Roasted Garlic Bread Dip

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

If you're looking for a dip that’s both comforting and packed with flavor, this roasted garlic bread dip has it all. The creamy blend of mozzarella, cream cheese, and parmesan combined with the sweet, mellow taste of roasted garlic makes for an irresistible dish. It’s perfect for parties, game days, or any time you want to impress your guests with something simple but delicious. The dish is also versatile, so you can serve it with a variety of dippers like chips, crackers, or even fresh veggies!

Ingredients

• 3 heads garlic

• 1 teaspoon olive oil

• 1 8 oz cream cheese, softened

• 1.5 c mozzarella cheese, hand shredded

• ½ c parmesan cheese

• ¼ c fresh parsley, chopped

• ¼ c mayonnaise

• salt and pepper to taste

• 1-2 tbs garlic powder

(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

How to Roast the Garlic

1. Cut off the top of the garlic heads and place them in the center of a large piece of aluminum foil.

2. Lightly drizzle them with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.

3. Loosely wrap the foil around the garlic heads and place them in a preheated 375°F oven for 1 hour.

4. Let the garlic cool, then squeeze the garlic heads to push out the soft, roasted garlic cloves.

How to Make the Dip

1. In a medium-sized bowl, combine the cream cheese, mozzarella cheese, parmesan cheese, mayonnaise, garlic powder, and roasted garlic cloves. Save about ½ cup of shredded mozzarella cheese for topping.

2. Stir the ingredients together until everything is evenly combined.

3. Transfer the mixture to a baking dish, spreading it out evenly.

4. Top the dip with the reserved mozzarella cheese.

5. Bake the dip uncovered until the cheese is melted and the sides are hot and bubbly.

6. Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly. Garnish with chopped parsley.

7. Serve with chips, crackers, or any dipper of your choice. Enjoy!

Servings and Timing

This recipe makes about 6-8 servings.

• Prep time: 10 minutes

• Cook time: 1 hour for roasting garlic + 15-20 minutes for baking the dip

• Total time: 1 hour 25 minutes

Variations

• Add a little heat: You can spice things up by adding some crushed red pepper flakes to the dip before baking or mix in a bit of hot sauce to the roasted garlic before combining with the other ingredients.

• Herb swap: Feel free to swap out the parsley for basil, thyme, or rosemary, depending on your flavor preferences.

• Cheese change: If you're a fan of other cheeses, try swapping in cheddar or Gruyère for an interesting twist on the classic mozzarella and parmesan blend.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

• Reheating: To reheat, simply warm the dip in the oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes, or until hot and bubbly again. You can also microwave individual servings for a quicker option.

FAQs

How long does it take to roast garlic?

Roasting garlic typically takes about 1 hour at 375°F. The garlic should be soft and golden brown when it’s done.

Can I use pre-minced garlic instead of roasting fresh garlic?

While fresh roasted garlic gives the dip its rich, sweet flavor, you can use pre-minced garlic in a pinch. Just be aware that the flavor will be more pungent and not as mellow.

Can I prepare this dip ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the dip ahead of time and store it in the fridge before baking. When you’re ready, bake it as instructed to get that gooey, bubbly dip.

Can I freeze this dip?

You can freeze the dip before baking it. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, and it will last in the freezer for up to 2 months. When you're ready to bake, allow it to thaw in the fridge overnight before cooking.

What can I serve with this dip?

This dip pairs well with chips, crackers, fresh baguette slices, or even cut-up veggies like cucumber, celery, or bell peppers.

Can I use store-bought garlic for this recipe?

While you can use store-bought roasted garlic, homemade roasted garlic has a more robust, sweet flavor. It's worth taking the extra time to roast your own garlic.

What if I don’t have fresh parsley?

If you don't have fresh parsley, dried parsley or other fresh herbs like basil or thyme will work as a garnish.

Can I make this dip spicier?

Absolutely! Add some crushed red pepper flakes or even a chopped jalapeño to the mix before baking for a spicy kick.

How can I make the dip a little lighter?

For a lighter version, you can use reduced-fat cream cheese and mayonnaise. You can also opt for a lighter mozzarella cheese.

Can I use pre-shredded mozzarella cheese?

While you can use pre-shredded mozzarella, shredding your own cheese will yield a creamier texture because it melts more evenly.

Conclusion

This Roasted Garlic Bread Dip is a perfect combination of rich, creamy cheese and savory roasted garlic. It’s easy to make, full of flavor, and guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser at any gathering. Whether it’s game day, a party, or just a cozy night in, this dip will quickly become a favorite!