Bread Dipping Oil
Updated
Updated
Restaurant-style Bread Dipping Oil easily made at home in just 10 minutes! This olive oil dip for bread is perfect served with crusty Italian bread for a quick and easy impressive appetizer or snack.
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Bread Dipping Oil Recipe
You know that irresistible bread dipping oil they serve at your favorite Italian restaurant? I mean, I could just fill up on that with some fresh bread and a plate of cheese, and simply skip the main meal. Well, you can easily make it at home in just minutes with the same fantastic results.
There are many ways you can make dipping oil for bread, but the base is olive oil, herbs, and seasonings. My recipe adds in a few more umami ingredients to make it the best ever. Serve with some crusty Italian bread or focaccia and you won’t be able to stop dipping!
Helpful Tips
- Herbs. I use a combination of parsley, thyme, and oregano, but you can switch them up using your favorites. I prefer fresh for best flavor, but dried can also be used.
- Garlic. This is a key ingredient for aromatics and flavor. Again, I like to use freshly minced for the best flavor, but garlic powder can be used instead.
- Melted unsalted butter. This is a secret ingredient I learned about from a local restaurant!
- Balsamic vinegar. This offers a sort of rich, complex sweet and tart flavor. It compliments the other flavors so well, but it is optional if you prefer to leave it out.
- Olive oil. Use the best quality olive oil, since this is the base of the dip and you will taste the difference.
Bread Dipping Oil
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons finely minced fresh parsley, (or ½ tablespoon dried)
- 1½ teaspoons finely minced fresh thyme, (or ½ teaspoon dried)
- 1½ teaspoons finely minced fresh oregano, (or ½ teaspoon dried)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon coarse salt
- ⅛-¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 2 small cloves finely minced garlic , (or ¼ teaspoon garlic powder)
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted
- 2 teaspoons balsamic vinegar
- 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
- ½ cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 to 2 tablespoons freshly grated Parmesan cheese, for serving, optional
- warm crusty bread or focaccia, for dipping
Instructions
- Add all the ingredients (except the Parmesan) to a small jar, fasten tightly with the lid and shake vigorously to incorporate.
- Transfer the oil mixture to a shallow condiment bowl and sprinkle the Parmesan over the surface.
- Enjoy with crusty bread for dipping!
Notes
Nutrition
Nutritional information given is an automatic calculation and can vary based on the exact products you use and any changes you make to the recipe. If these numbers are very important to you, I would recommend calculating them yourself.
Did you make this? Leave a rating below!
How To Make Bread Dipping Oil
- Combine ingredients. To a small jar that holds at least one cup (that has a lid) add all 2 Tbsps finely minced fresh parsley, 1½ tsps finely minced fresh thyme, 1½ tsps finely minced fresh oregano, ¼ tsp black pepper, ¼ tsp coarse salt, ⅛ to ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes, 2 small cloves finely minced garlic, 1 Tbsp melted unsalted butter, 2 tsps balsamic vinegar, 1 tsp fresh lemon juice, and ½ cup extra-virgin olive oil. Fasten tightly with the lid and shake vigorously to incorporate.
- Place in a condiment bowl. Transfer the oil mixture to a shallow condiment bowl and sprinkle 1 to 2 Tbsps Parmesan over the surface.
- Serve. Enjoy with crusty bread for dipping!
Serving Suggestions
This Italian bread dipping oil can be made in minutes and served with bread for a great last minute appetizer. It does tastes better the longer it sits, but if you’re in a pinch for time you can serve it right away. We love it with crusty dutch oven bread, French bread, or focaccia, and it’s a perfect addition to a charcuterie board or wine party. Or serve it as part of an Italian meal with spaghetti sauce and pasta.
This flavored olive oil is also wonderful used as a salad dressing or pouring over veggies baked in the oven. Or cut down on the amount of oil and use it as a paste/rub for roasted pork tenderloin.
Proper Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The mixture can solidify in the fridge, just let stand 30 minutes and give it a good whisk before serving again.
If you’d like to store the mixture longer, you’ll need to use dried herbs and garlic powder instead of fresh, then store in a little container and add the wet ingredients when you’re ready to serve. The mixture of dried ingredients will keep for up to 4 months in a tightly sealed container in your pantry.
More Easy Appetizers:
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Fantastic, (do not leave out the balsamic vinegar)