The ultimate gooey, bubbling party appetizer! A rich blend of cream cheese, mozzarella, and parmesan loaded with garlic and herbs, finished with a crispy panko crust.

Ingredients

12 oz cream cheese room temperature
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
¼ cup mayo
½ cup shredded parmesan cheese divided
2 tablespoons minced garlic
1 ½ teaspoon dried rosemary
½ teaspoon dried thyme
½ teaspoon black pepper
2 tablespoons panko or breadcrumbs

Instructions

1. Prep the Oven: Grease an 8×8 baking dish and preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. Mix the Base: In a large bowl, add the softened cream cheese, shredded mozzarella, mayo, and half of the shredded parmesan cheese (¼ cup). Stir until fully combined.
3. Add the Flavors: Mix the minced garlic, dried rosemary, dried thyme, and black pepper into the cheese mixture until evenly distributed. Transfer this thick mixture to the prepared baking dish and smooth the top.
4. Make the Crust: In a small bowl, mix together the remaining ¼ cup of parmesan cheese and the panko breadcrumbs.
5. Sprinkle this dry mixture evenly over the top of the cheese mixture in the baking dish.
6. Bake: Bake for 22-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the edges are bubbling.
7. Serve: Serve hot straight from the oven with crackers, chips, or toasted bread.

Notes

We cannot stress enough how important it is to strictly use room-temperature cream cheese! Mixing cold cream cheese will leave unappetizing white lumps throughout your dish, preventing a perfectly smooth dip.

Variations

• Make It Spicy: Stir in 1–2 teaspoons of crushed red pepper flakes or a few diced jalapeños for a kick of heat.
• Add Bacon: Mix in ½ cup of cooked, crumbled bacon for a smoky, savory flavor.
• Herb Upgrade: Replace the dried herbs with 1 tablespoon each of fresh rosemary and thyme for a brighter taste.
• Cheesy Twist: Try Gruyère, Fontina, or sharp white cheddar in place of some of the mozzarella for extra depth.
• Spinach Garlic Dip: Fold in 1 cup of chopped cooked spinach before baking for a creamy spinach variation.
• Mediterranean Style: Add chopped sun-dried tomatoes and a few sliced olives for a flavorful Mediterranean-inspired dip.

Pro Tips

• Use Room-Temperature Cream Cheese: Softened cream cheese blends smoothly, creating a silky, lump-free dip.
• Freshly Grate the Cheese: Fresh mozzarella and parmesan melt more evenly and provide the best flavor.
• Don’t Overbake: Remove the dip as soon as the top is golden and the edges are bubbling to keep it creamy.
• Broil for Extra Crunch: For a crispier topping, broil the dip for 1–2 minutes at the end of baking while watching carefully.
• Serve Immediately: This dip is at its creamiest and most delicious while hot and freshly baked.
• Pair It Well: Serve with toasted baguette slices, buttery crackers, tortilla chips, pretzels, or fresh vegetables.

Storage & Reheating

Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Reheat: Warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10–15 minutes or microwave individual portions in 30-second intervals until heated through.
Freeze: While possible, freezing isn’t recommended because the cream cheese can become grainy after thawing.

Conclusion

This Garlic Herb Cheese Bake is the ultimate crowd-pleasing appetizer—rich, creamy, and irresistibly cheesy with a golden, crispy parmesan topping. It comes together with simple ingredients yet delivers bold garlic and herb flavor that’s perfect for parties, holidays, game days, or any gathering. Serve it straight from the oven with your favorite dippers, and watch it disappear in minutes!

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