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Restaurant-Style Garlic & Herb Olive Oil Bread Dip

Close-up of a vibrant olive oil bread dip featuring bright green herbs and a swirl of dark balsamic vinegar.

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Make this quick, flavorful olive oil bread dip in under ten minutes. It is a simple, no-cook appetizer perfect for serving with crusty bread like baguettes or focaccia.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced finely
  • 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning blend
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional, omit for vegan)
  • Pinch of salt and black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar (for optional swirl)

Instructions

  1. Gather all your ingredients. You need no cooking for this simple appetizer.
  2. In a shallow, wide serving dish, pour the extra virgin olive oil.
  3. Add the minced garlic, Italian seasoning, dried oregano, and red pepper flakes (if using) directly into the oil.
  4. Stir the ingredients gently to combine them well. Let the mixture sit for at least five minutes to allow the garlic and herbs to infuse the oil. This step makes the best dipping oil for bread.
  5. Stir in the fresh parsley and Parmesan cheese, if you are including them. Season with salt and pepper to your taste.
  6. If you want a balsamic swirl, pour the balsamic vinegar into the center of the oil mixture or drizzle it lightly over the top. Do not stir the balsamic in completely.
  7. Serve immediately with warm, crusty bread for dipping.

Notes

  • Use high-quality extra virgin olive oil; it is the main flavor component of this bread dipper.
  • If you do not have fresh parsley, you can use 1 teaspoon of dried parsley, but fresh herbs provide better flavor.
  • This recipe is naturally vegan if you skip the Parmesan cheese.
  • This dip pairs well with any artisan bread, ciabatta, or homemade focaccia.

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