This Cheesy Roasted Garlic Dip is the perfect balance of indulgence and comfort, combining creamy cheeses with sweet, mellow roasted garlic.
Packed with protein from mozzarella and Parmesan and enriched with healthy fats, it’s a satisfying option that pairs well with veggies, crackers, or bread.
Easy to prepare, quick to bake, and loaded with flavor, this dip makes everyday snacking or entertaining both simple and memorable.
Cheesy Roasted Garlic Dip
Equipment
- 1 Oven (for roasting & baking)
- 1 Baking sheet
- 1 Aluminum foil sheet
- 1 Sharp knife
- 1 Mixing Bowl (Large)
- 1 Fork or masher (for garlic paste)
- 1 9-inch oven-safe baking dish
- 1 Wooden spoon or spatula (for mixing)
Ingredients
- 4 heads garlic
- 1 tablespoon olive oil for roasting
- 8 ounces cream cheese softened
- 1 cup sour cream
- ¾ cup mayonnaise
- 2 cups mozzarella cheese shredded (divided)
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese grated (divided)
- ¼ cup fresh parsley finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes or to taste
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare the Oven: Begin by setting your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures it’s fully heated by the time you’re ready to roast the garlic. While the oven warms up, line a small baking sheet with foil to catch any drips and make cleanup easier later.
- Slice and Season the Garlic Heads: Take the four garlic heads and trim about ¼ inch off the top of each bulb with a sharp knife. This exposes the tops of the individual cloves, allowing the oil to soak in and roast them evenly. Place the garlic heads on the prepared baking sheet, drizzle each generously with olive oil, and rub it lightly with your fingers to make sure the oil seeps into the cloves.
- Wrap and Roast Until Golden: Cover the garlic heads tightly with foil, creating a sealed pouch. Transfer the baking sheet to the oven and roast for 30–35 minutes, or until the cloves are buttery-soft and golden brown. A gentle squeeze on the bulb should feel tender and mushy—this means it’s perfectly caramelized. Once roasted, let them cool for 5–10 minutes so they’re easy to handle without burning your fingers.
- Extract the Roasted Garlic Paste: When the garlic has cooled slightly, hold each bulb over a small bowl and gently squeeze from the base upward. The roasted cloves will slide out easily, soft like butter. Mash them with a fork until they form a smooth, fragrant paste. This roasted garlic paste is the flavor foundation of your dip.
- Combine the Creamy Base: In a large mixing bowl, add the softened cream cheese, sour cream, and mayonnaise. Using a wooden spoon or spatula, stir until the mixture is silky and lump-free. The cream cheese should be completely softened so it blends smoothly—if it’s too firm, microwave it for 10–15 seconds to loosen it up.
- Infuse with Garlic and Seasonings: Now, fold the mashed roasted garlic paste into the creamy mixture. At this stage, stir in the Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Mix thoroughly so that every bite is seasoned evenly. The aroma should already be rich and garlicky.
- Fold in Cheeses and Fresh Herbs: Add 1 cup of shredded mozzarella, ½ cup of grated Parmesan, and the chopped fresh parsley to the bowl. Gently fold them into the mixture until the cheese is evenly distributed. This ensures the dip has cheesy goodness throughout, not just on top.
- Transfer to Baking Dish: Spoon the mixture into a 9-inch oven-safe baking dish (or something similar in size). Spread it out evenly using a spatula, pressing it lightly into the corners so it bakes uniformly. Smooth out the top for a neat finish.
- Add the Cheesy Topping: Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of mozzarella and ½ cup of Parmesan evenly over the surface. This layer will create the irresistible golden, bubbly crust that makes the dip so inviting.
- Bake Until Golden and Bubbly: Place the dish in the oven and bake for 20 minutes, or until the cheese topping is melted, bubbling around the edges, and lightly golden. If you prefer a more browned, slightly crisp top, switch the oven to broil mode for 1–2 minutes. Watch carefully—broiling can turn from golden to burnt in seconds.
- Cool Slightly Before Serving: Remove the dip from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes. This brief cooling period allows the dip to set a little, making it easier to scoop and preventing burns from the molten cheese. Sprinkle with extra fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness.
- Serve and Enjoy: Serve the dip warm with crusty bread slices, crackers, pita chips, or fresh vegetables like carrots, cucumbers, or bell peppers. Every scoop should deliver a creamy, cheesy bite with the mellow sweetness of roasted garlic.
Notes
- Roast Garlic Properly: Deep golden, caramelized cloves give the dip its signature sweet, mellow flavor. Avoid lightly roasting, which can leave harsh, raw-tasting garlic.
- Use Freshly Grated Cheese: Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that interfere with meltiness. Freshly shredded mozzarella and Parmesan create a creamy, gooey texture.
- Full-Fat Ingredients: For best results, use full-fat cream cheese, sour cream, and mayonnaise. Low-fat versions may create a watery or grainy consistency.
- Adjust Spice to Taste: Red pepper flakes add warmth and a subtle kick. Adjust based on your preference or substitute cayenne for a spicier twist.
- Make Ahead Friendly: Assemble the dip in advance and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Allow it to come to room temperature before baking for even heating.
Chef’s Secrets For Ultimate Flavor
To make this dip truly unforgettable, focus on layering flavors.
Roasting the garlic slowly unlocks a sweet, buttery aroma that transforms the dip from ordinary to extraordinary.
Incorporating the cheeses in stages ensures creaminess inside while creating a golden, bubbling crust on top.
Fresh herbs, like parsley, not only add color but also brighten the rich, cheesy taste.
Don’t skip seasoning—Italian herbs, salt, and pepper make all the difference.
Finally, always monitor closely during broiling; a few seconds can turn perfection into burnt.
Serving Suggestions To Impress Guests
This Cheesy Roasted Garlic Dip is versatile and perfect for entertaining or casual snacking.
Serve warm with slices of crusty bread, garlic baguettes, or crispy crackers for a satisfying bite.
Fresh vegetables like carrot sticks, cucumber slices, or bell pepper strips complement the richness while adding crunch and freshness.
It also works well as a topping for baked potatoes or as a spread on sandwiches.
For parties, place the dip in a shallow dish so guests can scoop easily.
Storage Tips For Best Results
To store leftovers, cover the cooled dip tightly with plastic wrap or transfer to an airtight container.
Refrigerate for up to 3–4 days.
Reheat gently in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warm and bubbly, or use a microwave in short intervals to avoid separating the cheese.
If freezing, wrap tightly and place in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.
Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat slowly to maintain creaminess.
Always stir slightly before serving to redistribute the cheese and garlic evenly.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I make this dip ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble the dip, cover it, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
Bring it to room temperature while the oven preheats for even cooking and optimal texture.
2. Can I use pre-minced or jarred garlic instead of roasting?
While jarred garlic works in a pinch, roasted garlic provides a sweeter, more mellow flavor.
Roasting transforms raw garlic’s sharpness into a buttery, aromatic base that elevates the dip.
3. Can I substitute cheeses or use low-fat versions?
You can experiment with cheeses like Gruyère or cheddar for a different flavor profile.
Low-fat alternatives may result in a thinner, less creamy dip, so full-fat ingredients are recommended for best texture.
4. How can I make this dip spicier?
Increase the red pepper flakes or add a pinch of cayenne for heat. For a smoky twist, consider smoked paprika.
Taste as you go to achieve the desired spice level.
5. What’s the best way to serve this dip?
Serve warm, directly from the oven, with crusty bread, crackers, or fresh vegetables.
For parties, a shallow baking dish makes scooping easier. It also works as a topping for baked potatoes or as a sandwich spread.
