Baked Garlic Bread Dip

Are you looking for the perfect appetizer that combines the irresistible flavors of garlic bread and a creamy dip? Look no further! Baked garlic bread dip is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that will impress your guests and satisfy your cravings. This dip is ideal for parties, game nights, or any gathering where you want to serve something warm, cheesy, and full of flavor. Let’s dive into the recipe for this scrumptious appetizer.

Preparation Steps

Prepping the Ingredients:

1. Cream Cheese Mixture:
   • In a large bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, and mayonnaise. Mix until smooth and creamy.
2. Cheese and Seasonings:
   • Stir in the shredded mozzarella, Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, crushed red pepper flakes (if using), and salt and pepper. Mix until well combined.

Preparing the Garlic Bread:

1. Preheat Oven:
   • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cut the Bread:
   • Slice the baguette or French bread into 1/2-inch thick slices.
3. Garlic Butter:
   • In a small bowl, mix the melted butter with minced garlic and chopped parsley.
4. Brush the Bread:
   • Brush each slice of bread with the garlic butter mixture and place them on a baking sheet.
5. Top with Cheese:
   • Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the bread slices.

Assembling and Baking

Assembling the Dip:

1. Transfer to Baking Dish:
   • Spread the cheese mixture evenly into a baking dish.
2. Top with Extra Cheese:
   • If desired, sprinkle additional mozzarella and Parmesan cheese on top for an extra cheesy finish.

Baking Instructions:

1. Bake the Dip:
   • Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the dip is bubbly and golden brown on top.
2. Toast the Bread:
   • While the dip is baking, place the garlic bread slices in the oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until they are golden and crispy.

Serving Suggestions

Presentation Tips:

• Serve the baked garlic bread dip hot out of the oven with the toasted garlic bread slices arranged around the dish.
• Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color and a hint of freshness.

Pairing Ideas:

• This dip pairs wonderfully with a variety of other dippers, such as vegetable sticks (carrots, celery, bell peppers), crackers, or pita chips.
• For a heartier spread, serve with an assortment of cured meats, olives, and pickles.

Nutritional Information

Health Benefits:

• While baked garlic bread dip is undoubtedly an indulgent treat, it can be enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet. Garlic has numerous health benefits, including boosting the immune system and reducing blood pressure.

Calorie Count:

• Each serving of dip (approximately 1/4 cup) contains around 200-250 calories, depending on the exact ingredients and portions used. The garlic bread adds additional calories, so adjust your serving sizes accordingly.

Tips for Customization

Adding Protein:

• For a more filling dip, consider adding cooked and crumbled bacon, sausage, or ground beef to the cheese mixture before baking.

Spicy Variation:

• If you enjoy a bit of heat, add extra crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the dip mixture.

Herb Variations:

• Experiment with different herbs, such as fresh basil, thyme, or rosemary, to give the dip a unique flavor profile.

Conclusion

Baked garlic bread dip is a crowd-pleasing appetizer that combines the best of both worlds: the comforting taste of garlic bread and the creamy goodness of a cheese dip. This easy-to-follow recipe is perfect for any occasion, offering a warm, cheesy, and flavorful dish that will leave everyone asking for more. Give it a try at your next gathering and watch it disappear in no time!

FAQs

1. Can I make this dip ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dip mixture and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. When ready to serve, bake it as directed until bubbly and golden.

2. Can I use a different type of cheese?
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different cheeses, such as cheddar, Gruyère, or fontina, to suit your taste preferences.

3. How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftover dip in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.

4. Can I make this dip gluten-free?
Yes, simply use gluten-free bread for the garlic bread slices and ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free.

5. What can I serve with this dip besides garlic bread?
This dip is versatile and pairs well with a variety of dippers, including crackers, pretzels, vegetable sticks, pita chips, and even slices of apple for a sweet and savory combination.

Yield: 6

Baked Garlic Bread Dip

Print

Are you looking for the perfect appetizer that combines the irresistible flavors of garlic bread and a creamy dip? Look no further! Baked garlic bread dip is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that will impress your guests and satisfy your cravings. This dip is ideal for parties, game nights, or any gathering where you want to serve something warm, cheesy, and full of flavor. Let’s dive into the recipe for this scrumptious appetizer.

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 1 hour 15 minutes

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 heads garlic tops sliced off crosswise
• 2 shallots one end of each sliced off
• 8 ounces softened cream cheese
• 3 tablespoons mayonnaise
• 3 tablespoons minced parsley
• 2 tablespoons thinly sliced chives
• 6 ounces finely shredded mozzarella
• 6 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

• Preheat oven to 375˚F. Place garlic heads and shallots over a sheet of foil and drizzle with oil. Season with salt and pepper.

• Wrap foil tightly around garlic and shallots and roast for about 1 hour. Remove from oven and allow garlic and shallots to cool, about 15 minutes before unwrapping foil.

• In a mixing bowl combine cream cheese, mayo, chives, parsley, and salt and pepper. Squeeze in garlic heads and shallots.

• Stir together until fully mashed together and mixture is smooth.

• Add 4 ounces of mozzarella and 4 tablespoons parmesan.

• Stir together.

• Pour mixture into a baking dish.

• Top with remaining mozzarella and parmesan.

• Bake for 15 minutes or until heated through and top is melted and bubbling.

• Transfer dip to broiler and broil for 1 minute or until browned on top. Serve with crackers and crostini.

Notes

The entire baked garlic bread dip can be prepped and assembled up to 3 days ahead of time.

Make dip as instructed until it’s topped with shredded cheeses, then tightly wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate. When ready to use unwrap and bake, adding an extra 5 minutes to the baking time.

Variations for Bake Garlic Bread Dip

• Swap the mozzarella out for some shredded gruyere or asiago cheese.
• Add some chopped dill or minced tarragon to the dip to add another layer of fresh herbaceous flavor.
• Stir some crispy cooked, chopped bacon into the dip before baking for an extra touch of salty goodness.
• Add some chopped (fresh or pickled) jalapeños into the dip, or stir in some hot sauce for some heat.
• Stir some fresh corn kernels into the dip for a touch of sweetness and added texture.

Nutrition Information:

Amount Per Serving: Calories: 337