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    Home » Sauces, spreads & dips

    Simple olive oil bread dip

    Updated: May 28, 2024 · Published: Feb 14, 2023 by Cadry Nelson · This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. · 6 Comments

    Jump to recipe
    Text overlay: Olive oil bread dip. Oil dripping off of a piece of bread into bowl.

    Looking for a quick & easy appetizer that’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser? Make this restaurant-style olive oil bread dip.

    It’s reminiscent of the warm bread & oil starter you’d get at an Italian restaurant. But it comes together in 5 minutes with just 7 ingredients.

    Hand dipping bread into bowl of oil by baguette and salad.

    I don’t know about you, but if I’m at a restaurant where warm bread and seasoned oil is brought to the table before dinner?

    Forget about it.

    It’s almost impossible to stop eating it.

    The delicate flavor of extra virgin olive oil is enhanced with oregano and basil, fresh garlic, and sweet swirls of balsamic glaze. 

    It’s a beautiful balance of tangy, sweet, and salty.

    Luckily there’s no reason to make a reservation at a restaurant like Buca de Beppo, Olive Garden, Carrabba’s, California Pizza Kitchen, or Macaroni Grill.

    Olive oil dip for bread is so easy to make at home.

    It uses pantry staples. And it comes together in 5 minutes or less.

    Can’t beat that.

    Make enough for two for a romantic evening in.

    Or double the recipe & invite some friends over for a dinner party. After all, shareable plates are always so festive and fun.

    In this post:

    Jump to:
    • Ingredients
    • Bread recommendations
    • Step by step instructions
    • Make it your own
    • Serving ideas
    • Other ways to use bread dipping oil
    • Storage instructions
    • 📖 Recipe

    Ingredients

    Here are the ingredients you will need to make this recipe.

    Labeled ingredients for olive oil recipe on table.

    Extra virgin olive oil: Use a good quality extra virgin olive oil that you enjoy.

    Garlic: If you’re a garlic fan, you’ll want to add a zested clove of garlic for bite. If you’re not, I recommend leaving it out.

    Dried herbs: Dried oregano and basil add to the Italian vibes of this dish.

    Salt & pepper: Just a dash of salt and pepper brings it all together.

    Balsamic glaze: Although you can use standard balsamic vinegar for this dip, it’s even better with balsamic glaze.

    Balsamic glaze is condensed, which heightens its sweetness. Plus, that thick, syrupy texture is downright addictive.

    You can find it at Trader Joe’s or near the other vinegars at many grocery stores.

    Bread recommendations

    Baguettes on table with bread dip and napkin.

    This bread dipping oil is delicious with any warm, crusty bread. 

    Here are a few of my favorites:

    • Baguette
    • Olive fougasse
    • Focaccia
    • Sourdough
    • Boule

    Step by step instructions

    Here’s how to make this recipe at a glance. For complete ingredient amounts & instructions, keep scrolling to the recipe card below.

    Zested garlic on a plate by Microplane zester, oil, herbs, olive oil, and balsamic glaze.

    If you’re using garlic, grate a clove with a Microplane zester. It becomes almost like a paste.

    That’s good since you don’t want anyone to end up with a great big bite of chopped garlic.

    If you don’t have a zester, finely mince it instead.

    Bread dipping oil in bowl by olive oil, dried herbs, pepper, salt, and balsamic glaze.

    In a small, shallow serving bowl, combine the following:

    • Extra virgin olive oil
    • Grated or minced garlic (optional)
    • Dried herbs
    • Salt and pepper

    Then add a generous drizzling (about 2 teaspoons) of balsamic glaze.

    Bread being dipped into seasoned oil.

    Serve with warm bread for dipping.

    (As you’re dipping, if you run out of oil, simply add more + another drizzle of balsamic glaze.)

    Make it your own

    It’s easy to personalize this olive oil bread dip by varying the ingredients.

    • Replace all or part of the olive oil with melted vegan butter. (Since butter is salty, you can omit the salt.)
    • Replace the dried herbs with ½ teaspoon of Italian seasoning mix.
    • Vary the herbs: rosemary, thyme, marjoram, and/or parsley are good options.
    • Replace dried herbs with a pinch of fresh herbs.
    • Omit the garlic to really let the balsamic glaze and herbs shine.
    • Replace fresh garlic with ¼ teaspoon granulated garlic, a clove of roasted garlic, or lightly sautéed garlic.
    • Add ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes for a kick of heat.
    • Add diced olives for extra briny flavor.
    • Add a generous sprinkling of vegan parmesan cheese to the top.

    Serving ideas

    Seasoned olive oil with vinegar on table by baguette and salad.

