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+ servings
Olive oil bread dip on a white oblong platter with platter of sliced bread.

Olive Oil Bread Dip

Chef Ryan Littley
Our Olive Oil Bread Dip Recipe is loaded with garlic, herbs, and cheese. Quick to make and perfect for dipping your favorite bread.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 0 minutes
Marinate 30 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Course Appetizer, Side Dish, Snack
Cuisine Italian, Italian - American
Servings 6 people
Calories 167 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • ½ cup extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon Pecorino Romano or Parmesan cheese
  • 1 tablespoon roasted garlic minced or fresh garlic minced
  • 2 teaspoons dry oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dry basil
  • 1 teaspoon fresh parsley
  • ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes more or less to taste
  • ½ teaspoon kosher salt to taste

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Instructions
 

  • Add the olive oil, Romano cheese and roasted garlic to a small bowl.
  • Whisk together to combine.
  • Add the dried oregano, dried parsley, dried basil, red pepper flakes, and kosher salt to the mixture.
  • Whisk together to combine.
  • For a bolder flavor, let it sit for 30 minutes before using. Stir before serving.
  • Pour onto a shallow plate or shallow bowl so the seasonings and oil can spread out for a larger dipping surface.
  • Serve at room temperature with your favorite breads or rolls.

Notes

Can I Make Adjustments to the Recipe?
Absolutely, the great thing about his recipe is it uses simple ingredients that are easy to adapt to the flavors you love.
We made our dip with roasted garlic for a sweet and nutty flavor, but you can use garlic powder or fresh garlic if that’s what you’ve got. If you’re using garlic powder, start with about a teaspoon and taste as you go.
Pecorino Romano adds a sharp, salty bite, but grated Parmesan cheese works just as well. And if you want to keep it dairy-free, you can leave the cheese out entirely and still end up with something tasty.
We used a mix of dried herbs and fresh parsley, but if you have a go-to Italian seasoning blend, you can use that instead. Start with a light touch and adjust to taste so it doesn’t overpower the dip.
Leave out the red pepper flakes if you're not a fan of spicy food.
Take it to the next level with a splash of aged balsamic vinegar for sweetness, or a sprinkle of lemon zest for a bit of brightness.
How to Store Olive Oil Bread Dip
Store any leftover olive oil bread dip in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 to 5 days.
Let it come to room temperature and give it a good stir before serving again.
If you only use dried herbs and garlic powder, they can be safely stored at room temperature.
How can I get a really savory, restaurant-style olive oil flavor?
Don’t skimp on the olive oil. Restaurants typically keep it simple, using high-quality extra-virgin olive oil, a touch of kosher salt, and a robust herb blend. However, if your oil isn’t good, no amount of seasoning will save it. Start with good quality, rich olive oil, and everything else will fall into place.
How do I keep my olive oil dip from separating?
Oil and herbs naturally settle over time. Just give it a good stir before serving, and everything will come back together. Letting it sit at room temperature helps the oil loosen up.
Can I prep this dip ahead of time for a party?
Absolutely. You can mix it a few hours in advance and let it sit at room temperature, allowing the flavors to blend together. Just give it a quick stir before serving. This recipe yields approximately 4 to 6 servings. If you’re hosting a larger group, feel free to double or triple the recipe (click the 2x or 3x buttons in the recipe card for easy scaling). And make sure you’ve got plenty of your favorite crusty bread on hand, too, because once people start dipping, it disappears fast.

Nutrition

Calories: 167kcalCarbohydrates: 1gProtein: 0.5gFat: 18gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 13gCholesterol: 1mgSodium: 207mgPotassium: 22mgFiber: 0.4gSugar: 0.1gVitamin A: 67IUVitamin C: 0.5mgCalcium: 27mgIron: 1mg
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