🧾 Ingredients
🧀 Main Ingredients
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 package (200g) cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup sour cream
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons chopped green onions (optional but recommended)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon paprika (optional for extra flavor)
🍞 For Serving
- Crackers (round or rectangular)
- Toasted baguette slices
- Tortilla chips
- Vegetable sticks (carrots, celery, cucumber)
👨🍳 Preparation Steps
🔪 Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by preheating your oven to 180°C (350°F). Lightly grease a small baking dish (similar to the one in your image) with butter or cooking spray. This prevents sticking and helps create that beautiful golden crust.
🧄 Step 2: Build the Flavor Base
In a small pan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1–2 minutes until fragrant. Be careful not to burn it—garlic should be golden, not brown.
This step is essential because it builds a rich, aromatic base that enhances the entire dish.
🥣 Step 3: Mix the Creamy Base
In a large mixing bowl, combine:
- Softened cream cheese
- Sour cream
- Mayonnaise
Mix until smooth and creamy. This forms the luscious base that gives the dip its signature texture.
🧀 Step 4: Add the Cheese
Fold in the shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheese. These cheeses melt beautifully and create that stretchy, gooey consistency.
Add the sautéed garlic (with butter), salt, pepper, paprika, and green onions. Mix everything until evenly combined.
🍲 Step 5: Transfer to Baking Dish
Pour the mixture into your prepared baking dish. Use a spatula to spread it evenly.
For an extra cheesy top, sprinkle a little more mozzarella or cheddar on top before baking.
🔥 Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Place the dish in the oven and bake for 20–25 minutes, or until:
- The top is golden and bubbly
- The edges are slightly crispy
- The center is hot and melted
If you want a more browned top, switch to broil mode for the last 2–3 minutes (watch carefully!).
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
Serve this dip immediately while it’s hot and gooey. Place it on a tray with:
- A bowl of crackers (like in your image)
- Toasted bread slices
- Crunchy vegetables
The contrast between the creamy dip and crunchy dippers is what makes this dish so satisfying.
💡 Pro Tips for the Best Results
🧀 Use Freshly Shredded Cheese
Pre-packaged shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that affect melting. For the best texture, shred your cheese at home.
🌡️ Room Temperature Ingredients
Make sure your cream cheese is soft before mixing. This ensures a smooth, lump-free dip.
🔥 Don’t Overbake
Overbaking can dry out the dip. Remove it as soon as it’s bubbly and golden.
🌿 Add Fresh Herbs
Parsley or chives sprinkled on top after baking can elevate both flavor and presentation.
🔄 Variations You Can Try
🥓 Bacon Cheesy Dip
Add crispy chopped bacon for a smoky, savory twist.
🌶️ Spicy Version
Mix in chopped jalapeños or a pinch of chili flakes for heat.
🍗 Chicken Cheese Dip
Add shredded cooked chicken to turn this into a hearty meal-style dip.
🥦 Veggie Boost
Incorporate steamed broccoli or spinach for a slightly healthier option.
🧊 Storage and Reheating
🧊 Storage
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge
- Keeps well for up to 3 days
🔥 Reheating
- Reheat in the oven at 160°C (320°F) for 10–15 minutes
- Or microwave in short intervals, stirring occasionally
Add a splash of milk or cream if it becomes too thick.
🍴 Why This Recipe Works
This dish is all about balance:
- Cream cheese + sour cream + mayo → ultra creamy base
- Mozzarella + cheddar → perfect melt + flavor
- Garlic + seasoning → depth and aroma
- Baking → creates that irresistible golden crust
It’s simple, yet incredibly satisfying.
❤️ Final Thoughts
This creamy cheesy baked dip is one of those recipes you’ll come back to again and again. It’s quick to prepare, requires basic ingredients, and delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort