There’s nothing quite like the smell of garlic roasting in the oven — it’s warm, cozy, and instantly makes your whole kitchen feel like home. This Cheesy Garlic Bread Dip takes everything you love about garlic bread and transforms it into the dreamiest, creamiest baked dip. Every bite is buttery, garlicky, herby, and layered with melty cheese.

I first made this dip on a cozy fall night when I had a few heads of garlic sitting on the counter and decided to roast them. The aroma alone made everyone wander into the kitchen asking what I was cooking. When that golden garlic mixed into cream cheese, mayo, and melty mozzarella… magic happened. This dip is comfort food perfection — easy enough for a casual night in, yet impressive enough for holiday entertaining.

Every bite tastes like the inside of your favorite garlic bread loaf — gooey, savory, and just the right amount of indulgent. And the best part? It’s so easy to make ahead and pop in the oven right before serving.

baked cheesy garlic bread dip in baking dish

Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Garlic Bread Dip

This dip is everything we adore about garlic bread — the savory roasted flavor, the creamy texture, and that irresistible pull of melted cheese — but in a form that’s spoonable, shareable, and perfect for dipping. It’s easy to make with simple ingredients, yet the flavor feels rich and gourmet. Every scoop brings you roasted garlic goodness mixed with creamy, cheesy bliss.

You’ll love this recipe because:

It’s effortless but feels elevated — perfect for any occasion, from game day to Christmas Eve.
It’s deeply flavorful, thanks to the roasted garlic and shallot.
It pairs beautifully with bread, crostini, or crackers — everyone can dig in.
It’s make-ahead friendly, so you can prep it early and bake right before guests arrive.
It’s a guaranteed crowd favorite — the dish everyone gathers around until it’s gone.

Ingredients You’ll Need

You only need a handful of ingredients to make this dip. Scroll down to the bottom of this post to find the exact ingredient amounts.

Garlic: The star of the show. Roasting three full heads transforms raw garlic into something buttery, caramelized, and mellow. It gives the dip that unmistakable deep garlic flavor without being harsh.
Shallot: Roasted alongside the garlic, it adds sweetness and depth that rounds out the flavor beautifully.
Cream Cheese: The creamy base that makes this dip smooth, rich, and indulgent.
Mayonnaise: Adds a luxurious tang and helps the dip stay soft and creamy even after baking.
Mozzarella Cheese: Melts into gooey perfection for that irresistible cheese pull.
Parmesan Cheese: Brings a sharp, salty bite that balances the creaminess.
Rosemary & Parsley: Add a fragrant, herbaceous note reminiscent of garlic bread.
Olive Oil, Salt & Pepper: Simple pantry staples that enhance every other ingredient.
Bread for Dipping: Think crusty baguette slices, sourdough chunks, or warm crostini — the more rustic, the better!

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.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Every great dip starts with a good base — and this one begins with golden roasted garlic. Don’t rush the roasting process; that’s where the magic happens.

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

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.

cream cheese and garlic and shallots in a white bowl

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!

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

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

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.

Pro Tips & Delicious Variations for Garlic Cheese Dip

Every home cook puts their own twist on a good dip, and this Cheesy Garlic Bread Dip is the perfect recipe to play with. The base is rich, creamy, and bursting with roasted garlic flavor, but there are endless ways to make it your own. Whether you love a little heat, extra herbs, or a golden crispy topping, these ideas will take your dip from delicious to unforgettable.

Add a Little Heat: If you love bold flavor, add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes, cayenne, or even a drizzle of hot honey on top before serving. The slight spice beautifully balances the creamy richness of the cheese. For game day, try swirling in a spoonful of your favorite buffalo sauce to give it a fun, zesty kick.
Mix in More Veggies: Spinach, chopped artichokes, or even caramelized onions make fantastic additions. They add extra texture and color while giving you that classic spinach-artichoke dip vibe — but with a garlicky twist. Just be sure to drain any moisture before stirring them in so the dip stays perfectly thick and creamy.
Try Different Cheeses: While mozzarella gives that irresistible stretch, you can experiment with other cheeses too. Gruyère adds a nutty flavor, Fontina melts luxuriously, and white cheddar gives a little sharpness that’s divine with roasted garlic. Mixing a few different cheeses together adds depth and keeps every bite interesting.
Make it Skillet-Style: For an extra-cozy presentation, bake the dip right in a small cast-iron skillet. It stays warm longer and gives that rustic, restaurant-style look that’s perfect for entertaining. Plus, you can serve it straight from the oven to the table — no extra dishes needed!
Add a Crunchy Topping: If you love contrast in textures, sprinkle the top with buttered breadcrumbs, crushed Ritz crackers, or panko before baking. It creates a golden, crispy crust that cracks perfectly with every scoop. You can also mix a little Parmesan into the crumbs for a salty crunch.
Play with Herbs and Aromatics: Fresh rosemary and parsley are my go-tos, but thyme or chives work beautifully too. For extra depth, add a small sprinkle of garlic powder or smoked paprika to the top before baking. It enhances the roasted flavor and gives a touch of color.

scoop of cheesy garlic bread on a baguette

Make Ahead, Storage & Reheating

Because we all love an appetizer that’s low-stress and high-reward, this one’s perfect for prepping in advance.

