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Ever wondered what seasoning blend your favorite Trattoria adds to olive oil for dipping bread? My irresistibly delicious Restaurant-Style Bread Dipping Oil recipe is IT. Made with fewer than 10 basic ingredients in 10 minutes or less, this crave-worthy combo features robustly savory, garlicky flavors with a touch of heat. Pairs perfectly with French bread, focaccia, garlic bread, fluffy dinner rolls, and MORE!
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
About this dipping oil for bread
When it comes to date night, nothing gets me singing “That’s amore” like an Italian feast. I may look tiny, but you’d be shocked at how much I can fit—I’m talking an Italian grinder salad or minestrone followed by tender ricotta gnocchi swimming in vibrant marinara, a few bites of Jeremy’s parmesan chicken, and a generous helping of chocolate tiramisu. There’s no way around it—I am my father’s daughter. 🤷🏼♀️
But you know what EVERY Italian meal needs for it to feel celebratory? The small bowl of delectably simple, good-to-the-last-drop bread dipping sauce with olive oil they bring at the beginning. As much as I love a hunk of carb-a-licious bread like fluffy focaccia, tender sourdough bread, Italian ciabatta, or warm dinner rolls, there’s just no denying bread with olive oil dip is better than plain. It’s SCIENCE.
So, if you’ve ever wondered what that secret, splendid magic is that makes Italian garlic oil bread dip so freaking good, you’re in the right place. With just a few spice cabinet staples like Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes, a couple of cloves of fresh garlic, and a few rasps of salty parmesan cheese, you can transform your favorite EVOO into an ambrosial nectar.
Just make sure you wear your stretchy pants, because you’re gonna want to crush that whole damn bread basket. Don’t say I didn’t warn you!
Why you’ll love this recipe
- Simple & Foolproof. Seriously, friends. Even Joey Tribbiani could handle making my easy 10-minute olive oil dipping sauce for bread.
- Beautifully Basic. Don’t fret—you won’t have to go searching high and low for some mysterious, elusive ingredient to make this garlic dip for bread fantastically delicious. In fact, I’d bet you have at least half of what you need on hand already.
- So Good, It’ll Make You Do Da’ Dip. *Sung in the style of Freak Nasty: I pour some oil in the dish/Add some herbs, it’s so delish/Garlic clove? You can’t resist/Bring your bread, oh what a trick/Soak it good and savor it/My bread dip, you dip, we dip.
Ingredients for oil bread dip
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil – Be sure to use a high-quality brand of olive oil with a rich, fruity flavor and low acidity. Look for olive oil labeled as “extra-virgin” for the best quality. And choose a reputable brand known for producing superior olive oils.
- Italian Seasoning – This blend of dried herbs, such as dried oregano and dried basil, adds herbal complexity to the dipping oil. I recommend making your own Italian seasonings for the best flavor; but you can use a store-bought brand – just make sure it’s from a reputable spice supplier.
- Garlic Powder – I like to enhance the fresh garlic flavor in the spice mix by adding garlic powder – but feel free to omit this if you prefer.
- Garlic Cloves – Freshly minced garlic lends a delicious, pungent aroma and flavor. Choose firm, plump garlic bulbs with no signs of sprouting or soft spots. However, if you’re looking for a rich, mellow garlic flavor, you’ll want to use roasted garlic cloves.
- Kosher Salt and Ground Black Pepper – To enhance all the flavors in the oil mixture.
- Crushed Red Pepper Flakes – For a little fiery heat. I recommend using the red chili flakes to taste.
- Balsamic Vinegar – This sweet and tangy vinegar adds depth of flavor to the dipping oil. Opt for a high-quality brand with a thick, syrupy consistency and complex flavor profile. A traditional balsamic vinegar aged for several years will provide the best results.
- Fresh Herbs – Fragrant Italian parsley and basil add brightness and freshness. Be sure to select fresh herbs with vibrant green leaves and no signs of wilting or discoloration.
- Parmesan Cheese – Nutty and savory, parmesan adds umami flavor to the bread oil. Be sure to purchase a block of high-quality Parmesan cheese and grate it fresh for the best flavor. Look for Parmigiano-Reggiano or Grana Padano for authentic Italian flavor.
Recipe variations
- Woody Herb-Infused Oil for Bread: Instead of using milder herbs, infuse the olive oil with stronger fresh, woody herbs such as rosemary, thyme, or sage. Simply heat the olive oil with the herbs over low heat for a few minutes, then let it cool and strain out the herbs before serving.
- Citrus-Infused Dipping Oil: Add tart brightness to the oil dip by incorporating citrus flavors. Zest a lime, lemon, or orange and add it to the olive oil along with a splash of fresh citrus juice for a tangy twist.
- Mediterranean Bread Dip: Take inspiration from Mediterranean flavors by swapping out the Italian seasonings for Greek seasonings. And try adding finely chopped ingredients like sun-dried tomatoes, olives, capers, or roasted peppers to the bread oil.
- Spicy Bread Oil: For those who like it hot and spicy, add extra red pepper flakes or minced fresh chili peppers to the oil. Or, try experimenting with other spicy ingredients like hot sauce.
