Description

This Creamy Smoked Paprika & Black Garlic Fondue Dip delivers incredible taste and a delightful culinary flourish, enhanced by a flaky smoked sea salt garnish for sparkle and depth. It’s a rich, bubbly cheese dip perfect for a cozy night in, an easy dinner idea, or a satisfying high-protein snack.

Ingredients

Scale

225 g cream cheese, softened (8 oz)
120 ml full-fat sour cream (0.5 cup)
15 g black garlic paste (1 tbsp, or 3–4 finely minced black garlic cloves)
5 g smoked paprika (1 tsp)
0.5 g cayenne pepper (0.25 tsp, optional)
2 g garlic powder (0.5 tsp)
2 g onion powder (0.5 tsp)
5 ml fresh lemon juice (1 tsp)
3 g fine sea salt (0.5 tsp)
1 g freshly ground black pepper (0.25 tsp)
150 g low-moisture, part-skim shredded mozzarella cheese (1.5 cups)
100 g shredded sharp cheddar cheese (1 cup)
15 ml extra virgin olive oil (1 tbsp), plus more for drizzling
5 g flaky smoked sea salt (1 tsp), for garnish
5 g fresh chives, finely chopped (2 tbsp), for garnish

Instructions

Preheat Oven & Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 190°C (375°F). Lightly grease a small, shallow oven-safe baking dish, like an 8-inch round or similar oval.
Combine Creamy Base: In a medium bowl, whisk together the softened cream cheese, sour cream, black garlic paste, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper (if using), garlic powder, onion powder, fresh lemon juice, fine sea salt, and black pepper until completely smooth.
Layer Cheeses: Spread the flavored cream cheese mixture evenly into your prepared baking dish, forming a smooth base layer. In a separate bowl, toss the shredded mozzarella and sharp cheddar cheeses with 15 ml (1 tbsp) of extra virgin olive oil.
Bake to Perfection: Evenly sprinkle the seasoned shredded cheese blend over the cream cheese layer. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese topping is bubbly, fully melted, and beautifully golden brown around the edges. For extra browning, you can broil for the last 1-2 minutes, watching carefully.
Serve with Flair: Carefully remove the dish from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes, allowing the cheese to set slightly. Serve immediately, drizzling generously with extra virgin olive oil. Sprinkle the flaky smoked sea salt across the melty cheese surface, then garnish with fresh chives. Arrange warm bread, pita chips, or sturdy veggies around the dish for dipping.

Notes

Prepare the cream cheese base and grate cheeses up to 2 days ahead, storing separately. Reheat leftovers gently in the oven at 150°C (300°F) for 10-15 minutes or microwave in short bursts. For a lower-carb option, serve with non-starchy vegetables. Dairy-free alternatives can be explored, but texture may vary.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Dip
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Fusion

Nutrition

Serving Size: 0.25 cup (60 g)
Calories: 280 calories
Sugar: 2 g
Sodium: 450 mg
Fat: 22 g
Saturated Fat: 14 g
Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 4 g
Fiber: 0 g
Protein: 12 g
Cholesterol: 60 mg

Keywords: Creamy, Smoked Paprika, Black Garlic, Fondue, Dip, Cheese, Appetizer, Easy Dinner, High-Protein, Party Food