This Cheesy Garlic Herb Dip is creamy, garlicky, cheesy, and just crisp enough on top to keep every bite interesting. It is the kind of hot party dip that disappears quickly once you put it on the table with bread, crackers, or toasted baguette slices.
The preserved RecipesNeed recipe uses cream cheese, mozzarella, mayonnaise, Parmesan, garlic, and herbs. It serves about 8, takes around 10 minutes to prep, and bakes for about 25 minutes.
Why You’ll Love This Dip
It has a rich, creamy base from softened cream cheese, plenty of stretch from mozzarella, and salty depth from Parmesan. Garlic and herbs keep the flavor from tasting flat, while the top bakes into a lightly browned cheesy crust.
Start with Softened Cream Cheese
Room-temperature cream cheese blends much more smoothly with the mozzarella, mayonnaise, Parmesan, garlic, and herbs. If the cream cheese is still cold, the dip can stay lumpy instead of turning creamy.
How to Bake the Dip
Mix the cheese base until evenly blended, spread it into the baking dish, and finish with the reserved cheese over the top. Bake until the center is hot and the top is bubbling with lightly golden edges.
Serving Ideas
Serve it warm with toasted baguette slices, crackers, pita chips, or sturdy vegetables. I like putting the baking dish directly in the center of the table so everyone can scoop it while it is still hot and stretchy.
Tips for the Best Hot Cheese Dip
- Bring the cream cheese to room temperature before mixing.
- Shred the mozzarella finely so it melts evenly.
- Do not overbake or the dip can become oily.
- Serve it while warm for the best creamy texture.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I assemble it ahead?
Yes. Mix and spread the dip into the baking dish, cover, refrigerate, then bake when you are ready to serve.
How long does it bake?
The original card uses about 25 minutes of baking time, with roughly 35 minutes total including prep.
Cheesy Garlic Herb Dip
Ingredients
- 12 oz cream cheese room temperature
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
- ½ cup shredded Parmesan cheese divided
- 2 tablespoons minced garlic
- 1 ½ teaspoons dried rosemary
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons panko breadcrumbs or regular breadcrumbs
Instructions
- Prepare the oven and dish. Preheat the oven to 375°F and lightly grease an 8×8-inch baking dish.
- Mix the cheese base. Place the softened cream cheese, mozzarella, mayonnaise, and ¼ cup Parmesan in a large bowl. Stir until thoroughly blended and creamy.
- Season the dip. Add the minced garlic, rosemary, thyme, and black pepper. Mix well so the garlic and herbs are evenly incorporated throughout the cheese mixture.
- Spread into the pan. Spoon the mixture into the prepared baking dish and smooth it into an even layer.
- Add the crispy topping. Combine the remaining ¼ cup Parmesan with the panko breadcrumbs in a small bowl. Sprinkle the mixture evenly over the top of the dip.
- Bake until bubbly. Place the dish in the oven and bake for 22 to 25 minutes, or until the edges are bubbling and the topping is golden brown.
- Serve warm. Let the dip stand briefly after baking, then serve while hot with crackers, chips, toasted baguette slices, or your favorite dippers.
