I love bringing a warm, cheesy dip to the Thanksgiving table, especially one served with crisp, buttery bread for scooping. This baked garlic bread dip is full of savory garlic and herbs, and it comes together easily while the rest of the holiday meal is underway.
Why You’ll Love This Baked Garlic Bread Dip
This dip is creamy in the middle, golden around the edges, and packed with familiar garlic bread flavor. It uses simple ingredients, can be mixed ahead, and makes a welcoming appetizer for guests to share while dinner finishes cooking.
Baked Garlic Bread Dip Ingredients & Substitutions
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, plus extra for garnish
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon fine salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 baguette, sliced into 1/2-inch pieces
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
For a slightly tangier dip, use plain Greek yogurt in place of the sour cream. You can swap the mozzarella for Monterey Jack, or use dried parsley if fresh herbs are not on hand. Keep the Parmesan for its salty, savory flavor.
Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Baked Garlic Bread Dip
1. Prepare the oven and dish
Heat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a small oven-safe baking dish, about 1-quart capacity.
2. Mix the creamy dip
In a medium bowl, stir the softened cream cheese and sour cream until smooth. Fold in the mozzarella, Parmesan, minced garlic, parsley, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper.
3. Fill and bake
Spoon the cheese mixture into the prepared dish and smooth the top. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, until the dip is hot and bubbling at the edges.
4. Toast the bread
While the dip bakes, arrange the baguette slices on a baking sheet. Stir the melted butter with the garlic powder, brush it over the bread, and toast for 6 to 8 minutes, turning once, until lightly golden.
5. Garnish and serve
Let the dip rest for 5 minutes, then sprinkle with extra parsley. Serve warm with the garlic bread slices for dipping.
Tips for Success
- Soften the cream cheese before mixing so the dip turns out smooth and evenly combined.
- Grate Parmesan finely so it blends well and melts into the cheese mixture.
- Keep an eye on the bread as it toasts. Thin slices can brown quickly.
- For a make-ahead option, mix the dip and refrigerate it covered for up to one day. Let it sit at room temperature for about 20 minutes before baking.
Variations of Baked Garlic Bread Dip
- Spinach version: Fold in 1/2 cup of thawed, well-drained chopped spinach.
- Extra herbs: Add chopped chives or a little fresh basil along with the parsley.
- More heat: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the cheese mixture.
- Roasted garlic: Replace the minced garlic with 4 to 5 mashed roasted garlic cloves for a softer, sweeter flavor.
Serving Suggestions: What to Pair with Baked Garlic Bread Dip
Set the dip out with the toasted baguette while guests gather before Thanksgiving dinner. It is also tasty with crisp vegetable sticks, crackers, or toasted pita. For a fuller appetizer spread, pair it with a fresh green salad, olives, and a platter of seasonal fruit.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Store leftover dip in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat it in an oven-safe dish at 325°F (165°C) until warmed through, or microwave it in short intervals, stirring between each one. Store the bread separately and toast it again briefly to bring back its crisp texture.
Memories Made Around the Table
I like serving this dip as people arrive and start swapping stories in the kitchen. A bubbling dish in the middle of the table invites everyone to slow down, reach for a slice of bread, and enjoy a little time together before the main meal.
FAQs
Can I make baked garlic bread dip ahead of time?
Yes. Mix the dip, cover it, and refrigerate for up to one day. Bake it just before serving, adding a few extra minutes if it is still cool from the refrigerator.
Can I use pre-shredded cheese?
Yes, pre-shredded mozzarella works. Finely grated Parmesan is best for a smooth, savory dip, but packaged grated Parmesan can also be used.
What can I serve with this dip besides bread?
Try crackers, toasted pita, or sturdy raw vegetables such as carrots, celery, and bell pepper strips.
How do I know when the dip is ready?
The dip is ready when it is hot throughout and bubbling around the edges. The top may turn lightly golden in spots.
Final Thoughts
This baked garlic bread dip is an easy, cozy appetizer that brings plenty of cheesy garlic flavor to a holiday spread. Make it ahead, toast some bread, and serve it warm for a simple dish everyone can gather around.
Baked Garlic Bread Dip
Equipment
- 1 Oven-safe baking dish About 1-quart capacity
- 1 Mixing Bowl Medium
- 1 Baking Sheet
- 1 Pastry Brush
Ingredients
- 8 ounces cream cheese softened
- 0.5 cup sour cream
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese shredded
- 0.5 cup Parmesan cheese finely grated
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley chopped, plus extra for garnish
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 0.25 teaspoon fine salt
- 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 baguette sliced into 1/2-inch pieces
- 2 tablespoons butter melted
- 0.25 teaspoon garlic powder
Instructions
- Heat the oven to 375°F. Lightly grease a small oven-safe baking dish, about 1-quart capacity.
- In a medium bowl, stir the softened cream cheese and sour cream until smooth. Fold in the mozzarella, Parmesan, minced garlic, parsley, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper.
- Spoon the cheese mixture into the prepared dish and smooth the top. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, until hot and bubbling at the edges.
- While the dip bakes, arrange the baguette slices on a baking sheet. Stir the melted butter with the garlic powder, brush it over the bread, and toast for 6 to 8 minutes, turning once, until lightly golden.
- Let the dip rest for 5 minutes, then sprinkle with extra parsley. Serve warm with the garlic bread slices for dipping.