    Bread and dipping oil is terrific alongside a salad. It’s also a delicious starter for an Italian dinner.

    It goes well with any of the following:

    • Avocado caprese salad
    • Vegan chef salad
    • Mediterranean pasta
    • Creamy vegan gnocchi soup
    • Air fryer ravioli
    • Vegan eggplant parmesan
    • Air fryer stuffed peppers
    • Air fryer lasagna
    • Roasted gnocchi with pesto

    Other ways to use bread dipping oil

    In addition to being enjoyed with bread for dipping, this seasoned olive oil works well for other uses.

    • Coat veggies before grilling – on skewers or in a grill basket.
    • Coat crostini before toasting & finish with tomato bruschetta.
    • Toss it with pasta, artichoke hearts, olives, cherry tomatoes, and roasted chickpeas for a delicious main course.
    • Drizzle it on a leafy green salad, similar to balsamic vinaigrette.
    • Add it to a charcuterie board along with crusty bread.

    Storage instructions

    Because of the grated garlic, I recommend storing any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Note that the oil will solidify in the cold refrigerator. 

    Put it out on the counter for a few minutes before you need to use it again. It will come to room temperature & liquify.

    Finish it within a few days.

    Olive oil drizzling off of bread into bowl.

    If you try this recipe and love it, let me know! Leave a comment and ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ rating in the comment section below. It truly makes my day and is such a help!

    📖 Recipe

    Seasoned olive oil drizzling off of bread into bowl.

    Simple olive oil bread dip

    Author: Cadry Nelson
    5 from 8 votes
    This easy bread dipping oil is an amazing starter for an Italian dinner. It also goes beautifully with a meal-sized salad. Serve with warm, crusty bread.
    Print Pin Rate
    Prep Time: 4 minutes minutes
    Cook Time: 1 minute minute
    Total Time: 5 minutes minutes
    Servings: 2 people
    Course: Appetizer
    Cuisine: Italian
    Keyword: bread dipping oil, easy appetizer, restaurant style

    Ingredients

    • ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
    • 1 small garlic clove zested or finely minced (optional)
    • ¼ teaspoon dried basil
    • ¼ teaspoon dried oregano
    • Few grinds of pepper
    • Pinch of salt
    • 2 teaspoons balsamic glaze or balsamic vinegar

    Instructions

    • In a small serving bowl, use a fork or whisk to combine extra virgin olive oil, zested garlic (if using), dried basil, dried oregano, pepper, and salt.
    • Squeeze in about 2 teaspoons of balsamic glaze. (If you don't have balsamic glaze, regular balsamic vinegar works too.)
    • Serve with warm bread for dipping.

    Notes

    Appetites vary. For this recipe I’ve given a serving size of 2 Tablespoons of oil per person. However, you may need more or less, depending on your appetite.
    Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 or 4 days. The oil will solidify in the fridge. Bring to room temperature before serving.
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    Nutrition

    Calories: 250kcal | Carbohydrates: 3g | Protein: 0.1g | Fat: 27g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g | Monounsaturated Fat: 20g | Sodium: 1mg | Potassium: 13mg | Fiber: 0.2g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 5IU | Vitamin C: 0.5mg | Calcium: 10mg | Iron: 0.4mg

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    About Cadry Nelson

    Cadry Nelson is the writer, recipe creator, and photographer behind Cadry’s Kitchen, and the author of Living Vegan For Dummies, 2nd Edition. Since launching her blog in 2009, Cadry has been making plant-based cooking approachable, and reimagining classic comfort foods. Her work has been featured in NBC News, Buzzfeed, Yahoo, Parade, VegNews, and more. She regularly appears on local TV shows, demonstrating to a broad audience how easy vegan cooking can be.

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

      5 from 8 votes (5 ratings without comment)

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    1. Cynthia Clapham

      January 15, 2025 at 10:50 am

      5 stars
      Absolutely delicious and so simple to make!

      Reply
      • Cadry Nelson

        January 15, 2025 at 3:30 pm

        That’s great to hear, Cynthia! Thank you for letting me know that you enjoyed it.

        Reply
    2. Grace

      July 22, 2024 at 7:34 pm

      5 stars
      Very yummy an easy to do

      Reply
      • Cadry Nelson

        July 23, 2024 at 9:51 pm

        I’m so glad you enjoyed it! Thanks for the feedback!

        Reply
    3. Shell

      February 27, 2023 at 2:43 pm

      5 stars
      I love how quickly this dip comes together with items I already have at home. Delicious!

      Reply
      • Cadry Nelson

        February 28, 2023 at 9:48 am

        That’s great to hear! Thanks for the excellent feedback!

        Reply

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