Warm Cheese Dip with Garlic & Herbs 🧄🧀🌿 Bubbly, Creamy, and Packed With Savory Herby Flavor in Every Scoop
This baked dip brings serious comfort with minimal effort: garlic-sautéed herbs folded into a blend of melty cheeses and baked until golden and gooey. It’s rich, aromatic, and dangerously addictive.
Ingredients (Serves 6–8)
Base ingredients
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella
- ½ cup grated Parmesan
- ½ cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
- 1–2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp olive oil or butter
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh herbs (parsley, thyme, chives, or a mix)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Optional add-ins
- ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (for heat)
- Zest of ½ lemon (for brightness)
- 1 tbsp white wine or dry vermouth (for depth)
- 2 tbsp caramelized onions or shallots
- Chopped spinach or artichokes for a heartier dip
To serve
- Warm bread, crackers, pretzels, or sliced veggies
- Optional drizzle of olive oil or sprinkle of extra herbs
Instructions
Step 1: Sauté garlic & herbs
- In a small skillet, heat olive oil or butter over medium. Add garlic and sauté 30–60 seconds until fragrant. Stir in herbs and cook another 30 seconds. Set aside.
Step 2: Mix the base
- In a mixing bowl, combine cream cheese, mozzarella, Parmesan, sour cream, and the garlic-herb mixture. Add any optional extras. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 3: Bake
- Transfer mixture to a small baking dish or oven-safe skillet. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15–20 minutes until bubbly and golden on top. Broil the last 1–2 minutes for extra browning if desired.
Step 4: Serve hot
- Serve immediately with dippers of choice. Keep warm with a tea towel wrap or warming tray if serving at a party.
Flavor Variations
- Add roasted garlic instead of raw for sweeter, mellow flavor
- Use goat cheese or brie instead of (or with) cream cheese
- Stir in chopped olives, sun-dried tomatoes, or pesto
- Top with crushed nuts or breadcrumbs before baking
- Make it spicy with chipotle powder or chili crisp
Pro Tips
- Let cream cheese soften for smooth blending
- Use freshly shredded cheese for best melt and texture
- Don’t overbake — it should be melty, not greasy
- Bake in a small skillet or ramekin for rustic presentation
Final Thoughts
Warm Cheese Dip with Garlic & Herbs is savory, comforting, and deeply scoopable. It’s a crowd favorite that’s easy to riff on and even easier to finish. Pair with crusty bread and a glass of wine — and watch it disappear fast.
Sauté it. Melt it. Dip into bliss. 🧄🧀🌿
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