Flavor-Packed Olive Oil Bread Dip
Treat yourself to the perfect blend of elegance and simplicity with this flavor-packed olive oil bread dip! The timeless pairing of oil, dried herbs, and spices makes every bite next-level good. So easy to make and ready in under 10 minutes!
Do you know that irresistible olive oil bread dip from restaurants — the one that makes fresh bread unforgettable? It inspired me to create my own version (one that is even more flavorful than the restaurant variety!). This easy recipe delivers bold flavors with minimal effort, making it the perfect appetizer for any occasion. I hope you enjoy it as much as we do!
Why You’ll Love This Easy Bread Dipping Oil Recipe
- It’s so quick and easy to make! You only need less than 10 minutes to throw it together.
- The recipe needs less than 10 ingredients, most of which you may already have.
- You can customize the olive oil bread dip to suit your tastes. Add your favorite fresh herbs or seasonings to fit your preferences!
- It’s a certified crowd-pleaser! This olive oil dip pairs beautifully with various breads, crackers, or fresh veggie sticks.
- It can be served at any meal — a family dinner or a grand celebration.
- Olive oil is a great source of antioxidants and healthy fats, so including it in your diet is ideal.
A Few Notes on Olive Oil
Olive oil is a staple ingredient in most pantries – but did you know that not all types are created equal? Below are the common kinds of olive oil and the best uses for each:
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil (EVOO): Least processed and highest quality olive oil. It’s also the most flavorful. It’s best used to make salad dressings and dips (like our olive oil bread dip recipe) or as a drizzling oil where its flavors can shine.
- Virgin Olive Oil: A bit lower in quality than EVOO, this one is hard to find in local markets. It’s great for salad dressings, dips, marinades, baking, and even light frying.
- Pure, Regular, or Classic Olive Oil: Has a more neutral flavor profile than EVOO, it’s made from blending refined and virgin olive oils. You can use it for sauteeing, roasting, searing, and frying.
- Light or Extra Light Olive Oil: The “light” doesn’t mean it has fewer calories – it just means the oil has a lighter color plus a neutral, almost bland taste. Like the classic olive oil, this one is good for roasting, searing, grilling, and frying.
Ingredient Notes
High-Quality Extra-Virgin Olive Oil: Plays a central role in our recipe as it imparts a robust, sometimes peppery flavor profile and a luxurious mouthfeel when paired with crusty bread.
Fresh Garlic Cloves: Adds a bold, savory flavor and pungent aroma to the dip. If you do not have fresh, a pinch of garlic powder is tasty too!
Balsamic Vinegar: Imparts a sharp acidity that balances the olive oil’s richness. For another delicious variation, try red wine vinegar instead.
Dried Oregano: Provides a bold and earthy depth to the olive oil bread dip. Fresh can be used if you prefer.
Dried Basil: Adds a mildly sweet and herbaceous flavor.
Red Pepper Flakes: Impart subtle heat that livens up the dip. You can omit this if you’re sensitive to heat.
Sea Salt and Black Pepper: Enhance the natural flavors of the other ingredients.
Fresh Parsley: Used as a fresh and flavorful garnish to the dip but is entirely optional.
How to Make Olive Oil Bread Dip
- Start by pouring olive oil into a shallow dish.
- Add garlic, vinegar, oregano, basil, red pepper flakes (optional), salt, and pepper. Stir gently to combine.
- Sprinkle parsley on top, if desired.
- Serve with warm bread, swirling the mixture occasionally to keep it blended. Enjoy!
How to Serve This Olive Oil Dip
- Paired with bread like gluten-free focaccia, gluten-free sourdough bread, fresh baguette, flatbreads, or ciabatta bread.
- Served with fresh veggies like carrots, cucumbers, bell pepper strips, and celery.
- As a salad dressing over mixed green salads.
- Drizzled over roasted vegetables.
Storing
For best flavors and safety, store any leftovers in an airtight container, and then keep the oil in the refrigerator for up to three days.
Storage of the bread dip might cause it to solidify or form a thicker consistency. If that happens, just stir or leave it at room temperature for about 15 minutes before serving.
Expert Tips
- Look into using “cold-pressed” EVOO for this recipe since it’s considered the healthiest olive oil.
- You can also use a squeeze of lemon juice instead of balsamic vinegar to brighten up the dip.
- Flavorful variations of this bread dip include:
- Spicy Dip: Add smoked paprika, chili flakes, and cayenne pepper.
- Lemony Herb: Add lemon zest, lemon juice, and dill.
- Cheesy Garlic: Blend grated parmesan cheese or diced fresh mozzarella.
- Herbs All The Way: Add fresh rosemary and thyme.
More Delicious Dipping Sauces You Might Love
Olive Oil Bread Dip
Ingredients
- ½ cup high-quality extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic finely minced or grated
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes omit if sensitive to heat
- ½ teaspoon sea salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley optional garnish
Instructions
- In a shallow bowl or small plate, pour the olive oil as the base. Add the minced garlic, vinegar, oregano, basil, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and black pepper.
- Gently stir the ingredients to blend the flavors, leaving the garlic and herbs evenly distributed.
- Sprinkle chopped parsley over the dip, if using.
- Serve immediately with warm, crusty bread for dipping.
- Swirl the oil mixture occasionally to keep the ingredients evenly distributed.
- Enjoy!