Description
Cheesy Baked Garlic Dip
Ingredients:
8 oz cream cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella
1/2 cup grated Parmesan
1/4 cup marinara sauce
2 garlic cloves, minced
1/4 cup chopped basil
1/2 cup Italian breadcrumbs
2 tbsp olive oil
Breadsticks or pizza crust (for serving)
Directions:
Preheat oven to 375°F.
Combine cream cheese, mozzarella, Parmesan, marinara, garlic, and basil.
Spread into a baking dish.
Mix breadcrumbs and olive oil. Sprinkle over the top.
Bake for 20–25 minutes. Serve with breadsticks or pizza crust.
Pizza-inspired dip—what would you pair it with?
#PizzaCheeseDip
Step-by-Step Guide
Follow these detailed instructions for a perfect dip every time. First, ensure your cream cheese is at room temperature for easy mixing. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a small baking dish or oven-safe skillet. In a medium bowl, thoroughly combine the 8 oz of cream cheese, 1 cup mozzarella, 1/2 cup Parmesan, 1/4 cup marinara sauce, 2 minced garlic cloves, and 1/4 cup chopped basil until uniform. Spread this mixture evenly into your prepared dish. In a separate small bowl, toss the 1/2 cup Italian breadcrumbs with 2 tbsp of olive oil until the crumbs are evenly coated. Sprinkle this topping over the cheese mixture. Bake on a middle rack for 20-25 minutes, or until the dip is bubbly around the edges and the breadcrumb topping is golden brown.
Serving Suggestions
This dip is incredibly versatile. For a classic pizza night, serve it warm with breadsticks, garlic knots, or toasted pizza crust strips. It also makes an excellent spread for sandwiches or burgers. For a veggie-forward option, offer crisp bell pepper strips, cucumber rounds, or celery sticks. For a party platter, surround the warm dip with an assortment of crackers, sliced baguette, and pretzel bites.
How-to Summary
In short: Soften cream cheese, mix with cheeses, marinara, garlic, and basil. Spread in a dish, top with oiled breadcrumbs, and bake at 375°F until golden and bubbly (20-25 mins). Serve warm with your favorite dippers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this dip ahead of time? Yes. Assemble the dip (without baking) up to a day in advance. Cover tightly and refrigerate. Add 5-10 minutes to the baking time when cooking from cold.
What can I use instead of marinara sauce? Pesto or a sun-dried tomato spread are excellent alternatives that will change the flavor profile deliciously.
My dip is too thick. How can I thin it? Stir in a tablespoon or two of milk, cream, or additional marinara sauce into the cheese mixture before baking.
Can I use fresh breadcrumbs? Absolutely. For a lighter topping, use 1/2 cup of fresh breadcrumbs tossed with the olive oil. They will toast up beautifully.
How do I store and reheat leftovers? Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F or in the microwave until warmed through.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using cold cream cheese straight from the fridge, which leads to a lumpy, difficult-to-mix base.
- Overbaking, which can cause the oils to separate from the cheeses. Remove it once it’s bubbly and the top is golden.
- Not mixing the breadcrumbs and oil thoroughly, resulting in dry, pale spots instead of an even, crispy topping.
- Skipping the preheating step, which affects the cooking time and final texture of the dip.
Conclusion
This Cheesy Baked Garlic Dip is the ultimate crowd-pleaser, combining the beloved flavors of pizza in a warm, shareable format. Its simplicity is its strength, requiring just a few steps for a dramatically delicious result. By following the detailed guide and avoiding common pitfalls, you’ll create a perfect appetizer for any gathering. Don’t forget to experiment with the serving suggestions to make it your own. This dip is sure to become a requested favorite.
