Ingredients
Roasted Garlic
- 3 heads garlic
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt (optional, to taste)
Cheese Mixture
- 8 oz. package cream cheese, softened
- 3/4 cup cottage cheese
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- 1 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided
Seasonings and Herbs
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped, divided
- 3 tbsp chopped chives, divided
Instructions
- Prepare the Roasted Garlic: Preheat your oven to 375°F. Slice about 1/4 inch off the top of each garlic head to expose the tops of the cloves. Place each garlic head on a piece of aluminum foil, drizzle olive oil over the exposed cloves to coat them well, and optionally sprinkle a little salt. Wrap each head tightly in the foil.
- Roast the Garlic: Place the foil-wrapped garlic heads on a baking sheet or directly on the oven rack. Roast for 30 to 40 minutes until the cloves are soft and fragrant, turning golden brown.
- Mix the Base: In a large bowl, squeeze the softened roasted garlic cloves from their skins into the bowl. Add the softened cream cheese, cottage cheese, and mayonnaise. Use a handheld mixer to blend the ingredients until smooth and creamy.
- Add Cheeses and Herbs: Fold in 1 cup of shredded mozzarella, 1 cup of grated Parmesan, 2 tablespoons of chopped chives, 1 tablespoon of chopped parsley, onion powder, salt, and garlic powder. Mix gently until evenly combined.
- Assemble the Dip: Transfer the mixture into a baking dish and spread it out evenly. Top with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses for a cheesy crust.
- Bake the Dip: Bake in the preheated oven at 375°F for 15 to 20 minutes, until the dip is bubbly and golden on top.
- Finish and Serve: Remove the dip from the oven, let it cool slightly, then sprinkle with the remaining fresh chives. Serve warm with crostinis or toasted small bread slices for dipping.
Notes
- For extra flavor, you can sprinkle a little crushed red pepper on top before serving.
- Use fresh herbs for the best taste; dried herbs can alter the texture and flavor.
- This dip can be prepared a day ahead; just reheat in the oven before serving.
- Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Roasting garlic ahead of time makes the process quicker when ready to assemble the dip.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American