Description
Garlic bread dip delivers a creamy, herbed Mediterranean experience that elevates simple appetizers into gourmet moments. Warm, crusty bread paired with rich, aromatic cheese creates an irresistible comfort you’ll crave at every gathering.
Ingredients
Scale
Cheese:
- 8 ounces (226 grams) cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup (100 grams) shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup (50 grams) grated Parmesan cheese
Seasonings and Aromatics:
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley (or fresh parsley for garnish)
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Pinch of salt and pepper
Binding Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
Optional Topping:
- Crushed red pepper flakes for a spicy kick
Instructions
- Prepare the oven by heating to a moderate temperature, ensuring an even cooking environment for the creamy appetizer.
- Create a harmonious blend of soft cream cheese, melted mozzarella, sharp Parmesan, and silky mayonnaise in a mixing bowl, whisking until the texture becomes uniform and velvety.
- Incorporate aromatic minced garlic, fragrant Italian herbs, and a balanced seasoning of salt and pepper, stirring thoroughly to distribute flavors evenly throughout the mixture.
- Select a suitable oven-safe ceramic or glass dish and gently transfer the combined ingredients, using a spatula to spread the mixture into a smooth, level surface.
- Place the prepared dish into the preheated oven, allowing the dip to transform into a bubbling, golden-kissed delicacy through careful baking.
- Monitor the culinary creation for 20-25 minutes, watching for a rich, melted appearance with enticing caramelized edges signaling perfect doneness.
- Remove from the oven and enhance the presentation with a delicate sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley and a whisper of crushed red pepper flakes for an optional burst of color and subtle heat.
- Serve immediately alongside crisp, toasted bread slices or a selection of crackers, inviting guests to dive into this warm, indulgent appetizer.
Notes
- Swap cream cheese for dairy-free alternatives like cashew cream to make this dip vegan-friendly and accommodating for lactose-intolerant guests.
- Reduce mayonnaise quantity for a lighter version, replacing it with Greek yogurt to cut down on calories while maintaining creamy texture.
- Use fresh garlic instead of pre-minced for more intense, robust flavor that elevates the overall taste profile of the dip.
- Experiment with additional herbs like fresh basil or thyme to customize the seasoning and create unique flavor variations that suit personal preferences.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
- Calories: 240
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 6 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 9 g
- Cholesterol: 50 mg