Description
This Olive Oil Dip with Warm Bread is a simple, flavorful appetizer that combines the rich taste of extra virgin olive oil with aromatic herbs, garlic, and optional Parmesan. Paired with warm, toasted crusty bread, it’s perfect for gatherings, date nights, or as an elegant starter. Ready in under 15 minutes, this recipe is as quick as it is delicious!
Ingredients
Scale
For the Olive Oil Dip:
- ½ cup extra virgin olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced or grated
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon dried basil
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar (optional)
- 1 teaspoon freshly grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
- Fresh parsley or basil, chopped (for garnish)
For the Bread:
- 1 loaf crusty bread (French baguette, ciabatta, or sourdough)
- Olive oil (for brushing)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Slice the bread into thick slices or wedges. Brush each side lightly with olive oil.
- Arrange the bread slices on a baking sheet and bake for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway, until warm and lightly toasted.
- In a small bowl, combine olive oil, garlic, oregano, basil, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper.
- Stir in balsamic vinegar and Parmesan cheese (if using). Let the dip sit for 5 minutes to meld flavors.
- Transfer the toasted bread to a serving platter and pour the olive oil dip into a shallow bowl. Garnish with chopped parsley or basil.
- Serve immediately, encouraging guests to dip the warm bread into the oil mixture.
Notes
- To make this recipe vegan, skip the Parmesan cheese.
- You can use flavored olive oils, like garlic or rosemary, for an extra flavor boost.
- The dip can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. Stir well and bring to room temperature before serving.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: No-cook (for the dip) and baked (for the bread)
- Cuisine: Mediterranean-inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice of bread with 2 tablespoons of dip
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 0
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 1mg
Keywords: olive oil dip, bread dipping oil, easy appetizer, quick appetizer, Mediterranean recipes