Cheesy Garlic White Pizza Dip (Printable View)

Creamy, cheesy blend with roasted garlic and Italian herbs, served hot and bubbly. Perfect party appetizer.

# What You'll Need:

→ Dairy Base

01 - 8 oz cream cheese, softened to room temperature
02 - 1 cup whole milk ricotta cheese
03 - 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
04 - 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
05 - 1/2 cup sour cream

→ Aromatics & Seasonings

06 - 4 cloves garlic, minced
07 - 2 tbsp fresh basil, chopped
08 - 1 tsp dried oregano
09 - 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
10 - 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
11 - 1/4 tsp kosher salt

→ Topping & Serving

12 - 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese for topping
13 - 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
14 - 1 tbsp olive oil
15 - Crusty bread, baguette slices, or crackers for serving

# How-To Steps:

01 - Preheat oven to 375°F and lightly grease a 1 to 1.5 quart baking dish with cooking spray or butter.
02 - Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a medium skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 to 2 minutes until fragrant and lightly golden, being careful not to burn.
03 - In a large mixing bowl, add softened cream cheese, ricotta, 1 cup mozzarella, Parmesan, sour cream, sautéed garlic, basil, oregano, red pepper flakes, black pepper, and salt. Beat with a hand mixer or stir vigorously until completely smooth and well incorporated.
04 - Spread the cheese mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish, using a spatula to create a smooth surface.
05 - Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top of the dip.
06 - Bake for 20 to 25 minutes until the dip is hot and bubbly throughout and the cheese topping is melted and golden brown.
07 - Remove from oven and let stand for 5 minutes to set. Sprinkle with fresh parsley just before serving.
08 - Serve immediately while hot and bubbly, accompanied with crusty bread slices, baguette, or crackers for dipping.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Its like eating the best part of a white pizza but without having to deal with dough or waiting for delivery
  • The roasted garlic becomes sweet and mellow while the red pepper flakes add just enough warmth to keep people coming back for more
02 -
  • If you skip sautéing the garlic first, the raw flavor will be too sharp and overwhelm everything else
  • The cooling time is actually important because the dip thickens slightly and becomes easier to scoop
03 -
  • Use freshly grated Parmesan instead of the pre-grated stuff in the tub for way better melting and flavor
  • A baking dish with slightly higher sides prevents any bubbling over in your oven