Irresistible Olive Oil Bread Dip
Rich, herby, and totally addictive—this simple yet sophisticated dip pairs perfectly with warm, crusty bread!
Ingredients:
⅓ cup extra-virgin olive oil
1 tbsp fresh basil, finely chopped
1 tsp fresh garlic, finely minced
1 tbsp aged balsamic vinegar
¼ tsp freshly ground black pepper
1 tsp Italian seasoning
½ tsp red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
¼ tsp salt
2 tsp grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions:
Combine Ingredients:
In a small bowl, mix olive oil, chopped basil, minced garlic, and balsamic vinegar.
Add Seasonings & Cheese:
Stir in black pepper, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, salt, and Parmesan. Mix well.
Let the Flavors Infuse:
Let the dip rest for 5–10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld beautifully.
Serve & Enjoy:
Pour into a shallow dish and serve with slices of warm, crusty bread.
Optional Add-Ins:
A drizzle of honey for a sweet-savory twist
Chopped sun-dried tomatoes or olives
Extra Parmesan on top for a cheesy finish
How to Store
Refrigerate: Store any leftover dip in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days.
Bring to Room Temp Before Serving: Olive oil solidifies when chilled. Let the dip sit out for 15–20 minutes before serving so it returns to a smooth, pourable consistency.
Stir Before Serving: The ingredients may settle or separate—just give it a quick stir before dipping.
Do Not Freeze: This dip is best fresh; freezing may alter the texture and flavor of the herbs and cheese.
Variations & Tips
Flavor Variations:
Lemon Zest & Thyme – Add a pinch of lemon zest and substitute thyme for basil for a bright, citrusy twist.
Sundried Tomato & Olive – Stir in finely chopped sun-dried tomatoes and Kalamata olives for a Mediterranean vibe.
Spicy Garlic-Chili – Increase the red pepper flakes and add a touch of chili oil for heat lovers.
Balsamic Reduction Drizzle – Swirl a thick balsamic glaze over the top just before serving for a gourmet presentation.
Rosemary & Sea Salt – Swap in fresh rosemary and sprinkle with flaky sea salt for a rustic herbaceous feel.
Pro Tips:
Use high-quality extra-virgin olive oil—since it’s the star, a good oil makes all the difference.
Make ahead: Combine all ingredients (except Parmesan) and refrigerate overnight. Add the cheese just before serving.
Serve warm: Briefly microwave or let the dip sit on a warm stovetop for a few minutes to enhance the aroma and flavor.
Perfect pairings: Serve with warm ciabatta, sourdough, or focaccia. It’s also great drizzled over grilled vegetables or tossed with pasta!
Nutritional Information (Per Tablespoon, Approximate)
This dip is rich and flavorful, and most of the calories come from the olive oil.
Calories: About 100 kcal
Total Fat: Around 10 grams
Saturated Fat: Approximately 1.5 grams
Carbohydrates: Less than 1 gram
Sugars: Close to 0 grams
Protein: Around 0.5 grams
Sodium: About 120 mg
Notes:
The values may vary depending on the specific olive oil, cheese, and balsamic vinegar you use.
This dip is naturally gluten-free and can be served with gluten-free bread if needed.
Adding extra ingredients like olives or more cheese will slightly increase fat and sodium content.
Letting the dip sit at room temperature before serving helps enhance both flavor and texture.