Charcuterie Dip
This loaded charcuterie dip is the ultimate easy appetizer recipe for entertaining, summer hosting, girls’ nights, holidays, and wine nights. Made with extra virgin olive oil, balsamic vinegar, sun-dried tomatoes, salami, pepperoni, olives, cheese cubes, garlic, and fresh basil, this flavorful charcuterie bread dipping oil comes together in just minutes and pairs perfectly with warm crusty bread. Inspired by a classic Italian charcuterie board, this easy appetizer is packed with bold savory flavor and is guaranteed to be the star of any party table.
Servings 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
- 1/4 cup oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 1/2 teaspoon flaky sea salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon fresh basil chopped
- 1/4 cup salami chopped into small bite-sized pieces
- 1/4 cup pepperoni chopped into small bite-sized pieces
- 1/4 cup sharp cheddar or Parmesan cheese cubes
- 2 –3 tablespoons diced olives Kalamata or green olives work best
- Warm crusty bread baguette, focaccia, or crostini for serving
Instructions
- Pour the extra virgin olive oil and balsamic vinegar into a shallow serving bowl or appetizer dish. Using a shallow bowl helps evenly distribute all the flavorful charcuterie ingredients throughout the dip.
- Add the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and minced garlic to the oil mixture. Oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes work best because they add rich concentrated flavor and blend beautifully into the olive oil.
- Sprinkle the Italian seasoning, crushed red pepper flakes, flaky sea salt, and black pepper evenly over the top. These seasonings create that bold restaurant-style bread dipping oil flavor that pairs perfectly with warm bread.
- Scatter the chopped salami, pepperoni, cheese cubes, and diced olives throughout the dish. Be sure to chop everything into small bite-sized pieces so every scoop gets a little bit of everything.
- Finish the charcuterie dip with freshly chopped basil for a bright and fresh flavor that balances the richness of the meats, cheese, and olive oil.
- Allow the dip to sit for 5–10 minutes before serving so the flavors have time to blend together and infuse into the oil mixture.
- Serve with warm crusty bread, toasted crostini, focaccia, or baguette slices for the ultimate easy appetizer.
Video
Notes
- Use a high-quality extra virgin olive oil for the best flavor since it is the base of the recipe.
- Oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes provide the best texture and flavor.
- Letting the dip rest before serving helps the garlic and herbs infuse into the oil.
- For extra flavor, add chopped gherkins, hot honey, or additional Parmesan cheese.
- This recipe is perfect for charcuterie boards, wine nights, summer parties, holidays, and easy entertaining.