Baked Cheese Gooey Dip (Printable Version)
A warm, creamy blend of cheeses and herbs baked to a golden, bubbly finish.
# What You Need:
→ Dairy
01 - 8 oz cream cheese, softened
02 - ½ cup sour cream
03 - 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
04 - 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
05 - ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
→ Vegetables & Aromatics
06 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
07 - 2 spring onions, finely sliced
→ Spices & Seasonings
08 - ¼ tsp smoked paprika
09 - ¼ tsp freshly ground black pepper
10 - ⅛ tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
11 - Salt, to taste
→ Optional Toppings
12 - 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
13 - Extra grated cheese for topping
# How to Make It:
01 - Set the oven temperature to 375°F.
02 - In a mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth. Add sour cream, mozzarella, cheddar, Parmesan, garlic, spring onions, smoked paprika, black pepper, and cayenne pepper if using. Season with salt as needed and mix thoroughly.
03 - Transfer the cheese mixture into a small ovenproof dish, spreading evenly. Optionally, sprinkle additional grated cheese over the top.
04 - Bake in the preheated oven for 18 to 20 minutes until the surface is bubbly and golden brown.
05 - Remove the dish from the oven and allow it to cool for 5 minutes. Garnish with chopped parsley.
06 - Serve warm accompanied by crackers, sliced baguette, or fresh vegetable sticks.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- It comes together in under ten minutes of prep, leaving you stress-free and actually enjoying your guests instead of being stuck in the kitchen.
- Three cheeses create this magical, complex flavor that tastes like you spent hours perfecting it, but you didn't.
- The warm, bubbling texture feels luxurious and indulgent, yet it's simple enough that even nervous cooks pull it off perfectly.
02 -
- Softened cream cheese is non-negotiable—cold cream cheese will create lumps that no amount of stirring fixes, and you'll end up with a dip that feels gritty instead of silky.
- Don't skip the 5-minute rest after baking. It's tempting to serve it immediately while it's bubbling, but that rest lets everything firm up just enough to scoop beautifully without running all over your serving board.
- The temperature matters more than the exact time—ovens vary, so watch for the edges to bubble and the top to turn golden rather than watching the clock.
03 -
- Add 2 tablespoons of finely chopped sun-dried tomatoes or crumbled cooked bacon to the mixture for unexpected depth and intrigue that'll make people ask for your secret.
- Use freshly grated cheese instead of pre-shredded whenever possible—pre-shredded contains anti-caking agents that prevent it from melting as smoothly, and you'll taste the difference in texture.