Description
This Garlic Bread Dip is a creamy, cheesy delight featuring rich roasted garlic, cream cheese, sour cream, mozzarella, and parmesan cheeses baked to bubbling perfection. Perfect as a warm appetizer served with crostini or crackers, it offers savory depth from roasted garlic and a slight crisp topping, making it an irresistible crowd-pleaser for parties or family gatherings.
Ingredients
Roasted Garlic
- 2 heads garlic
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
Dip
- 8 ounces cream cheese (room temperature)
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup (4 ounces) shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese (divided)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- 1 teaspoon fresh chopped parsley (as a garnish)
- Crostini or crackers (for serving)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Garlic: Preheat your oven to 400℉. Remove excess papery layers from the garlic heads and slice off about 1/4 inch from the top of each head to expose the cloves.
- Roast Garlic: Create a small foil bowl to set garlic heads upright. Drizzle each garlic head with olive oil, then cover completely with foil. Roast in the oven for 40-50 minutes until soft and lightly browned. Remove and let cool before handling.
- Reduce Oven Temperature: Lower the oven temperature to 350℉ to prepare for baking the dip.
- Prepare Garlic Paste: Squeeze softened garlic cloves out of their skins into a large mixing bowl. Mash with a fork until a paste forms.
- Mix Dip Ingredients: Add cream cheese and sour cream to the mashed garlic and mix thoroughly. Then add shredded mozzarella, half the parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper, combining well.
- Assemble Dip: Spread the mixture evenly into an 8x8 inch baking dish or an 8-9 inch pie pan. Sprinkle the remaining parmesan cheese over the top.
- Bake the Dip: Bake for 25-28 minutes until the center is hot and bubbling, and the top is lightly browned. Remove from oven and let cool for 5 minutes.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley and serve warm alongside crostini or crackers.
Notes
- Allow the roasted garlic to cool completely before squeezing out the cloves to avoid burns.
- Use room temperature cream cheese for easier blending and smoother texture.
- You can prepare the roasted garlic in advance and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
- For a gluten-free option, serve with gluten-free crackers or bread.
- Adjust salt and pepper to taste based on your preference.
