Bread dipping oil is like the holy grail of the mezze world: it takes little time to make, uses pantry essentials, and is endlessly useful. You can make it to hold off hungry kids (or husbands, wives, boyfriends, and even yourself) while you cook dinner. It’s also great for getting an easy bite on your table for people to enjoy while you whip up fresh cocktails like Negronis or sunny Limoncello Spritzes. With tart-sweet sun-dried tomatoes, aromatic oregano, fresh peppery parsley, and umami-rich parmesan cheese, this dressed up olive oil dip has an Italian spirit. And you can adapt the recipe according to what you like and what you have. Serve with good crusty bread, Focaccia, French bread or gluten-free bread/breadsticks.
Bread Dipping Oil Ingredients
This olive oil dip is meant as a pantry situation–I almost always keep all these ingredients stocked. If you don’t have the full list, though, everything is easy enough to substitute (more suggestions in the “Ways to Mix it Up” section below).
Extra virgin olive oil: A high-quality, fresh-tasting oil with a pleasant flavor is essential (see “Ingredient Spotlight” below for my suggestions). Garlic adds that famous sweet-and-savory flavor. Parsley adds freshness and a lemony, peppery note. Dried oregano gives the dip an intensely herbaceous quality. Sun Dried tomatoes add depth of flavor with carmelized, tart and sweet bursts. You can stock up at our shop, or substitute with other preserved flavor-makers, like briney capers or olives. Red pepper flakes add an assertive kick. If I’m wanting something a bit more mild, I go for ground black pepper or Aleppo Pepper instead–you can read all about Aleppo pepper in our guide and try it for yourself at our shop. Parmesan cheese adds a rich umami quality but it’s really just a bonus. For a vegan version, simply leave out the parmesan.
Ingredient Spotlight
Extra Virgin Olive oil is a huge part of this recipe so quality counts. Consider it the canvas that supports all the other flavors. If you get your hands on a really delicious olive oil that’s fresh and peppery and full of nuance you can happily serve it on its own. But it also gives you the chance to load it with your favorite seasonings. A great oil will make all the difference! If you like a rich and peppery oil, try our Spanish EVOO. For something very delicately exquisite still but more mild-tasting, try our Arbequina EVOO or Italian Nocellara EVOO.
READ MORE: How To Taste Olive Oil: A Step-By-Step Guide To Go From The Basics To The Pros TRY IT: Browse Our Top-Quality Extra Virgin Olive Oils
How to Make Bread Dipping Oil
This olive oil bread dip is beyond low-maintenance: just mix and serve. Here are the 2 steps!
Mix. Add 1/3 cup of extra virgin olive oil to a shallow bowl. Use a microplane or the smallest side of a box grater to grate in 1 small peeled garlic clove. Add 2 teaspoons chopped parsley leaves, 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano, 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes, and 1/4 cup finely chopped sun-dried tomatoes. Mix to combine. Finish and serve. Finely grate parmesan cheese directly on top (about 3 tablespoons, or more to your liking). Gently mix with a spoon and serve, alongside your favorite bread.
Ways to Mix It Up
This recipe is meant as a guide–I encourage you to tweak it and find what makes you scrape the bottom of the dish. Here are some ideas:
Add balsamic vinegar–see this post for tips on sourcing high-quality balsamic. Roast the garlic and add the jammy, sweet whole cloves. Here’s a guide for How to Roast Garlic. A whole head of garlic may seem like a lot but they won’t last long–and you can spread leftovers on toast, sandwiches, or add them to Homemade Focaccia. Add lemon zest for extra zing. Add olives or capers for a briny element. Mix up the dried herbs, adding Herbs de Provence or Italian Seasoning. I often add a spoonful of za’atar and it’s absolutely amazing (you can read more about za’atar in our guide and try it at our shop). Mix up the fresh herbs with other tender green herbs like basil, marjoram, or a combination.
What to Serve with Olive Oil Bread Dip
Any good rustic bread works well here–a crusty loaf, fluffy flatbread like Pita Bread or Barbari, French bread, Focaccia, gluten-free breadsticks, you name it.To build your mezze table without much effort, put out a bunch of small bowls with tasty snacky things. Olives, 5-Minute Marinated Feta, toasted nuts, dried fruits, and Easy Tzatziki Sauce all come to mind. Browse all Mediterranean recipes.
Olive Tapenade
Tirokafteri (Spicy Greek Feta Dip)
Easy Tzatziki Sauce Recipe
5-Minute Marinated Feta
Visit Our Shop. Taste your way through the Mediterranean with our signature olive oil collection, including our famous Greek olive oils, Private Reserve, and Early Harvest, plus our new Nocellara Italian olive oil and Hojiblanca Spanish olive oil.
