Cheesy Garlic Bread Dip -

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This Cheesy Garlic Bread Dip is the ultimate creamy, melted cheese dip with less than 10 ingredients inspired by the savory flavors of garlic bread. It’s rich, gooey and the perfect appetizer for game day, holidays, or any party.

baked cheesy garlic bread dip in baking dish

If you have a head of garlic on your counter, I’ve got two words for you… roast. it. Trust me, it’s the easiest, most delicious hack that requires little effort and has a huge flavor pay off. It’s the star ingredient in this incredibly rich and creamy Garlic Bread Dip, and it’s one of the best things you’ll ever taste (or smell!). Decadent and melty, this dip is an easy appetizer to prep ahead and bake right before guests arrive, or simply for a cozy night in.

Buttery roasted garlic and shallot make this Garlic Bread Dip deeply savory and decadent. Plus layers of rich and tangy cream cheese, melty mozzarella, and fresh herbs is beyond satisfying for dipping with crackers or bread. It’s everything you love about garlic bread, in baked, golden brown scoopable form. It pairs beautifully with crusty, toasted baguette slices, crisp crostini, and hearty crackers.

If you like this warm and comforting dip, try these other appetizer ideas. We love this Loaded Baked Potato Dip and this Baked Ricotta Dip is always a hit at parties.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Garlic Bread In Dip Form: With this appetizer, you get all of the delicious, savory flavors of garlic bread in a warm and creamy, shareable dip.
Simple Ingredients: Only a handful of familiar ingredients are needed to whip up this baked cheese dip. Because it’s so simple, there’s only about 10 minutes of prep time. It really doesn’t get easier.
Make-Ahead Appetizer: This dip is ideal to assemble in advance, then pop into the oven to bake right before guests arrive. It’s perfect for entertaining.

Ingredients

Garlic: The star of the show, slow-roasted, buttery and caramelized, it’s absolutely irresistible.
Shallot: Roasted with the garlic, adds another depth of flavor.
Cream Cheese: Rich and tangy, the base for all great dips.
Mayonnaise: Smooth and creamy, another must-have for a delicious dip.
Mozzarella Cheese: Melts beautifully for that irresistible cheese pull.
Parmesan Cheese: Sharp and salty, freshly grate your own for maximum flavor.
Rosemary & Parsley: Fresh and fragrant flavor, adds a nice garnish and pop of color.
Olive Oil, Salt & Pepper: Simple pantry staples to enhance the other ingredients.
Bread for Dipping: Choose something sturdy! A crusty baguette, sourdough chunks, or warm crostini all work.

Pro Tip: Roast your garlic and shallot in foil with olive oil until they’re golden and soft enough to squeeze out like butter. This step deepens the flavor and truly makes this dip unforgettable.

How To Make Garlic Bread Dip

1. Roast the Garlic and Shallot: Preheat your oven to 375°F. Slice the tops off three heads of garlic and one shallot, drizzle with olive oil, and season with salt and pepper. Wrap them in aluminum foil and roast for 1 hour, or until the cloves are golden and buttery soft. This step transforms their flavor into something sweet and nutty.

roasted garlic and shallot in aluminum foil

2. Mix the Creamy Base: In a mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese, mayonnaise, grated Parmesan cheese, and one cup of shredded mozzarella. Stir until everything is creamy and smooth — this will be the foundation of your dip.

3. Add the Roasted Aromatics: Squeeze the roasted garlic cloves and shallot right into the bowl. Mash with a fork until the garlic blends into the cheese mixture. You’ll start to smell the most incredible aroma!

cream cheese and garlic and shallots in a white bowl

4. Season and Add Herbs: Stir in finely chopped rosemary and parsley, adding that herby garlic bread flavor we all love.

5. Assemble and Bake: Spread the mixture evenly into a small baking dish or cast iron skillet. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella over the top. Bake at 375°F for 20–25 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbling with golden edges.

dip layered in a baking dish with mozzarella on top

6. Serve and Enjoy: Serve warm with slices of toasted bread or crostini. When you scoop into the dip, you’ll get layers of cheesy, garlicky goodness in every bite.

Baked garlic bread dip in a white casserole dish

Expert Tips

Really Roast Garlic & Shallot: Don’t rush this process. Roast low and slow until they’re until buttery soft for the best flavor.
Soften Cream Cheese: Simply let it sit on the counter. It’ll make mixing everything much easier.
Serve In a Skillet: Bake dip in a cast-iron skillet for a cozy presentation. It’ll keep the dip extra warm too since cast iron retains heat well. Serve it oven to table for easy entertaining!
Add Spice or Herbs: Add a little kick or extra flavor with crushed red pepper, your favorite spices or chopped, fresh herbs.
Add a Crunchy Topping: Add flavor and texture with buttery panko breadcrumbs, crushed butter crackers, or even potato chips. Mix in finely grated parmesan for even more flavor.
Use Sturdy Dippers: This dip is thick and creamy, so choose crusty bread, toasted baguettes slices, pita chips, thick breadsticks, hearty crackers or even crisp carrot sticks that’ll hold the dip well when scooped.

Storage

If you’ve got leftover dip, lucky you! Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. It reheats beautifully. To reheat, warm in the oven, covered, at 350°F until hot and bubbly. You can also microwave this dip in 20-second intervals, in a pinch.

You can freeze this dip, too. Store in an airtight container in the freezer for up 3 months. When ready to serve, thaw in the fridge overnight, then bake per the instructions. Note: You might need to add a few extra minutes to the bake time.

You can make this dip a day ahead and refrigerate before baking. Assemble the dip, allow to cool, then cover and store in the fridge. When you’re ready to serve, bring the dip to room temp as you preheat the oven. Bake per the instructions and enjoy.

scoop of cheesy garlic bread dip on a baguette

FAQs

Can I roast garlic ahead of time?

Yes! Roasted garlic can be made several days in advance, which makes party prep so much easier. After roasting, let the bulbs cool, then squeeze the soft cloves into an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 5 days. You can even freeze roasted garlic for up to 3 months — just mash it and store it in a freezer-safe bag. When you’re ready to use, thaw and mix it into the cheese base.

What bread works best for dipping?

Almost anything goes, as long as it’s crusty and can hold up to the dip well. Sourdough and Italian bread work wonderfully because they’re sturdy enough to scoop up all that gooey cheese without breaking. Crackers, pita chips, breadsticks, and crunchy carrot sticks are all great choices.

Can I replace the mayonnaise?

Absolutely! You can easily substitute mayo with sour cream or Greek yogurt. Both options keep the dip creamy while adding a subtle tang. Sour cream will thin the dip out slightly, while Greek yogurt will thicken it up. You can also mix half mayonnaise and half Greek yogurt for the perfect middle ground — creamy, tangy, and just the right consistency.

What is the best substitute if I don’t want to roast the garlic?

While you can use freshly minced garlic in a pinch, roasting fresh garlic makes all the difference. Raw or jarred garlic tends to have a sharp bite, while roasted garlic is sweet, nutty, and caramelized. If you’re short on time, roast the garlic a day ahead and store in the fridge.

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