Baked Garlic Bread Dip Recipe

There's nothing quite like the warm, garlicky aroma of baked cheese wafting through your kitchen. This Baked Garlic Bread Dip takes everything you love about garlic bread—the crispy edges, buttery richness, and bold garlic flavor—and transforms it into a gooey, dippable delight.

I first made this for a cozy movie night, hoping for something simple yet indulgent. It quickly became a crowd favorite, with everyone scraping the dish for the last bite. Serve it with warm baguette slices, crunchy breadsticks, or even fresh veggies, and watch it disappear within minutes!

Why You'll Love This Baked Garlic Bread Dip

Get ready to fall in love with the ultimate party dip! This Baked Garlic Bread Dip isn’t just packed with flavor—it’s also incredibly easy to make.

First off, it comes together in just 30 minutes with minimal prep. Whether you're hosting a gathering or craving a cozy night in, this dip delivers on both taste and convenience.

The cheesy, garlicky goodness is irresistible. With a rich blend of cream cheese, mozzarella, and Parmesan, every bite is pure comfort.

It’s also super versatile. Pair it with toasted bread, crackers, or even spread it on top of a baked potato for a fun twist.

Best of all, this recipe is perfect for make-ahead prep. You can assemble it in advance and pop it in the oven right before serving, making entertaining effortless.

Ingredients Notes

The magic of this dip lies in its simple, high-quality ingredients. Each component plays a key role in making this dish rich, creamy, and full of garlicky goodness.

Cream cheese forms the base, providing a smooth, luscious texture. I recommend using full-fat cream cheese for the best results, but reduced-fat works in a pinch.

Mozzarella and Parmesan cheese bring the perfect balance of meltiness and sharpness. Mozzarella ensures a stretchy, gooey bite, while Parmesan adds a salty, nutty depth.

Fresh garlic is the star of the show. Mince it finely or grate it for maximum flavor. If you're in a rush, garlic powder can work, but fresh garlic truly elevates the dip.

Butter adds that classic garlic bread richness. Melt it with the garlic before mixing it in to enhance its aroma and depth.

You’ll also need a touch of mayonnaise for extra creaminess and Italian seasoning for a herby boost. A pinch of red pepper flakes can be added if you like a bit of heat.

For baking, a small oven-safe dish or cast-iron skillet works best to keep the dip warm and bubbly.

How To Make This Baked Garlic Bread Dip

Making this Baked Garlic Bread Dip is as easy as mixing, baking, and devouring. Let’s walk through the simple steps to achieve the perfect cheesy dip.

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While it heats, soften your cream cheese so it mixes smoothly. If it’s still too firm, pop it in the microwave for about 20 seconds.

Next, sauté the garlic in melted butter over low heat for a minute until fragrant. This helps mellow the raw garlic's sharpness, giving the dip a rich, roasted flavor.

In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, mozzarella, Parmesan, mayonnaise, sautéed garlic, and seasonings. Stir everything together until well blended and creamy.

Transfer the mixture into a greased baking dish or skillet. Spread it evenly and top with extra shredded mozzarella and a sprinkle of Parmesan for that golden, bubbly crust.

Bake for 20-25 minutes until the dip is hot, melty, and lightly golden on top. If you want an extra crispy finish, broil for the last 2-3 minutes.

Let it rest for a few minutes before serving. Serve with toasted bread slices, crackers, or fresh veggies and enjoy!

Storage Options

If you have any leftovers (which is rare!), store them properly to keep the dip tasting fresh.

Let the dip cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

To reheat, place the dip back in an oven-safe dish and warm at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave it in short intervals, stirring in between.

This dip is not ideal for freezing, as the creamy texture can become grainy after thawing.

Variations and Substitutions

One of the best things about this dip is how customizable it is! Here are a few ways to switch things up:

• Make it spicy by adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or chopped jalapeños for extra heat.
• Try different cheeses like Gruyère or sharp cheddar for a unique flavor twist.
• Add cooked bacon for a smoky, savory upgrade that pairs beautifully with the creamy base.
• Make it a spinach dip by folding in some chopped, cooked spinach for extra greens and color.
• Use roasted garlic instead of fresh for a milder, sweeter garlic flavor.

No matter how you customize it, this Baked Garlic Bread Dip is guaranteed to be a hit. Try it out, and let me know your favorite variations!

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