Elevate your next dinner party with this simple and tasty crowd-pleaser!
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The first time I tried bread dipping oil was in college. A bunch of us decided to splurge and went to a fancy-to-us Italian restaurant. They served the most delicious rosemary bread, which also included a bowl of one of the best bread dipping oils I’ve ever tasted. I’ve been trying to emulate that recipe ever since. While I still haven’t figured it out, I have made some pretty delicious oil mixtures, and this one especially might wow the guests at your next dinner party!
What I like about this recipe, is its simplicity. What you have here is a blend of extra virgin olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and a medley of dried herbs and spices. With a few stirs, you’ll enjoy a flavorful and aromatic dip, perfect for your favorite crusty bread. This is such an easy way to bring a flavorful dollop of elegance to your meals.
Is Bread Dipping Oil Healthy?
I think so! After all, extra virgin olive oil is the star ingredient. It’s rich in heart-healthy monounsaturated fats, which may also help reduce inflammation. Olive oil also provides antioxidants and vitamins E and K. As long as you’re not guzzling this dip, it’s a healthy addition to your next appetizer spread.
Picking the Right Olive Oil…
I’ve covered this before, but it bears repeating: you don’t want to skimp on the olive oil. In some recipes, using a mass-produced olive oil, like those giant ones they sell at Costco is totally fine. But with this recipe, the oil is a catalyst for all those spices. So if your oil tastes too bland or bitter, all the spices in the world won’t mask the flavor. Imported extra virgin olive oils from Greece or Italy are great. Above all, you’ll want to use high-quality, fresh olive oil with a rich, fruity aroma and a peppery finish.
INGREDIENTS
- 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
INSTRUCTIONS
Blend
Whisk together oil and vinegar.
Season
Stir in herbs and spices.
Serve
Let flavors meld, then dip with bread.
Devour!
FAQs & Tips
Bread dipping oil can be made a few hours ahead of time to allow the flavors to meld. Simply mix the ingredients and store them in an airtight container at room temperature. I don’t think you’ll have any leftover dipping oil, but if you do, it’ll stay fresh for about a week in a cool dark place at room temperature.
Yes, and it’s super tasty! However, you’ll need to double the ingredients and make sure the herbs are finely chopped. Also, it’s worth noting that using fresh herbs reduces the shelf life of the dipping oil and means that it should be refrigerated, too.
Whatever you want! In the past, I’ve used paprika, onion powder, rosemary, and thyme.
Serving Suggestions
Obviously, bread dipping oil pairs perfectly with bread. But I also like to serve it alongside Margherita Pizza, because I don’t want that delicious crust to go to waste! And as long as you have artisan bread on hand, this dipping oil is great for Italian-themed meals. Heck, pair it with Greek Yogurt Marinated Chicken and Zucchini Noodles for a Mediterranean feast. It also makes a great addition to a charcuterie board filled with meats, cheeses, and olives. And for a cozy dinner on a cold night, have some with a bowl of hearty Minestrone Soup!
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
Instructions
- In a small bowl, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil and balsamic vinegar.
- Add the dried basil, oregano, parsley, garlic powder, red pepper flakes, black pepper, and sea salt to the oil mixture. Stir until well combined.
- Let the mixture sit for a few minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. Serve with slices of crusty bread for dipping.
Nutrition Info:
Recipes written and produced on Food Faith Fitness are for informational purposes only.
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