Olive Oil Bread Dip

Name: Olive Oil Bread Dip
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 15 min
Ingredients: 2 teaspoons fresh garlic, (finely minced); 1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar; ½ teaspoon dried Italian seasoning blend; ½ teaspoon dried parsley flakes; ½ teaspoon salt; ¼ teaspoon black pepper; ⅛ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes; ½ cup olive oil, (extra virgin); 1 loaf crusty baguette bread, (cut into ½-inch thick slices for serving)

a slice of bread dipped in a bowl of olive oil

Indulge in the flavors of olive oil bread dip, a quick appetizer featuring olive oil infused with garlic, herbs, and balsamic vinegar, perfect for dipping fresh bread.

Jump to Recipe

Table of Contents

Dish Details: What To Know
Olive Oil Bread Dip Ingredients
Substitutions and Additions
Flavor Profile
How To Make This Olive Oil Bread Dip Recipe
How To Serve Bread Oil
Storage Tips for Italian Bread Dipping Oil
Why This Olive Oil Bread Dip is the Best
Frequently Asked Questions
More Dip Recipes You’ll Love
JUMP TO RECIPE

Elevate your dining experience with our olive oil bread dip. It’s an enticing blend of garlic, herbs, and balsamic vinegar, making it a versatile and delectable companion to warm, crusty baguette slices.

Dish Details: What To Know

Main Ingredients: Olive oil, garlic, balsamic vinegar, Italian seasoning, parsley, salt, pepper, red pepper flakes, crusty bread.
Quick Steps: Mix garlic, vinegar, and seasonings; slowly whisk in olive oil, let infuse, and serve with bread.
Total Time & Yield: 15 minutes, serve with one loaf of bread.

Why This Recipe

This olive oil bread dip recipe stands out for its balance of bold flavors and simplicity.

While many recipes use pre-made seasoning blends or garlic powder, this one emphasizes fresh garlic and herbs, which creates a more vibrant and authentic taste.

The balsamic vinegar adds a rich, tangy contrast to the fruity olive oil, making it a more complex and enjoyable dipping experience compared to others that rely solely on herbs.

Additionally, the option to personalize the spice level with red pepper flakes gives a unique kick that many recipes don’t include, offering a more dynamic flavor profile. This makes it a fantastic choice for those looking for a dip that’s both fresh and customizable

Olive Oil Bread Dip Ingredients

Olive Oil Bread Dip raw ingredients that are labeled

The best olive oil bread dip features a handful of simple ingredients that give it an incredible flavor.

Because this is such a simple yet flavorful olive oil bread dip, you want to use high quality ingredients.

You’ll need:

2 teaspoons of fresh garlic cloves, finely minced
1 teaspoon of balsamic vinegar
½ teaspoon of dried Italian seasoning blend
½ teaspoon of dried parsley flakes
½ teaspoon of salt
¼ teaspoon of black pepper
⅛ teaspoon (pinch) of crushed red pepper flakes
½ cup of extra virgin olive oil (good quality)
1 loaf of crusty baguette bread, cut into ½-inch thick slices for serving

Substitutions and Additions

OLIVE OIL: When choosing an olive oil for this easy recipe, make sure you choose a high-quality brand of extra virgin olive oil.

This needs to be one meant for making salad dressings or marinades, not for cooking in a skillet. It should be rich and smooth in flavor and golden in color.

FRESH GARLIC: If you’re short on fresh garlic, you can substitute it with garlic powder. Start with a half teaspoon of garlic powder for a milder flavor and adjust to taste.

ITALIAN SEASONING: If you don’t have a premade Italian seasoning blend, you can create your own. Combine dried basil, oregano, thyme, and rosemary in equal parts to make your herb mixture.

CRUSHED RED PEPPER FLAKES: Adjust the amount of crushed red pepper flakes based on your spice preference. Increase for more heat or omit for a milder version.

BREAD: The options for bread to enjoy with your bread dipping oil are endless. Try sourdough bread, Italian bread, French bread, or fresh focaccia for just a few suggestions.

Flavor Profile

The olive oil bread dip has a robust and savory taste, combining the fruitiness of extra virgin olive oil with the tangy sweetness of balsamic vinegar.

Fresh garlic provides a sharp, aromatic kick, while the Italian herbs like oregano and basil bring an earthy, fragrant layer to the dip.

The red pepper flakes add a subtle heat, balanced by the salt and pepper.

The overall flavor is rich, slightly spicy, and aromatic.

