Description
This easy Olive Oil Bread Dip recipe combines high-quality extra virgin olive oil with fresh herbs, spices, garlic, and optional add-ins to create a flavorful and versatile appetizer. Perfect for serving with crusty breads or as a creative topping, this dip is quick to prepare, heart-healthy, and customizable to suit any palate or occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
Base Ingredients
- 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil (robust, peppery)
- 1–2 cloves fresh garlic, minced or roasted
- 1 tbsp fresh herbs (rosemary, basil, or thyme), chopped
- Pinch of red pepper flakes
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Pinch of sea salt or flaky salt
- 1 tsp fresh lemon juice or lemon zest
Optional Additions
- 1 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tbsp sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 1 tbsp chopped olives (such as kalamata)
- 1 tsp balsamic vinegar
- Additional fresh herbs for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare Your Olive Oil Base: Pour about 1/2 cup of high-quality extra virgin olive oil into a shallow serving bowl. Adjust the quantity according to the number of servings needed.
- Infuse Aromatics: Add minced or roasted garlic to the olive oil. Let the mixture rest for a few minutes to allow the garlic to infuse and impart its flavor into the oil.
- Add Herbs and Seasonings: Stir in fresh chopped herbs such as rosemary, basil, or thyme. Sprinkle in crushed red pepper flakes, freshly ground black pepper, and sea salt to taste for a balanced and flavorful seasoning.
- Brighten with Citrus: Add fresh lemon juice or lemon zest to the dip to brighten the flavor and cut through the richness of the olive oil.
- Optional Flavor Boosters: Fold in any optional ingredients like sun-dried tomatoes, chopped olives, grated Parmesan cheese, or a drizzle of balsamic vinegar to customize the dip according to your preferred variation.
- Let the Dip Rest: Allow the prepared dip to rest for 10-15 minutes at room temperature before serving to let the flavors meld beautifully.
Notes
- Use a fresh, robust extra virgin olive oil for the best flavor.
- Let the dip rest for 10-15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Serve the dip at room temperature for optimal taste.
- Lightly toast bread before serving to enhance texture and flavor.
- Add coarse sea salt or crushed nuts on top for a delightful crunch.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; bring to room temperature before serving.
- Do not freeze the dip, as olive oil texture and flavor can be affected.
- Warm chilled dip gently using a warm water bath, avoid direct heat.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: No Cook
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 tablespoons
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 80mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 0g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg