Cheesy Roasted Garlic Dip
A creamy, cheesy dip infused with roasted garlic, Italian seasoning, and a touch of spice. Baked until golden and bubbly, it’s the perfect appetizer for bread, crackers, or fresh veggies.
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.
