Bread Dipping Oil

If you’re looking to elevate your appetizer game, Bread Dipping Oil is a must-try! This flavorful oil combines the richness of olive oil with aromatic herbs and spices, creating the perfect dip for a warm, crusty loaf of bread. Just imagine tearing off a piece of freshly baked bread, dipping it into this savory oil, and savoring that burst of flavor with each bite. It’s simple, yet absolutely irresistible.

The beauty of this recipe is its versatility. You can adjust the herbs and spices to match your personal taste, or even add a bit of heat with red pepper flakes if you’re in the mood for a kick. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or enjoying a quiet meal at home, this dipping oil adds that little extra touch that everyone will rave about.

Why You’ll Love Bread Dipping Oil

Here’s why you’re going to love this recipe:

Simple & Quick: With just a few pantry staples, you can have this dipping oil ready in minutes. No complicated steps—just pour, mix, and serve!

Full of Flavor: The combination of garlic, herbs, and olive oil creates a flavorful, aromatic dip that perfectly complements bread, but also works well with roasted veggies or even grilled meats.

Customizable: The best part about this recipe is that it’s totally adjustable. Add more garlic, switch up the herbs, or throw in some balsamic vinegar for an added twist. Make it your own!

Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a family dinner, a casual lunch, or a fancy dinner party, this dipping oil is the perfect start to any meal.

Healthy & Fresh: Olive oil is full of healthy fats, and you control the seasoning, making it a much healthier option than store-bought dips or spreads.

Ingredients in Bread Dipping Oil

Here’s what you’ll need to create your own Bread Dipping Oil:

Extra Virgin Olive Oil

The base of the dipping oil, rich in flavor and full of healthy fats. It’s the foundation for all the other flavors to shine.

Fresh Garlic

Freshly minced garlic is what gives this oil its bold, savory kick. It infuses the oil with that irresistible garlicky goodness.

Dried Italian Herbs

A classic mix of oregano, basil, and thyme will give your dipping oil that unmistakable Italian flavor. These herbs are warm and fragrant, perfect for infusing into the olive oil.

Red Pepper Flakes

A touch of red pepper flakes adds a little heat to balance the richness of the olive oil and garlic. It’s not overwhelming, just a hint of spice to take the flavor to the next level.

Salt & Pepper

Simple seasoning is key to letting all the flavors shine. A pinch of salt and a dash of pepper are just enough to bring everything together.

(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Making this Bread Dipping Oil is as easy as 1-2-3:

Combine the Ingredients

In a small bowl or shallow dish, combine the extra virgin olive oil, minced garlic, dried Italian herbs, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper.

Mix & Let It Rest

Stir the ingredients together to combine. Let the oil sit for about 10-15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. The garlic and herbs will infuse the oil, making it even more flavorful.

Serve & Enjoy

Once the oil is ready, serve it with a fresh loaf of crusty bread—ciabatta, baguette, or focaccia all work wonderfully. Tear off chunks of bread and dip it right into the oil for a simple yet flavorful appetizer or side dish.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 8 (about 2 tablespoons per serving)
Calories per serving: 120
Total Fat: 14g

• Saturated Fat: 2g
  Cholesterol: 0mg
  Sodium: 70mg
  Total Carbohydrates: 1g
• Dietary Fiber: 0g
• Sugars: 0g
  Protein: 0g
  Calcium: 1mg
  Iron: 0.2mg
  Potassium: 20mg

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Resting Time: 10-15 minutes
Total Time: 15-20 minutes

How to Serve Bread Dipping Oil

Bread Dipping Oil is an incredibly versatile addition to your meal. Here are a few ideas on how to serve it:

With Fresh Bread: Serve it with freshly baked or toasted bread—think crusty baguettes, ciabatta, or sourdough. Tear off chunks and dip into the olive oil for a simple yet elegant starter.

As a Dip for Vegetables: It’s not just for bread! Use this dipping oil as a flavorful dip for fresh, crunchy vegetables like carrots, cucumbers, or bell peppers.

With Roasted Vegetables: Drizzle over roasted vegetables like potatoes, zucchini, or eggplant for an added layer of flavor.

On Grilled Meats: Use it as a marinade for grilled chicken, beef, or lamb, or drizzle it on top after cooking.

As a Salad Dressing: This oil makes an excellent base for a Mediterranean-style salad dressing. Just add a splash of balsamic vinegar or lemon juice and whisk together for a fresh, tangy salad topper.

Additional Tips

Use Fresh Garlic: For the best flavor, use fresh garlic rather than garlic powder. It infuses the oil with a richer, bolder taste.

Let It Rest: Allowing the oil to sit for 10-15 minutes gives the garlic and herbs time to infuse the oil, creating a much deeper flavor profile.

Customize the Herbs: Feel free to experiment with different herbs depending on your taste. Fresh basil, rosemary, or parsley can all be great additions.

Make It Spicy: If you like things spicy, add more red pepper flakes, or even a dash of hot sauce for an extra kick.

Make Ahead: You can make this oil ahead of time and store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. It gets even better as the flavors develop over time.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use any olive oil for this recipe?
A1: Extra virgin olive oil is best because it’s rich in flavor, but you can use regular olive oil if that’s what you have on hand.

Q2: Can I make this dipping oil in advance?
A2: Yes, this oil can be made in advance and stored for up to a week. Just let the flavors meld together and store it in an airtight container.

Q3: Can I add more garlic to this recipe?
A3: Absolutely! If you love garlic, feel free to add an extra clove or two for a more intense flavor.

Q4: Can I use fresh herbs instead of dried herbs?
A4: Yes! Use about 1 tablespoon of fresh herbs for each teaspoon of dried herbs. Fresh oregano, thyme, or basil all work well.

Q5: Can I use this oil as a marinade?
A5: Yes, this oil makes an excellent marinade for chicken, lamb, or fish. Let the protein sit in the oil for 30 minutes before cooking for maximum flavor.

Q6: How long can I store this oil?
A6: Store the dipping oil in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you don’t use it all, it’s best to discard it after a week for freshness.

Q7: Can I make this dipping oil spicier?
A7: If you want a spicier version, add more red pepper flakes, or even a pinch of cayenne pepper for an added kick.

Q8: How do I make this oil thicker?
A8: Olive oil naturally has a light consistency, but if you want it thicker, you could blend in a small amount of balsamic vinegar or a teaspoon of mustard to give it more body.

Q9: Can I use this dipping oil on pasta?
A9: Yes, drizzle it over cooked pasta for a simple, flavorful dish. Add a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese and a few fresh herbs for a delicious, Mediterranean-inspired meal.

Q10: Can I add balsamic vinegar to this oil?
A10: Absolutely! A splash of balsamic vinegar will give it a sweet, tangy twist that complements the herbs and olive oil.

Conclusion

Making your own Bread Dipping Oil is one of the easiest ways to elevate a meal with minimal effort. With just a few ingredients and a little time to let the flavors come together, you’ll have a delicious, aromatic dip ready for your bread, veggies, or even meats. So grab your olive oil, gather your herbs, and prepare to take your appetizer game to the next level!

Print