How To Make This Olive Oil Bread Dip Recipe

You don’t need to visit your favorite Italian restaurant thanks to this simple recipe. One bite and you’ll wonder why you didn’t try this delicious bread dip sooner! Here’s how you make it:

STEP ONE: Add the fresh minced garlic, balsamic vinegar, dried Italian seasoning blend, parsley flakes, salt, black pepper, and crushed red pepper in a small bowl.

STEP TWO: While whisking constantly, slowly pour the extra virgin olive oil into the bowl of spices. Whisk until all the spices are fully blended with the oil.

olive oil poured into the bowl of spices

Set aside for ten minutes to allow the herbs and spices to infuse into the olive oil.

Don’t skip this infusion time. This resting time allows the herbs and spices to fully infuse into the oil, enhancing the flavor.

STEP THREE: Transfer the infused olive oil mixture to a shallow dish and serve with slices of crusty baguette bread.

olive oil in a bowl with a slice of bread

How To Serve Bread Oil

Serve the bread oil as an easy appetizer at dinner parties or gatherings. Pair with a glass of wine, a selection of cheeses, olives, and your favorite fresh no knead bread for an elegant starter to a dinner party.

Creat6e a Mediterranean-inspired platter with the olive oil dip, hummus, tzatziki, and pita bread.

Incorporate this dip into your charcuterie board for a delightful contrast to cured meats and pickles.

Make it a casual snack by setting it out with a variety of dipping options like carrot sticks, cucumber slices, and cherry tomatoes.

Creating an Italian feast? Make sure to end the meal with our delicious and easy tiramisu.

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Storage Tips for Italian Bread Dipping Oil

If you would like to make a larger batch or have leftovers, here are some handy tips.

MAKE AHEAD: You can make this dip ahead and store it in a lidded container in the refrigerator for up to one week. Allow it to come to room temperature before serving.

IN THE FRIDGE: Store this simple olive oil dip in an airtight container in the fridge for up to one week.

IN THE FREEZER: Freezing is not recommended for this dip as it may alter the texture and flavor.

Why This Olive Oil Bread Dip is the Best

SIMPLICITY: This olive oil recipe is incredibly easy to make, making it accessible for all cooking levels.

FLAVORFUL: The combination of garlic, herbs, and high-quality olive oil creates a flavor that’s hard to resist.

VERSATILITY: This dip can be served on various occasions, from casual get-togethers to elegant dinner parties.

Our simple olive oil bread dip is a gem that combines simplicity with bold flavors. Give it a try and savor the delightful tastes of garlic, herbs, and extra virgin olive oil – it’s a recipe that’s sure to become a favorite in your repertoire.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use regular olive oil instead of extra virgin olive oil?

Extra virgin olive oil is recommended for its rich flavor and quality. Regular olive oil may lack the same depth of taste.

Can I use garlic paste instead of minced garlic?

Garlic paste can be used as a convenient alternative to minced garlic.

Can I make a larger batch of this dip?

Simply double or triple the ingredients in this simpl*e recipe to make a larger batch.

Can I adjust the spice level?

You can control the spice level by adding more or less crushed red pepper flakes to suit your taste.

More Dip Recipes You’ll Love

Olive Oil Bread Dip

5 from 2 votes

Indulge in the flavors of olive oil bread dip, a quick appetizer featuring olive oil infused with garlic, herbs, and balsamic vinegar, perfect for dipping fresh bread.

Prep Time 15

Total Time 15

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Ingredients

2 teaspoons fresh garlic, finely minced
1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar
½ teaspoon dried Italian seasoning blend
½ teaspoon dried parsley flakes
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
⅛ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
½ cup olive oil, extra virgin
1 loaf crusty baguette bread, cut into ½-inch thick slices for serving

Instructions

Add the fresh minced garlic, balsamic vinegar, dried Italian seasoning blend, parsley flakes, salt, black pepper, and crushed red pepper in a small mixing bowl.
While whisking constantly, slowly pour the extra virgin olive oil into the bowl of spices. Whisk until all the spices are fully blended with the oil. Set aside for 10 minutes to allow the herbs and spices to infuse into the olive oil.
Transfer the infused olive oil to a shallow dish and serve with slices of crusty baguette bread.

Notes

Because this is such a simple yet flavorful olive oil bread dip, you want to use high quality ingredients.
Don’t skip this infusion time. This resting time allows the herbs and spices to fully infuse into the oil, enhancing the flavor.

Nutrition

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Olive Oil Bread Dip