonnaise until they are completely combined before adding in the remaining ingredients.
This way, the dip comes out perfectly smooth without any lumps, making it easy to scoop up with your bread!
Tips for Perfectly Toasted Bread
Toasting your bread properly really elevates this dish. Here’s how:
- Slice the bread evenly for consistent toasting. About 1/2 inch thick is often the sweet spot.
- Brush both sides lightly with olive oil or melted butter for extra flavor and crispiness.
- Toast in the oven for 5-10 minutes until golden brown. Keep an eye on them, as they can go from perfect to burnt quickly!
Crispy bread with warm, cheesy dip is an unbeatable combo!
How to Make Baked Garlic Bread Dip
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Dip:
- 1 (8 oz) block cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 3-4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (plus extra for garnish)
- 1/2 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
For the Bread:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or melted butter (for brushing bread)
- 1 baguette or Italian bread, sliced and toasted for serving
Time Needed:
This Baked Garlic Bread Dip will take about 15 minutes to prep and 25 minutes to bake, totaling around 40 minutes. Once it’s baked, you’ll want to serve it warm with toasted bread!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
First, set your oven to 375°F (190°C). This will ensure it’s hot and ready for baking when we finish preparing the dip.
2. Mix the Creamy Base:
In a medium mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, and mayonnaise. Use a spoon or mixer to blend these until the mixture is smooth and creamy. This is the base of our delicious dip!
3. Add Flavorful Ingredients:
Next, stir in the minced garlic, shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, chopped parsley, dried Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Mix everything together until it’s well combined. The smell will already start to be amazing!
4. Prepare for Baking:
Transfer the creamy mixture into a small oven-safe skillet or baking dish. Spread it out evenly across the bottom to ensure even baking.
5. Bake the Dip:
Put your skillet or baking dish in the oven and bake uncovered for about 20-25 minutes. You’re looking for a golden brown and bubbly top—this is when it gets all melty and irresistible!
6. Toast the Bread:
While the dip is baking, slice the baguette into rounds. Brush each slice lightly with olive oil or melted butter. You can toast them in the oven or on a skillet until they’re golden and crisp. Keep an eye on them to avoid burning!
7. Garnish and Serve:
Once the dip is done baking, take it out of the oven and sprinkle some extra chopped parsley on top for a fresh touch. Serve it immediately while it’s warm, alongside the crispy bread for dipping!
8. Enjoy!
Gather your friends and family, and enjoy this creamy, garlicky, cheesy dip with crunchy bread. It’s perfect for sharing and will surely delight everyone at your gathering!
Can I Use Low-Fat Ingredients for This Dip?
Yes! You can use low-fat cream cheese, light sour cream, and reduced-fat mayonnaise to keep it a bit lighter while still enjoying great flavor. Just keep in mind that the texture might be slightly less creamy.
What if I Don’t Have Fresh Garlic?
No worries! You can substitute fresh garlic with garlic powder. Use about 1/2 teaspoon for every clove of garlic you would typically use, adjusting to taste. Roasted garlic is another fantastic alternative for a milder flavor.
How Should I Store Leftover Dip?
Store any leftover dip in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) or in the microwave until heated through. It can be enjoyed hot or warm!
Can I Make This Dip Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dip mixture and keep it covered in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it’s chilled when you place it in the oven.