- Truffle Oil Dip: Elevate your dipping oil with the luxurious flavor of truffles. You can use truffle-infused olive oil or add a few drops of real truffle oil for a rich and earthy aroma.
Expert tips for the best success!
- Use Quality Ingredients: To make the best restaurant-style bread dipping oil at home, you’ll need to start with high-quality ingredients. Be sure to use good-quality extra virgin olive oil with a fresh and fruity flavor as the base. Also, be sure to purchase a block of parmesan cheese and freshly grate it yourself. And, use fresh garlic cloves – none of that pre-minced stuff in a jar.
- Balanced Seasonings: If you’re looking for the most robust, fresh flavor, be sure to make your own Italian seasoning blend.
- Adjust to Taste: Be sure to taste the bread dipping oil and adjust the seasoning to suit your specific tastes before serving. Add more kosher salt or herbs as needed to achieve a well-balanced flavor profile.
- Presentation: You eat with your eyes first, so consider your presentation. Serve the prepared bread oil in a shallow dish or a clear glass bowl. And, consider garnishing the oil with whole herbs, a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese, and a splash of balsamic for an appealing visual presentation.
- Serving: When serving oil bread dip, choose quality breads for dipping and arrange the slices attractively around the bowl of olive oil.
FAQs: frequently asked questions
You’ve got questions? I’ve got answers! If you have a question you don’t see listed below, please drop them in the comments section. I’m happy to help when I can!
Should I use fresh garlic or garlic powder?
For the most robust garlic flavor, you’ll want to use both – fresh garlic cloves and garlic powder. And if you’re looking for a mellow, rich garlic flavor, be sure to swap out the raw garlic for roasted garlic cloves.
Can I make a larger batch of dipping oil sauce and store it for later use?
Absolutely! You can double or triple the recipe to make a larger batch of dipping oil sauce. However, you will need to leave out the two fresh ingredients – garlic cloves and parmesan cheese. Also, be sure to store the olive oil for bread dip in an airtight container and use it within the recommended storage time.
What are some creative ways to use leftover dipping oil sauce?
There’s actually quite a few ways you can use up any leftover bread oil. Try using it as a marinade for grilling vegetables or meat. Or use it as a dressing over salads or cooked pasta. And, you can even brush it onto bread before toasting or grilling for extra flavor.
So there you have it, folks—an olive oil bread dip that’s bready in a flash! Crust me—even if you’re a total kitchen noob, you’ve got this. So, grab your loaf, dive into that oil, and remember: the best is yet to crumb!
Cheyanne
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More dipping sauces for bread!
If you’re looking for a simple olive oil dip bursting with robust savory, garlicky flavors, and a touch of heat, look no further than this irresistibly delicious restaurant-style Dipping Oil for Bread Recipe! Made with basic ingredients in 10 minutes or less, you’ll swear your dinning in your favorite Italian restaurant. Pairs perfectly with French bread, focaccia, garlic bread, fluffy dinner rolls, and MORE!
- 1 Medium Mixing Bowl
- 1 Fork or Small Whisk
Prevent your screen from going dark
- Storage: This recipe makes a good amount of seasoning mix (2 tablespoons dry seasonings) for bread oil. I prefer to make a double batch of the recipe and store the dry seasonings in the pantry to have on hand whenever I want it. When ready to use, I just use 1 tablespoon of the dry seasoning and mix it with one clove of minced garlic, a little parmesan, some fresh herbs, 1/3 to ½ cup of oil, and a drizzle of balsamic. Think of this as a customizable template versus a “you-must-follow-every-step” recipe. Please note, if you want to store the spices, you need to LEAVE OUT the fresh garlic, parmesan, oil, balsamic, and fresh herbs.
- Garlic Flavor: If you prefer a rich garlic flavor, use a combination of roasted garlic cloves and raw garlic cloves. If you prefer a more mellow, mild garlic flavor, leave out the raw garlic all together and increase the garlic powder to ¾ to 1 teaspoon.
- Servings: Recipe yields 3 1/2 tablespoons of bread seasonings. Once mixed with oil, the recipe yields 6-8 servings.
- Need to Scale the Recipe? Hover your mouse over the number of servings in the recipe card. You’ll see a sliding scale pop up, you can use that to scale the recipe up or down as needed.
- Got questions? I’ve got answers! If you ever run into an issue, have a question, or need any clarification – please feel free to drop them in the comments section. I’m happy to help when I can!
Nutritional information is provided as a courtesy and the nutrition facts are an estimate based upon 6 servings. Exact information will depend upon the brands of ingredients and precise measurements used.
Calories: 245kcal Carbohydrates: 1g Protein: 0.3g Fat: 27g Saturated Fat: 4g Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g Monounsaturated Fat: 20g Cholesterol: 1mg Sodium: 210mg Potassium: 22mg Fiber: 0.5g Sugar: 0.1g Vitamin A: 70IU Vitamin C: 0.2mg Calcium: 26mg Iron: 1mg
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