This Olive Oil Bread Dip is the perfect way to elevate any appetizer spread. Bursting with bold herbs, garlic, parmesan, and a hint of balsamic tang, it’s simple, elegant, and downright addictive. Whether you’re hosting guests or just treating yourself to a quiet night in, this dipping oil with crusty bread is a crowd-pleaser every time.
Why You’ll Love Olive Oil Bread Dip
🍞 Ready in Minutes: Just 5 minutes and a handful of ingredients.
🌿 Bold Flavor: A vibrant blend of herbs, garlic, and parmesan.
🌿 Customizable: Mix and match herbs or spice levels to your liking.
🧄 Fresh & Fragrant: No shortcuts—just quality ingredients and big flavor.
🥖 Perfect Pairing: Serve with warm crusty bread, focaccia, or even baguette slices.
Time Needed
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Servings: 4
Ingredients
- ⅓ cup cold-pressed, extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon fresh basil, finely chopped
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon fresh garlic, minced
- 2 teaspoons freshly grated parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon aged balsamic vinegar
- Crusty bread, for dipping
How to Make Olive Oil Bread Dip
1️⃣ Prepare the Oil Base
Pour the olive oil into a shallow bowl or small plate, creating a pool for dipping.
2️⃣ Add the Herbs and Flavor
Stir in the Italian seasoning, fresh garlic, chopped basil, red pepper flakes, salt, black pepper, and parmesan cheese. Mix until well combined.
3️⃣ Finish with Balsamic
Right before serving, drizzle aged balsamic vinegar over the top for a tangy, beautiful finish.
4️⃣ Serve and Enjoy
Pair the dip with warm, crusty bread. Dip generously and enjoy every bite!
Tips for the Best Flavor
- Use fresh garlic—not jarred—for the best taste.
- Shred your own parmesan to avoid additives and maximize flavor.
- Choose high-quality extra virgin olive oil, as it’s the star of the show.
- Finely chop your herbs for better distribution and presentation.
- Customize: Add a splash of lemon juice or try rosemary, thyme, or sun-dried tomatoes for variety.
Nutrition Info (Per Serving)
- Calories: 168
- Carbs: 1g
- Protein: 1g
- Fat: 18g (13g monounsaturated)
- Sodium: 159mg
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 1g
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Prep the dip without the balsamic, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Add balsamic just before serving.
2. What breads work best?
Crusty Italian bread, baguette slices, focaccia, or sourdough all work beautifully.
3. Can I make it dairy-free?
Absolutely—just omit the parmesan or replace it with a dairy-free alternative.
4. Is lemon juice a good substitute for balsamic?
Yes, if you prefer a lighter, citrusy flavor instead of the deep richness of balsamic.
5. How should leftovers be stored?
Keep refrigerated in a sealed container and use within 2–3 days. Stir before serving again.
Final Thoughts
This Olive Oil Bread Dip brings restaurant-quality flavor to your home kitchen in just minutes. It’s simple, customizable, and incredibly versatile—perfect for entertaining or elevating your next snack session. One bite, and you’ll be hooked.
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Olive Oil Bread Dip – A Flavor-Packed Italian Appetizer
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Olive Oil Bread Dip is the perfect way to elevate any appetizer spread. Bursting with bold herbs, garlic, parmesan, and a hint of balsamic tang, it’s simple, elegant, and downright addictive.
Ingredients
- ⅓ cup cold-pressed, extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon fresh basil, finely chopped
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon fresh garlic, minced
- 2 teaspoons freshly grated parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon aged balsamic vinegar
- Crusty bread, for dipping
Instructions
- Pour the olive oil into a shallow bowl or small plate, creating a pool for dipping.
- Stir in the Italian seasoning, fresh garlic, chopped basil, red pepper flakes, salt, black pepper, and parmesan cheese. Mix until well combined.
- Right before serving, drizzle aged balsamic vinegar over the top for a tangy, beautiful finish.
- Pair the dip with warm, crusty bread. Dip generously and enjoy every bite!
Notes
Prep the dip without the balsamic, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Add balsamic just before serving. Store leftovers refrigerated in a sealed container for 2–3 days. Stir before serving again.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 168
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 159mg
- Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Carbohydrates: 1g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 1g
Keywords: olive oil bread dip, appetizer, dipping oil, italian bread dip