Bread Dipping Oil
This easy bread dipping oil recipe is a restaurant-style Italian olive oil dip made with extra virgin olive oil, balsamic vinegar, fresh garlic, herbs, red pepper flakes, and parmesan cheese. It’s rich, garlicky, and packed with flavor—perfect for serving with warm crusty bread as an appetizer, party dip, or alongside your favorite Italian dinner.
Servings 6
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
- 4 cloves garlic finely minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh oregano finely chopped
- Crushed red pepper flakes to taste
- Large-flake sea salt to taste
- 2 tablespoons shredded parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Add the base - Pour the extra virgin olive oil and balsamic vinegar into a shallow serving dish or bowl.
- Layer the flavor - Add the finely minced garlic, chopped parsley, and oregano evenly over the oil.
- Season - Sprinkle in crushed red pepper flakes and large-flake sea salt to taste.
- Add cheese - Top with shredded parmesan cheese for a salty, nutty finish.
- Mix or serve layered - Gently stir to combine, or leave slightly layered for a restaurant-style presentation.
- Let flavors develop - Allow the mixture to sit for 5–10 minutes so the garlic and herbs infuse into the oil.
- Serve - Serve with warm crusty bread like baguette, ciabatta, or sourdough for dipping.
Notes
Use high-quality olive oil - Since olive oil is the base, a good-quality extra virgin olive oil will make a huge difference in flavor.
Fresh garlic is best - Avoid jarred garlic for this recipe; fresh garlic gives the strongest and most authentic flavor.
Adjust spice level - Add more or less crushed red pepper flakes depending on your preference.
Add parmesan before serving - This keeps the texture fresh and prevents it from softening too much.
Make it ahead - You can mix everything except the parmesan and store in the fridge, then bring to room temperature and finish before serving.
Fresh garlic is best - Avoid jarred garlic for this recipe; fresh garlic gives the strongest and most authentic flavor.
Adjust spice level - Add more or less crushed red pepper flakes depending on your preference.
Add parmesan before serving - This keeps the texture fresh and prevents it from softening too much.
Make it ahead - You can mix everything except the parmesan and store in the fridge, then bring to room temperature and finish before serving.