Herb and Olive Bread Dipping Oil Recipe

If there’s one appetizer that never fails to wow guests (or just bring a smile to your face at snack time), it’s this irresistible Herb and Olive Bread Dipping Oil. Bursting with aromatic herbs, briny olives, and the lush, peppery notes of good olive oil, this quick dip transforms any chunk of crusty bread into a gourmet experience — right at your own table!

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Herb and Olive Bread Dipping Oil comes together with a handful of fresh, lively ingredients, each playing a starring role. They’re all easy to source, and when combined, create layers of flavor that are truly memorable.

• Extra virgin olive oil: The real star — splurge on a robust, fruity oil for maximum flavor and mouthfeel.
• Balsamic vinegar: Adds a gentle tangy sweetness that balances the richness of the oil.
• Green olives & Kalamata olives: Their briny bite and color make this dip visually stunning and deeply savory.
• Dried oregano: The herbal backbone, lending that classic Mediterranean aroma.
• Fresh rosemary: Just a sprig adds piney, woodsy notes that cut through the richness.
• Fresh parsley leaves: Brings freshness and a pop of bright, grassy green.
• Fresh basil leaves: For a sweet, peppery, anise flavor that rounds out the herbs.
• Garlic clove: Raw and grated, it infuses the oil with a subtle heat and bold garlicky kick.
• Red pepper flakes: A pinch for warmth — add more if you like things fiery!
• Flaky sea salt: For crunch and pure pop of salt that makes all the flavors sing.
• Fresh bread: The essential vehicle! I love a rustic sourdough or pillowy focaccia.

Variations

One of the best parts about Herb and Olive Bread Dipping Oil? It’s endlessly flexible! Don’t hesitate to mix things up based on your pantry, what’s seasonal, or your guests’ dietary needs — every tweak is a chance to make it your own.

• Citrus Zest: Add a touch of fresh lemon or orange zest for an extra lift and sunny brightness.
• Cheesy Finish: Sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan or Pecorino in just before serving for a nutty, savory note.
• Chunky or Smooth: Pulse all the ingredients in a food processor for a finely blended oil, or simply chop by hand for a rustic, chunky texture.
• Make it Vegan: Just skip any cheese additions and ensure your bread is dairy-free for a fully plant-based starter.
• Add Sun-Dried Tomatoes: For a sweeter, slightly chewy twist and gorgeous color.

How to Make Herb and Olive Bread Dipping Oil

Step 1: Combine the Base

Start by pouring your extra virgin olive oil into a shallow bowl — a shape wide enough for easy bread scooping is perfect. Add the balsamic vinegar directly to the oil, letting it “marble” for a pretty finish and that signature tangy bite.

Step 2: Chop and Add the Goodies

Finely chop the olives, rosemary leaves, parsley, and basil. The goal is small, even bits that let every scoop of bread pick up a perfect mix. Sprinkle these over the oil and vinegar for a vibrant, confetti-like finish.

Step 3: Season and Stir

Grate the garlic clove straight into the bowl (microplanes work wonders!) so the flavor disperses evenly. Add the oregano, a pinch of red pepper flakes, and flaky sea salt. Now, gently stir — but don’t overmix, you want to keep the herby and olive bits distinct for texture and looks.

Step 4: Serve with Bread

Set out your best fresh bread — homemade focaccia, warm ciabatta, or even a crusty baguette. Spoon the Herb and Olive Bread Dipping Oil into individual ramekins or leave it communal-style for everyone to share and scoop. Prepare for rave reviews!

How to Serve Herb and Olive Bread Dipping Oil

Garnishes

Before serving, consider a last flourish of flaky sea salt, fresh cracked black pepper, or a sprinkling of extra chopped parsley and basil. If you’re feeling fancy, a few thin curls of lemon zest or even a drizzle of additional balsamic can add an elegant touch — delicious and dazzling.

Side Dishes

Herb and Olive Bread Dipping Oil is fantastic alongside antipasto platters with cheeses, cured meats, or roasted peppers. It also shines as a prelude to pasta night or as a simple centerpiece for a grazing board with marinated veggies and nuts.

Creative Ways to Present

For maximum impact, serve the dip in a wide, shallow bowl and arrange an artful ring of bread slices around it. Try mini individual ramekins for parties or picnics, or even prepare little jars for guests to take home — homemade food gifts don’t get simpler (or tastier) than this!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftover Herb and Olive Bread Dipping Oil (which is rarely the case!), transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate. It’ll keep beautifully for up to three days; just remember some herbs may darken a bit over time.

Freezing

While you can freeze this dip, it’s best enjoyed fresh — the herbs and olives can lose some vibrancy after thawing. If you must, store in a freezer-safe jar for up to one month, and stir well after defrosting to recombine the ingredients.

Reheating

For best flavor and texture, let the chilled Herb and Olive Bread Dipping Oil come to room temperature before serving. Avoid microwaving, as heat can dull the fresh herbs and alter the taste of the olive oil.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I can’t wait for you to gather friends or family and watch their faces light up when you set out this golden, herby Herb and Olive Bread Dipping Oil. Whether it’s a simple snack or part of a feast, it’s sure to spark conversation and an extra round of bread requests. Happy dipping!

Herb and Olive Bread Dipping Oil Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.7 from 76 reviews

• Author: Alvarez
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Total Time: 10 minutes
• Yield: 8 servings 1x
• Category: No-Cook
• Method: No-Cook

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Description

This Bread Dipping Oil recipe is a delicious and flavorful appetizer perfect for sharing. Made with a blend of extra virgin olive oil, balsamic vinegar, fresh herbs, and olives, this dipping oil is best enjoyed with fresh crusty bread.

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Ingredients

Units USM Scale 1x2x3x

For the Bread Dipping Oil:

• 7 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
• 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
• 1/3 cup mixed pitted green olives and kalamata olives
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 sprig fresh rosemary
• Small handful fresh parsley leaves
• 4 basil leaves
• 1 garlic clove
• Pinch of red pepper flakes
• Pinch of flaky sea salt
• Fresh bread for serving

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Instructions

1. In a shallow bowl, combine the olive oil and balsamic vinegar.

Finely chop the fresh herbs and olives, then add them to the bowl. Grate in the garlic clove, and sprinkle in the oregano, red pepper flakes, and sea salt. Stir well to combine all the ingredients.

2. Serve the bread dipping oil alongside fresh homemade focaccia or crusty bread.

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Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 119 kcal
• Sugar: 0.3 g
• Sodium: 89 mg
• Fat: 13 g
• Saturated Fat: 2 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 1 g
• Fiber: 0.2 g
• Protein: 0.1 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg