
Let’s be honest—garlic bread is the real MVP of any meal. If you’re someone who secretly fills up on the appetizer basket before the entrée even hits the table (guilty!), you’re going to lose your mind over this Garlic Bread Dip. It’s rich, melty, gooey, and packed with roasted garlic flavor that tastes like everything we love about garlic bread… just in dip form.
And here’s the kicker: it’s way easier than it looks. You roast a couple heads of garlic, stir up a creamy, cheesy blend, toss it in the oven, and boom—cheesy, bubbling heaven that’s practically begging for a slice of Italian Bread For Dipping.
Whether you’re throwing a game day bash, holiday party, or just want an excuse to eat cheese for dinner (zero judgment), this Easy Bread Dip is here for it. Bonus: it makes your kitchen smell insane.
The Flavor? Melt-in-Your-Mouth Magic
This isn’t one of those bland, flat dips that needs a dozen toppings to be interesting. Nope. This Hot Bread Dip has depth. Roasting the garlic transforms it from sharp and punchy to soft, buttery, and just a little bit sweet. Then you’ve got three cheeses coming in hot: cream cheese, mozzarella, and salty parmesan—all perfectly melted into a luscious, scoopable dream.
Every bite tastes like a warm, cheesy piece of garlic bread—except even better, because it’s spreadable and shareable. Well, in theory. No shame in hiding a bowl for yourself.
What Makes This Dip Party-Worthy?
Aside from the fact that people will literally hover near it like it’s the last appetizer on Earth? It checks all the boxes:
- Easy to prep ahead
- Perfect texture – creamy, melty, bubbly
- Pairs with everything – from Dip For Crostini to crackers to veggie sticks
- Crowd-pleaser – even the garlic-averse might convert
Plus, it’s the kind of Bread And Butter Appetizer that looks impressive on the table without needing a culinary degree to pull off. Win-win.
Let’s Talk Ingredients (AKA Flavor Bombs)
Here’s what you’ll need:
- Garlic – Two whole heads. Sounds like a lot, but trust me. Once roasted, the flavor is mellow and caramelized.
- Cream cheese – Go full-fat. This isn’t the time to skimp.
- Sour cream – Adds tang and creaminess.
- Mozzarella & Parmesan – The dynamic cheese duo. One melts, one adds sharpness.
- Olive oil – Or your go-to cooking oil for roasting the garlic.
- Salt, pepper, and parsley – Keep it fresh and balanced.
👉 Important: Use room-temperature cream cheese so your dip blends smooth without clumps.
And don’t even think about using the pre-shredded stuff. Grate your cheese fresh for max meltiness. Those bagged shreds are coated in weird anti-clumping agents that just mess with the texture.
How to Make This Cheesy Legend
- Slice & Roast: Cut the tops off your garlic heads, drizzle with oil, wrap in foil, and roast for 40–50 minutes. You want soft, golden perfection.
- Mash the Garlic: Let it cool slightly, then squeeze the cloves into a bowl and mash into a paste.
- Mix: Add cream cheese, sour cream, mozzarella, most of the parmesan, and your seasonings. Stir it all together.
- Bake: Spread into a baking dish, top with the rest of the parm, and bake until golden and bubbly.
- Optional – Broil for Extra Color: Want that golden-brown top? Hit it with the broiler for 1–2 minutes. Keep an eye on it, or it’ll go from “yum” to “yikes” fast.
Pro Tips to Make It Flawless
- Use fresh parsley for a pop of color—it makes it look like you tried really hard.
- Garlic head fall apart on you? No biggie. Just stuff the cloves back into the foil and roast as usual.
- Make it ahead – Mix and store it in the fridge up to 2 days ahead, then just bake when ready.
- Leftovers? Store in the fridge for 3–4 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave for a quick snack.
How to Serve Garlic Bread Dip Like a Pro
This dip isn’t picky—it plays well with everything. Try it with:
- Crostini (classic Dip For Crostini vibes)
- Sourdough slices – one of the best Dips For Sour Dough Bread out there
- Breadsticks or Italian Bread For Dipping
- Crackers, pretzels, or even pita chips
- Celery or bell pepper strips for a lighter bite
Honestly, this recipe belongs in the official Hall of Fame for Southern Dips. And if you’re the type to keep a collection of Bread Dipping Sauce Recipes tucked away for special occasions, go ahead and add this one to the top. It’s a keeper.
Final Thoughts (aka: Make This Already)
If you’re still reading and not already preheating your oven, let me ask you this—when was the last time a dip truly stole the show? This one does. Every time. It’s cozy, rich, and so garlicky in the best way possible. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just vibing with a glass of wine and a warm dish of cheese, this Garlic Chip Dip delivers.
Make it. Dip it. Devour it. Repeat.
Print
Garlic Bread Dip – The Best Dip for Crostini & Sourdough
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
Description
Looking for a crowd-pleasing appetizer that screams comfort food? Meet your new obsession: a warm, gooey garlic dip packed with creamy cheese and served with crunchy crostini. It’s like garlic bread’s delicious, slightly extra cousin—loaded with roasted garlic and bubbling cheese in every bite.
Ingredients
For the Roasted Garlic:
- 2 whole heads of garlic
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
For the Cheesy Dip:
- 8 oz cream cheese (softened)
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup (about 4 oz) shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated parmesan cheese, divided
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
- Crostini, crackers, or your favorite dippers
Instructions
- Roast the Garlic
- Set your oven to 400°F.
- Peel off the loose, papery layers on the outside of each garlic head. Using a sharp knife, slice off about ¼ inch from the top (the root end), exposing the tops of the cloves. Toss the trimmed part.
- Create a small foil “nest” to keep the garlic upright. Drizzle olive oil directly over the exposed cloves, then wrap completely in foil.
- Roast for 40 to 50 minutes, until the cloves are deeply golden, soft, and fragrant.
- Once done, let the garlic cool so it’s easy to handle.
- Lower the oven temperature to 350°F for the dip.
- Make the Dip
- Squeeze the roasted garlic cloves out of their skins and into a large bowl. Use a fork to mash them into a soft paste.
- Add the cream cheese and sour cream to the bowl. Mix until smooth and creamy.
- Stir in the mozzarella, half of the parmesan, salt, and pepper. Mix until fully blended.
- Transfer the dip into a small baking dish—an 8×8 dish or a round pie plate works perfectly.
- Sprinkle the remaining parmesan cheese on top.
- Bake and Serve
- Bake at 350°F for about 25–28 minutes, or until the center is hot and the top is lightly golden and bubbling.
- Let the dip cool for 5 minutes before serving.
- Finish with chopped parsley for a fresh touch, and serve with crostini, crackers, or veggie dippers.
Notes
🧂Tips for Perfect Results
- Best enjoyed warm – Serve the dip fresh out of the oven, within 10–15 minutes, while it’s still melty and dreamy.
- Make it ahead – Assemble everything (except baking) up to 2 days in advance. Store covered in the fridge, and let it come to room temp before baking.
- Get creative with dippers – Try it with pretzels, pita chips, sourdough slices, veggie sticks, or even pork rinds if you’re going low-carb.
🔧 Kitchen Tools You Might Like
- 8×8 or 9″ pie dish
- Glass mixing bowls
- Measuring spoons
- Foil and a baking sheet for roasting garlic
🥖 Serving Ideas
- Pair this cheesy garlic dip with:
- Crostini or baguette slices
- Salted crackers
- Pretzels or chips
- Celery, bell pepper strips, or carrot sticks
- Toasted sourdough chunks for next-level dipping
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cooling Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
Nutrition
- Calories: 239 kcal
- Sodium: 442 mg
- Fat: 21 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Carbohydrates: 6 g
- Fiber: 0.2 g
- Protein: 8 g
- Cholesterol: 62 mg