Make Ahead: Assemble the dip completely up to one day in advance. Cover and refrigerate, then bake right before serving. Add an extra 5–10 minutes to your bake time if it’s coming straight from the fridge.
Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It reheats beautifully!
Reheating: Warm in the oven at 350°F until hot and bubbly, or reheat individual portions in the microwave in 20-second intervals.

This dip tastes just as good reheated as it does fresh out of the oven — if you’re lucky enough to have any lef

Watch How to Make It

This is the kind of recipe that looks impressive but couldn’t be simpler — and seeing it come to life will make you want to grab the nearest baguette and start dipping immediately.

Frequently Asked Questions

Because this Cheesy Garlic Bread Dip is bound to become one of your most-asked-for appetizers, here are the questions I get most often — with detailed answers to help you make it perfectly every time.

Can I roast the garlic ahead of time?
Yes — and it’s actually one of my favorite make-ahead hacks! Roasted garlic can be prepared several days in advance, which makes party prep so much easier. After roasting, let the bulbs cool completely, 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 it, simply thaw and mix it into the cheese base. Roasting ahead of time not only saves you oven space but also deepens the flavor even more as it sits.

What type of bread works best for dipping?
The beauty of this dip is that it pairs well with almost anything! I love serving it with thick-cut baguette slices that I’ve toasted in the oven until golden. Sourdough and Italian bread also work wonderfully because they’re sturdy enough to scoop up all that gooey cheese without breaking. If you’re hosting a party, serve a mix of options — soft dinner rolls, crunchy crostini, and even warm pita bread. You can also offer crackers or breadsticks for variety. For a fun twist, slice up a French loaf, drizzle with olive oil, and lightly toast before serving — it’s like building your own cheesy garlic bread experience!

Can I make this dip without mayonnaise?
Absolutely! If you prefer to skip the mayo, you can easily substitute it with sour cream or Greek yogurt. Both options keep the dip creamy while adding a subtle tang that balances the richness of the cheese. Sour cream will give you a slightly looser texture, while Greek yogurt adds a bit more body and protein. You can also mix half mayonnaise and half Greek yogurt for the perfect middle ground — creamy, tangy, and just the right consistency.

Can I double this recipe for a larger crowd?
Yes, and you definitely should if you’re entertaining! This recipe doubles (or even triples) beautifully. Simply multiply the ingredients and use a larger baking dish or a few smaller ones. I recommend increasing your bake time slightly — about 10 extra minutes — so the center heats through and all that cheese gets perfectly melted. If you’re serving this at a big gathering, try baking it in a cast iron skillet or ceramic dish that retains heat, so it stays warm and gooey on your table longer.

Can I use pre-minced or jarred garlic instead of roasting?
While you can use jarred garlic in a pinch, roasting fresh garlic makes all the difference in both flavor and aroma. Raw or jarred garlic tends to have a sharp bite, while roasted garlic becomes sweet, nutty, and caramelized — it’s what gives this dip its restaurant-level flavor. If you’re short on time, you can roast the garlic a day or two ahead and keep it refrigerated. Trust me, it’s worth those extra few minutes in the oven!

What to Serve It With

This Cheesy Garlic Bread Dip pairs perfectly with just about any appetizer spread. Here are a few of my favorite recipes to serve alongside it for an easy, impressive appetizer board:

Mini Pecan and Cranberry Cheese Balls – bite-sized, festive, and creamy.
Prosciutto Wrapped Dates – that perfect balance of sweet and savory.
Candied Bacon Crackers – salty, sweet, and dangerously addictive.
Brown Sugar Bacon Wrapped Smokies – a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

More Easy Appetizers You’ll Love

If you love warm, cozy, cheesy appetizers, here are a few more from my kitchen you’ll want to try next:

Easy Spinach Dip Holiday Wreath Appetizer – a show-stopping centerpiece for your next holiday party.
Christmas Tree Cheese Bites – so simple, yet so fun and festive.
Million Dollar Snack Mix – the salty-sweet snack you’ll want to make in big batches.

Each of these recipes pairs beautifully with this dip for a cozy entertaining menu that everyone will remember.

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