I blend fragrant olive oil with garlic, herbs, and a touch of zing to create this irresistible bread dipping oil. It’s simple, elegant, and brings artisan-level flavor to any loaf or appetizer table.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I savor how effortlessly this dipping oil elevates fresh bread—it takes under 5 minutes and requires pantry staples. I love that I can tweak the herb mix, spice level, or acidity to suit my mood. It’s perfect for entertaining or a cozy snack when I just crave something flavorful and satisfying.
Ingredients
(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
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Extra-virgin olive oil
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Fresh garlic, minced
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Dried herbs (oregano, basil, thyme, rosemary, or Italian seasoning)
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Red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
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Lemon zest or a splash of balsamic vinegar (for brightness)
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Salt and freshly ground black pepper
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Optional: freshly chopped parsley or grated Parmesan
Directions
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I pour olive oil into a shallow bowl or small serving dish.
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I stir in minced garlic, dried herbs, red pepper flakes (if using), and lemon zest or vinegar.
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I season with salt and pepper, then taste and adjust—sometimes I add more zest, herbs, or a pinch more salt.
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I let it rest for a few minutes to meld, then serve alongside warm, crusty bread.
Servings and timing
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Servings: Enough for dipping 1–2 loaves, serving about 4–6 people.
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Prep time: ~5 minutes
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Total time: ~5 minutes
Variations
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Herb mix: I swap oregano for fresh basil or tarragon for a bright twist.
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Spicy kick: I add crushed red pepper flakes or even a pinch of smoked paprika.
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Citrus boost: I stir in fresh lemon or orange zest—or even a drop of citrus-infused oil.
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Cheesy twist: I grate fresh Parmesan or Pecorino on top.
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Savory add-in: I mix in finely chopped sun‑dried tomatoes, olives, or capers for extra flavor and texture.
storage/reheating
I prepare the oil fresh for best flavor, but I’ve stored leftovers in a sealed container in the fridge for up to 3 days. I let it come to room temperature before serving. I avoid heating it—fresh dipping oil is best served as-is.
FAQs
Can I make this ahead?
Yes—I mix it up and refrigerate it up to 3 days ahead. I just bring it to room temperature and stir before serving.
Can I use fresh herbs instead of dried?
Absolutely—I’ll use about three times more fresh herbs than dried for vibrant flavor.
Is it okay to use flavored olive oil?
Definitely—I’ve used garlic-infused or chili-infused olive oil for extra depth. Just skip the garlic or red pepper flakes accordingly.
What bread goes best?
I love crusty bread like baguette, ciabatta, sourdough—or even focaccia for dipping into the flavorful oil.
Can I add cheese directly into the oil?
Yes—I sprinkle grated Parmesan or Pecorino on top just before dipping for a savory, melty finish.
Conclusion
I find this bread dipping oil to be a quick, flavorful way to elevate any bread and turn a simple snack into something special. It’s adaptable, elegant, and always a hit at gatherings—or when I’m treating myself to a cozy moment. I hope it enhances your bread experience just like it does mine!
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Bread Dipping Oil
A simple, flavorful blend of extra-virgin olive oil infused with aromatic herbs, garlic, and a touch of heat—perfect for dipping crusty bread or drizzling over salads.
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients
1 cup extra-virgin olive oil
2 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
1 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp dried basil
1/2 tsp dried thyme
1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (adjust for heat)
1 tsp lemon zest (about half a lemon)
1 Tbsp balsamic vinegar (optional, for a tangy twist)
1/2 tsp sea salt
Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
In a small bowl or jar, combine olive oil, sliced garlic, oregano, basil, thyme, red pepper flakes, lemon zest, balsamic vinegar (if using), salt, and pepper.
Stir well (or shake jar with lid on) to blend flavors thoroughly.
Let the mixture sit at room temperature for at least 15 minutes to allow the flavors to infuse. For deeper flavor, refrigerate for up to 2 hours—then bring back to room temperature before serving.
Taste and adjust seasonings if desired—add more salt, lemon, or pepper to suit your preference.
Serve alongside warm, crusty bread. Store any leftovers in a sealed jar in the refrigerator for up to 1 week; let oil return to room temperature and stir before serving.
In a small bowl or jar, combine olive oil, sliced garlic, oregano, basil, thyme, red pepper flakes, lemon zest, balsamic vinegar (if using), salt, and pepper.
Stir well (or shake jar with lid on) to blend flavors thoroughly.
Let the mixture sit at room temperature for at least 15 minutes to allow the flavors to infuse. For deeper flavor, refrigerate for up to 2 hours—then bring back to room temperature before serving.
Taste and adjust seasonings if desired—add more salt, lemon, or pepper to suit your preference.
Serve alongside warm, crusty bread. Store any leftovers in a sealed jar in the refrigerator for up to 1 week; let oil return to room temperature and stir before serving.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
