Olive Oil Bread Dip is a delightful and versatile accompaniment that elevates any meal or gathering. Imagine dipping warm, crusty bread into a fragrant blend of high-quality olive oil, aromatic herbs, and zesty spices—it’s a culinary experience that tantalizes the taste buds. This dish has roots in Mediterranean cuisine, where olive oil is not just a cooking ingredient but a symbol of hospitality and tradition. People love Olive Oil Bread Dip for its simplicity and the way it brings out the natural flavors of the bread, creating a perfect balance of taste and texture. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or enjoying a quiet evening at home, this dip is a convenient and delicious way to enhance your dining experience.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Freshly baked bread (like ciabatta or baguette) for serving
Preparing the Dip
Let’s get started on making this delicious olive oil bread dip! It’s super simple and comes together in just a few minutes. I love how versatile this dip is; you can adjust the flavors to suit your taste. Here’s how I do it:
- In a medium-sized mixing bowl, pour in 1 cup of extra virgin olive oil. This will be the base of our dip, and using high-quality olive oil makes a huge difference in flavor.
- Add 2 tablespoons of balsamic vinegar to the bowl. This will add a nice tangy sweetness to the dip. If you prefer a more robust flavor, you can use a darker balsamic vinegar.
- Next, squeeze in 1 tablespoon of fresh lemon juice. The acidity from the lemon juice will brighten up the flavors and balance the richness of the olive oil.
- Now, let’s add some flavor! Toss in 2 cloves of minced garlic. I love the punch that fresh garlic brings to the dip. If you’re not a huge fan of raw garlic, you can roast it first for a milder flavor.
- Sprinkle in 1 teaspoon of dried oregano and 1 teaspoon of dried basil. These herbs will infuse the dip with a lovely Mediterranean aroma. If you have fresh herbs on hand, feel free to use them instead!
- For a little heat, add 1 teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes. Adjust this amount based on your spice preference. I usually go for a bit more if I’m feeling adventurous!
- Season the mixture with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. I usually start with about ½ teaspoon of salt and a few cracks of black pepper, then adjust as needed.
- Once all the ingredients are in the bowl, whisk everything together until well combined. You want to ensure that the oil, vinegar, and seasonings are fully integrated.
Letting the Flavors Marinate
Now that we have our dip mixed, it’s time to let the flavors meld together. This step is crucial for a delicious dip!
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or transfer the dip to a jar with a lid. Let it sit at room temperature for at least 30 minutes. This allows the garlic and herbs to infuse their flavors into the olive oil.
- If you have time, I recommend letting it marinate for a few hours or even overnight in the refrigerator. Just remember to bring it back to room temperature before serving, as the olive oil may solidify in the fridge.
Preparing the Bread
While the dip is marinating, let’s prepare the bread. Freshly baked bread is essential for dipping!
- Choose your favorite bread. I love using ciabatta or a crusty baguette, but you can use any bread you like. Sourdough, focaccia, or even pita bread work great!
- If you’re using a baguette, slice it into 1-inch thick pieces on a diagonal. This not only looks nice but also gives you more surface area for dipping.
- For ciabatta, you can slice it in half lengthwise or into thick slices, depending on your preference.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the sliced bread on a baking sheet and drizzle a little olive oil over the top. This will help it crisp up nicely.
- Bake the bread in the preheated oven for about 10-15 minutes, or until it’s golden brown and crispy. Keep an eye on it to prevent burning!
- Once the bread is done
Conclusion:
In summary, this Olive Oil Bread Dip is an absolute must-try for anyone looking to elevate their appetizer game. The combination of rich, flavorful olive oil, aromatic herbs, and a hint of spice creates a delightful experience that will have your taste buds dancing. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party, enjoying a cozy night in, or simply looking for a quick and delicious snack, this dip is sure to impress. For serving suggestions, consider pairing this dip with a variety of fresh, crusty breads like ciabatta or baguette. You can also add a platter of assorted vegetables, olives, or even some marinated cheeses to create a beautiful and inviting spread. If you’re feeling adventurous, try experimenting with different herbs or spices to customize the flavor to your liking—basil, sun-dried tomatoes, or even a sprinkle of feta can take this dip to the next level. I encourage you to give this Olive Oil Bread Dip a try and share your experience with friends and family. I would love to hear how you enjoyed it and any unique twists you added to make it your own. So grab your ingredients, whip up this delicious dip, and let the flavors transport you to a sun-soaked Mediterranean terrace. Happy dipping! Print
Olive Oil Bread Dip: A Delicious Recipe to Elevate Your Appetizers
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4–6 servings 1x
Description
A delightful and versatile olive oil bread dip, infused with garlic, herbs, and a hint of spice, perfect for serving with freshly baked bread.
Ingredients
Scale- 1 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Freshly baked bread (like ciabatta or baguette) for serving
Instructions
- In a medium-sized mixing bowl, pour in 1 cup of extra virgin olive oil.
- Add 2 tablespoons of balsamic vinegar to the bowl.
- Squeeze in 1 tablespoon of fresh lemon juice.
- Toss in 2 cloves of minced garlic.
- Sprinkle in 1 teaspoon of dried oregano and 1 teaspoon of dried basil.
- Add 1 teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes, adjusting to taste.
- Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Whisk everything together until well combined.
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or transfer to a jar with a lid and let it sit at room temperature for at least 30 minutes, or refrigerate for a few hours or overnight.
- Prepare your bread by slicing it and preheating the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Drizzle olive oil over the sliced bread and bake for 10-15 minutes until golden brown and crispy.
- Transfer the dip to a serving bowl, garnish with parsley, and serve with the warm bread.
Notes
- This dip can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to a week.
- Customize the herbs and spices to your liking; fresh herbs can be used instead of dried.
- Consider adding grated Parmesan cheese or a splash of lemon zest for extra flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
