Bread Dipping Oil
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Transform an ordinary crusty baguette into an extraordinarily delicious appetizer with this Bread Dipping Oil! Crafted with a flavorful blend of rich olive oil, aromatic garlic, dried herbs, and a splash of balsamic vinegar, this easy recipe is a bread lover’s dream!
Easy Bread Dipping Oil
As a self-confessed bread lover, I’m always on the lookout for a reason to indulge in my carb addiction. And let me tell you, this game changing bread dipping oil recipe is the perfect excuse! Made with a combination of rich olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and aromatic herbs and spices, it perfectly complements fresh bread without overpowering its natural flavors.
With just a few basic ingredients and minimal effort, you can create a delicious bread dipping oil that rivals your favorite Italian restaurant. So, whether you’re in need of an easy appetizer for a casual get-together with friends or planning a fancy dinner party, this simple dip is the ideal companion for any type of crusty bread or baguette.
Why You’ll Love This Bread Dipping Oil
- Easy Appetizer! With this recipe, there’s no need to stress about complicated steps. It’s perfect for when you need an appetizer that’s both quick and impressive to serve your guests.
- Simple And Delicious! The secret to this incredible dipping oil lies in its perfect combination of dried herbs, spices, and extra virgin olive oil. It’s not complicated but the flavors are spot on.
- Perfect Make Ahead! You can easily prepare a larger batch of this olive oil bread dip recipe and keep it in your refrigerator for up to a week. It’s a fantastic go-to appetizer for planning ahead.
- Extra virgin olive oil – This is the star of the show, so try to use the best quality olive oil you can afford.
- Balsamic vinegar – Adds a tangy note. If you don’t have balsamic vinegar, you can use red wine vinegar for a slightly different flavor.
- Garlic – Always use fresh garlic for the most pungent flavor.
- Dried Herbs – I used both dried oregano and dried basil to add a little herby goodness. You can use fresh herbs if you prefer.
- Red Pepper Flakes – Gives the dipping oil a touch of spice. You can add more or less red chili flakes based on your spice preference.
- Seasonings – Salt and black pepper are used to season the dip.
- Parmesan cheese – This ingredient is optional. It adds a lovely cheesy touch to the dip.
- Crusty Bread – You can use any type of bread you like for serving. The most popular option is a French baguette, but ciabatta, sourdough bread, and no knead bread are also fantastic choices.
You’re going to be amazed by how incredibly easy it is to make your own bread dipping oil. This simple recipe will quickly become your secret weapon for crafting an effortless and delicious appetizer in mere minutes.
To make the dipping oil, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, balsamic vinegar, minced garlic, dried herbs, red pepper flakes, and a pinch of salt and pepper in a small bowl. Make sure that you blend the ingredients thoroughly to achieve the most flavorful results.
Next, pour the bread dipping oil into a shallow bowl or onto a large plate. If you like, you can sprinkle some freshly grated Parmesan cheese over the top of the oil to add a little cheesy goodness and complement the flavors of the oil.
Once the dipping oil is ready, serve it with a crusty loaf of bread and enjoy. You can also pair it with other accompaniments such as olives, roasted peppers, or marinated artichoke hearts to create a mini antipasto spread.
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of olive oil is good for dipping bread?
For the best favor choose a good high-quality extra virgin olive oil. Its rich and robust flavor along with its smooth texture enhance the taste of the herbs and spices.
Where did dipping bread in olive oil come from?
The tradition of dipping bread in olive oil can be traced back to ancient Mediterranean cultures and was common practice in countries like Italy and Greece.
What else can I do with bread dipping oil?
You can drizzle it over grilled vegetables, use it as a salad dressing, make crostini, or toss it with cooked pasta, just to name a few options. The possibilities are endless, so feel free to be as creative as you like.
Expert Tips
- Choose quality ingredients. Use the best quality extra virgin olive oil and balsamic vinegar you can afford. These two ingredients are the foundation of your dip and will make a noticeable difference in flavor.
- Experiment with herbs. Try adding thyme, rosemary, or even a pinch of tarragon for unique and delightful variations.
- Serve it at room temperature. Let the olive oil dip come to room temperature for the best taste. Cold olive oil can mute the flavors.
- Make it in advance. This olive oil bread dip tastes even better after sitting for a few hours or overnight.
Storage
If you have any leftover bread dipping oil, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. When you’re ready to use it again, simply allow it to come to room temperature before serving.
Discover Other Appetizers
- Shrimp Cocktail
- Easy Guacamole
- Pico de Gallo Recipe
- Crockpot Queso Blanco
- Chile Con Queso
- Shrimp Ceviche
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Bread Dipping Oil
Ingredients
- ½ cup olive oil (extra virgin)
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon dried basil
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- salt and pepper (to taste)
- Parmesan cheese (freshly grated, optional)
- crusty bread (for serving)
Before You Begin! If you make this, please leave a review and rating letting us know how you liked this recipe! This helps our business thrive & continue providing free recipes.
Instructions
- In a small bowl, whisk together the extra-virgin olive oil, balsamic vinegar, minced garlic, dried oregano, dried basil, red pepper flakes, and a pinch of salt and pepper until well combined.
- Transfer the bread dipping oil to a shallow bowl or plate for serving. If desired, sprinkle some freshly grated Parmesan cheese over the top of the oil.
- Serve the bread dipping oil with slices of crusty bread for dipping. You can also serve it with other accompaniments such as olives, roasted peppers, or marinated artichoke hearts.
Notes
- Quality of Olive Oil: Use extra-virgin olive oil for the best flavor. It forms the base of this dip, so a high-quality oil will significantly enhance the taste.
- Herbs Selection: Feel free to experiment with different herbs and spices. Dried herbs work well, but fresh ones can be used for a more vibrant flavor. Adjust quantities to taste.
- Serving Suggestions: This dipping oil pairs wonderfully with a crusty artisan bread. It can also be used as a salad dressing or a marinade for chicken and vegetables.
- Storage: If you have leftover dipping oil, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will last up to a week. Allow it to come to room temperature before serving again.
- Garlic Intensity: If you prefer a milder garlic flavor, start with a small amount and adjust to taste. Conversely, garlic enthusiasts may want to add more.
- Heating Option: For an added dimension of flavor, you can gently heat the oil with the herbs to infuse it before cooling and serving.
Nutrition Information
Notice: Nutrition is auto-calculated for your convenience. Where relevant, we recommend using your own nutrition calculations.
