Description
Garlic bread dip invites comfort and warmth to your table, blending rich Italian flavors with creamy, cheesy goodness. Cheese-lovers and bread enthusiasts will discover a simple yet irresistible appetizer perfect for sharing with friends and family.
Ingredients
Scale
Cheese and Dairy:
- 1 (8 ounces) block softened cream cheese
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (divided)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Main Vegetables and Herbs:
- 2 whole shallots (bottoms cut off)
- 2 heads garlic (tops cut off)
- 1/2 cup fresh chopped parsley (reserve some for topping)
Seasonings and Oil:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Prepare for roasting by preheating the oven to 375F (190C). Trim the tops of garlic heads and bottoms of shallots using a sharp knife.
- Arrange garlic and shallots on aluminum foil. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle salt. Wrap completely and roast for 1 hour until vegetables become soft and caramelized.
- Extract roasted garlic and shallots from their skins directly into a mixing bowl. Crush and transform into a smooth paste using a fork.
- Incorporate softened cream cheese and sour cream into the roasted vegetable paste. Blend until completely smooth and uniform in texture.
- Add mozzarella, Parmesan, parsley, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes to the creamy mixture. Stir thoroughly to distribute ingredients evenly.
- Transfer the prepared mixture into an 8- or 9-inch pie plate, ensuring an even spread. Sprinkle remaining mozzarella cheese across the top.
- Reduce oven temperature to 350F (175C). Bake the dip for 20-25 minutes until the surface turns golden brown and develops a bubbly texture.
- Finish by garnishing with additional fresh parsley and a light dusting of red pepper flakes. Serve immediately alongside toasted bread, bagel chips, or pita chips for dipping.
Notes
- Roast garlic and shallots low and slow to develop deep, sweet caramelized flavors that intensify the overall dip complexity.
- Use room temperature cream cheese and sour cream to ensure smooth, lump-free mixing and consistent texture throughout the dip.
- Choose high-quality, freshly grated Parmesan and mozzarella for richer melting and more authentic cheese flavor profile.
- Customize heat level by adjusting red pepper flakes – add more for spicy kick or omit completely for milder version suitable for sensitive palates.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 258 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 224 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 11 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0.4 g
- Carbohydrates: 3 g
- Fiber: 0.2 g
- Protein: 9 g
- Cholesterol: 45 mg