Treat yourself to this amazing Olive Oil Bread Dip! This irresistible, restaurant-inspired appetizer takes five minutes to make, and it's absolutely addictive. A total crowd pleaser that's perfect for casual entertaining!
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Ginnie's Take
Looking for a scrumptious appetizer that takes mere minutes to make? Then you have to try this Olive Oil Bread Dip! This easy recipe is my version of the popular dipping sauce that you can find in almost any Italian-American restaurant. It's truly a classic, and for good reason: the rich, vibrant flavors are impossible to resist. In fact, it's so delish that I basically scarfed down the whole thing while I was testing the recipe. It was worth it though. I have no regrets!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Mouthwatering Flavor - This scrumptious dip is a must make for bread lovers! Get ready to fall in love with the fragrant combo of Parmesan cheese, herbs, and garlic. It's so delicious!
- Ready in Five Minutes - Just stir a few basic ingredients together, and you're ready to start dipping. This restaurant-style dip is beyond easy to make!
- Crowd Pleaser - This tasty dip is destined to become a favorite with anyone who tries it. Perfect for lazy snacks, but even better for laid back, easy entertaining and parties (think girl's night, dinner parties, book club, holidays, and more)!
Jump to:
Ingredients
You can find similar Bread Dips everywhere from Carrabba's (Olive Garden, California Pizza Kitchen, etc.) to local mom and pop restaurants. But why save this treat for nights out, when you can easily make this recipe at home with just a few basic ingredients?
- Olive Oil - Make sure to use a good quality extra virgin olive oil.
- Cheese - Parmesan cheese adds rich, umami taste to the dip. For the best texture and flavor, freshly grated cheese from a block is a must (avoid pre-shredded).
- Garlic - Fresh garlic adds a bold, zippy flavor that's so delicious. For less bite, use garlic powder.
- Herbs - A combination of Italian seasoning and crushed red pepper flakes add tons of flavor.
- Salt + Pepper - I recommend using Kosher salt and fresh cracked pepper to season the dip. Don't skip these two ingredients. They really make the other flavors pop!
- Dippers - Pair this recipe with high quality, artisan style bread (like sourdough, ciabatta, focaccia, baguette, or Italian bread) and fresh veggies for dipping.
This recipe is naturally vegetarian (as long as you use parmesan made with microbial or vegetable rennet), and it's also gluten free and nut free. Check out my tips in the Variations section below for adapting the recipe to other diets.
You'll Also Need
I recommend using a garlic press for the garlic, and you'll need a cheese grater for the Parmesan. Use a shallow dish with a flat bottom to serve the dip. I served mine on a salad plate, but a pasta bowl, or a serving plate would also work great.
How to Make Bread Dipping Oil
This Olive Oil Dipping Sauce for bread couldn't be easier to make! You'll find a recipe card with measurements below, but here a quick overview of the steps:
- Add cheese, garlic, and herbs to plate. For the best flavor, make sure to grate your own cheese, and use fresh garlic!
- Top with olive oil. Drizzle the olive oil over the top, then mix everything together.
- Season to taste. A little salt and pepper enhances the other ingredients, taking the dip from flat-tasting to super flavorful!
Alright, time to enjoy your amazing Olive Oil Bread Dip! I hope you made a double batch, because it won't last long.
Variations
This yummy Bread Dip is fun to customize with different ingredients! Here are some ideas to try:
- Herbs - I used an Italian seasoning blend for ease, but you can use any combo of dried herbs, depending on what's in your cupboard (such as basil, oregano, thyme, sage, or rosemary). Finely minced fresh herbs can also be paired with the dried herbs.
- Garlic - Replace the fresh garlic with homemade roasted garlic (mash the cloves) or garlic powder for a milder flavor.
- Balsamic - Add a drizzle of balsamic vinegar for touch of a tangy, sweet flavor.
- Add-Ins - You can really get creative with mix-ins! Try finely chopped sun-dried tomatoes (the oil-packed kind) or olives (like Kalamata or Castelvetrano), seasoned salts, or a squeeze of lemon juice.
- Vegan + Dairy Free - To make the recipe vegan and dairy free, you can either leave out the parmesan (it will still have a wonderful flavor), or you can use a plant based substitute.
Serving Suggestions
Pair this Italian Bread Dipping Oil with slices of artisan style bread for a quick, easy appetizer. Fresh veggies (such as cucumber, bell peppers, snap peas, and cauliflower) make great dippers, too. For a party, pair the dip with other Mediterranean-inspired appetizers, like Tomato Basil Crostini, Caprese Salad Skewers, Baked Feta Dip, or Bell Pepper Feta Bites.
Storage
This Olive Oil Dip recipe makes a fairly small amount, so it's doubtful that you'll have leftovers. But if you do, transfer the dip to an airtight container, and for food safety reasons, store the mixture your refrigerator for no more than three days.
Related Recipes
Looking for more easy appetizer ideas? Try one of these recipes next:
- Dips - Try a delicious dip (like my Green Goddess Dip, Truffle Baked Ricotta Dip, Pink Pineapple Salad, or this Fromage Fort recipe). They're all ready in minutes!
- Crostini - Homemade Crostini is always a party favorite, and the topping ideas are endless. Try these Mushroom, Whipped Goat Cheese, and Butternut Squash recipes.
- Bites - No one can resist a yummy bite-sized appetizer, like these Mini Mushroom Cheese Tarts, Savory Cheese Truffles, Vegetarian Pigs in a Blanket, Halloumi Cheese Fries, or these Stuffed Mushrooms.
- Festive - Entertaining for the holidays? Your guest won't be able to resist this Puff Pastry Christmas Tree Appetizer, Cranberry Jalapeño Cream Cheese Dip, or this Puff Pastry Baked Brie!
Olive Oil Bread Dip
Ingredients
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 1 large clove garlic, minced
- 2 teaspoons finely grated Parmesan cheese
- ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
- kosher salt
- pepper
- sliced bread for dipping (such as ciabatta, focaccia, sourdough, baguette, or Italian bread)
Instructions
- Place Italian seasoning, crushed red pepper flakes, garlic, and Parmesan on a small plate (or serving dish).
- Top with olive oil, then mix well.
- Season to taste with salt and a couple grinds of freshly cracked pepper.
- Serve with sliced bread. Enjoy!
Notes
Nutrition
