If you love simple, flavorful starters, this olive oil bread dip comes together in minutes and tastes like a restaurant bread basket at home. Let it rest while you warm the bread, then pour and dip.
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Holly’s Recipe Highlights
- Flavor: This dip is savory and garlicky with a tangy balsamic brightness, a touch of Italian seasoning, and a subtle nutty richness, especially with Parmesan on top.
- Optional Add-Ins: A seasonal twist I love is adding a drizzle of balsamic glaze in the winter, or a sprinkle of fresh lemon zest in the summer for a bright, fresh pop.
- Serving Suggestions: Serve with a warm baguette, focaccia, or crostini for that classic restaurant-style bread basket feel.
Assemble Your Ingredients
- Olive Oil: Use a good-tasting, everyday extra virgin olive oil since the flavor is front and center. If it’s peppery, mellow it out with a splash of a milder olive oil.
- Balsamic Vinegar: Vinegar keeps the dip light and tangy, while a balsamic glaze adds sweetness and clings beautifully to the bread.
- Italian Seasoning: Italian seasoning is my shortcut for that “restaurant-style” flavor, but you can easily swap in a mix of oregano and basil if you need to.
- Garlic: Fresh minced garlic gives the boldest flavor. For a smoother dip, swap in garlic powder.
- Parsley: Fresh looks bright, dried works year-round, and blends in easily.
Variations
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat.
- Mediterranean Twist: Stir in chopped sun-dried tomatoes or olives for extra texture.
- Citrus Bright: Finish with a bit of lemon zest for a fresh, citrus pop.
How to Make Olive Oil Bread Dip
- In a jar, mix together all the ingredients (full recipe below).
- Shake and allow it to sit at room temperature for up to 2 hours.
- Shake again right before serving and pour into a shallow bowl, with warm bread on the side.
How to Store Leftovers
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The oil will thicken when chilled, so let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes, then shake well before serving.
Freeze in small portions for longer storage. Store the bread separately and toast it to refresh.
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Equipment
Ingredients
- ⅔ cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar or balsamic glaze
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley or 1½ teaspoons dried parsley
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt or to taste
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper freshly ground
- 1 tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese for garnish, optional
Instructions
- In a jar with a lid, add the oil, balsamic, garlic, parsley, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Shake well to combine and let rest at room temperature for 30 minutes or up to 2 hours.
- To serve, shake well and pour into a shallow bowl or dish
- Garnish with grated Parmesan cheese, if desired.
- Serve with a fresh loaf of bread, such as a baguette or focaccia, for dipping.
Notes
Nutrition Information
Nutrition information provided is an estimate and will vary based on cooking methods and brands of ingredients used.
Course Dip
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