Description
This creamy, cheesy Baked Garlic Bread Dip combines the rich flavors of roasted garlic and shallots with a blend of cream cheese, sour cream, mozzarella, and Parmesan. Perfectly baked until golden and bubbly, it’s an irresistible appetizer served warm with bagel chips, toasted bread, or pita chips, ideal for parties or cozy gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
Roasted Vegetables
- 2 whole shallots (bottoms cut off)
- 2 heads of garlic (tops cut off)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- ½ teaspoon salt (for roasting)
Dip Mixture
- 1 (8 oz) block cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup fresh parsley, chopped (reserve some for topping)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Roast the Garlic & Shallots: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the garlic heads and shallots on a sheet of aluminum foil, drizzle them with olive oil, and sprinkle with salt. Wrap the foil tightly and roast in the oven for 1 hour until the vegetables are soft and fragrant.
- Prepare the Dip Mixture: After roasting, squeeze the garlic and shallots out of their skins and mash into a smooth paste. In a mixing bowl, combine this paste with softened cream cheese and sour cream, mixing thoroughly until smooth. Then stir in ½ cup of shredded mozzarella cheese, grated Parmesan, chopped parsley, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes for a balanced flavor.
- Assemble & Bake: Spread the prepared mixture evenly in an 8- or 9-inch pie plate. Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top. Lower the oven temperature to 350°F (175°C) and bake the dip for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
- Serve & Enjoy: Remove the dip from the oven and garnish with additional chopped parsley and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a touch of color and spice. Serve the dip warm alongside bagel chips, toasted bread, or pita chips for dipping.
Notes
- Roasting the garlic and shallots deeply enhances their sweetness and mellow flavor, making the dip rich without bitterness.
- Use softened cream cheese at room temperature to achieve a smooth, creamy dip texture.
- For a spicier dip, increase the red pepper flakes or add a dash of cayenne pepper.
- Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator and reheat gently to maintain creaminess.
- To make this dip ahead, complete the roasting and mixing steps, then refrigerate before baking just prior to serving.
