Name: Cheesy Garlic Herb Dip
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Ingredients: 1 cup cream cheese, softened (room temperature for easier mixing); 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded (sharp or mild, your choice); 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded (for stretch and creaminess); 2–3 cloves garlic, minced (adjust for garlic lovers); 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped; 1 tablespoon fresh chives, chopped; 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs; Salt and pepper to taste; Crackers, fresh veggies, or crusty bread for serving

I grew up watching my family gather around a warm, bubbling dish of cheese and garlic—there’s something effortless and uniting about a dip you can scoop with your fingers. This Cheesy Garlic Herb Dip is exactly that: creamy, garlicky, studded with fresh herbs and melted until golden. It’s a reliable party starter, a cozy snack for movie night, and a guilt-free indulgence when you want comfort without fuss. If you like baked cheese dips, try pairing it with some homemade Easy Cheesy Garlic Biscuits for a seriously cheesy combo.

Why you’ll love this dish

This recipe delivers big flavor with minimal effort. It’s fast, budget-friendly, and uses pantry staples—cream cheese and shredded cheddar and mozzarella—so you can throw it together in minutes. The fresh parsley and chives lift the richness, while the garlic and Italian herbs add classic savory depth. Because it’s baked, the top gets slightly browned and bubbly, making it irresistibly Instagrammable and kid-approved. Make it for game day, a casual potluck, or a simple date-night starter.

“A small dish of this warmed cheese disappeared faster than anything else on my appetizer table—creamy, garlicky, and dangerously addictive.”

The cooking process explained

Start by softening the cream cheese so it blends smoothly. Mix in the shredded cheeses, fresh herbs, garlic and dried Italian seasoning until uniform. Spoon the mix into an oven-safe dish and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 20–25 minutes until the center is melted and the edges are bubbling and slightly golden. Cool a few minutes, then serve warm so everyone can dig in.

What you’ll need

1 cup cream cheese, softened (room temperature for easier mixing)
1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded (sharp or mild, your choice)
1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded (for stretch and creaminess)
2–3 cloves garlic, minced (adjust for garlic lovers)
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
1 tablespoon fresh chives, chopped
1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs
Salt and pepper to taste
Crackers, fresh veggies, or crusty bread for serving

(Substitutions: use Greek yogurt mixed with cream cheese for a tangier dip, or swap the mozzarella for Monterey Jack for a milder melt.)

Directions to follow

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
In a medium mixing bowl, add the softened cream cheese. Break it up with a spoon so it’s easy to blend.
Stir in the shredded cheddar and mozzarella, minced garlic, parsley, chives, and dried Italian herbs. Season with salt and pepper.
Mix until the mixture is evenly combined and smooth. A hand mixer can speed this up.
Spoon the cheese mixture into an oven-safe baking dish and smooth the top.
Bake for 20–25 minutes, until the cheese is melted, bubbling, and lightly browned on top.
Remove from the oven and let rest 3–5 minutes. Serve warm with crackers, sliced baguette, or crisp veggies.

Best ways to enjoy it

Serve this dip straight from the baking dish for a cozy presentation. For variety:

Offer toasted baguette slices and pretzel rods for texture contrast.
Add a side of pickled vegetables to cut the richness.
For a party platter, place the dip in the center and surround it with cured meats, olives, and fresh fruit.
If you want a brunch idea, pair it with the sweet finish of a Caramel Apple Cheesecake Dip to balance savory and sweet.

Storage and reheating tips

Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days. If stored in the original baking dish, wrap it tightly with plastic wrap.
To reheat, warm in a 325°F oven for 10–12 minutes or until bubbly. For single servings, microwave in 20–30 second bursts until heated through.
Freezing is possible but not ideal: the texture can become grainy after thawing. If you must freeze, place the dip in a freezer-safe container for up to 1 month; thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat gently.
Food safety note: do not leave the dip at room temperature for more than 2 hours to avoid bacterial growth.

Helpful cooking tips

Use room-temperature cream cheese for a velvety base and to avoid lumps.
Grate your own cheddar for better melt and less anti-caking stuff.
If you like a golden crust, broil for the last 1–2 minutes—watch closely to prevent burning.
For a looser dip, stir in 1–2 tablespoons of milk or cream before baking.
Make it ahead: assemble in a baking dish, cover, and refrigerate up to 24 hours; bake when guests arrive.

Creative twists

Add cooked, crumbled bacon or chopped roasted red peppers for smoky sweetness.
Swap Italian herbs for smoked paprika and cumin for a southwestern flair—serve with tortilla chips.
For a lighter version, replace half the cream cheese with plain Greek yogurt and use reduced-fat cheeses.
For a mushroom-and-onion version, sauté 1/2 cup diced mushrooms and 1/4 cup onions until soft, cool slightly, then fold into the cheese mix.
Want dessert next? Offer a creamy contrast with a chilled Caramel Apple Cheesecake Dip for an easy two-dip spread.

Helpful answers

Q: How long does this take from start to finish?

A: Plan for about 30–35 minutes total: 5–10 minutes to mix and prep, then 20–25 minutes in the oven.

Q: Can I make this without fresh herbs?

A: Yes—use 1/2 teaspoon each of dried parsley and dried chives in place of the fresh herbs, but add them sparingly as dried herbs are more concentrated.

Q: Is this safe for vegetarians?

A: The base recipe is vegetarian if you use cheeses made with microbial or vegetable rennet. Check labels if that’s a concern.

Q: Can I prep this for a crowd?

A: Double or triple the ingredients and bake in a larger casserole dish; increase baking time slightly and check for bubbling in the center.

Q: What if my dip seems oily after baking?

A: That can happen with high-fat cheeses. Spoon off excess oil and give the dip a gentle stir. Using a mix of cheeses and not overheating helps prevent this.

Conclusion

This Cheesy Garlic Herb Dip is an uncomplicated winner—perfect for entertaining or a cozy night in. If you want another take on this kind of baked cheese appetizer, check out this similar Cheesy Garlic Herb Dip | 12 Tomatoes for inspiration. For a different herb-forward spread, you might also enjoy this Garlic and Herb Cheese Spread, which offers a fresh, no-bake alternative.