Easy Bread Dipping Oil

One of the best parts about eating out is when the server brings out the basket of warm bread and olive oil. Wonderfully enough, you can bring this beloved restaurant experience home with a fresh baguette and a batch of this easy bread dipping oil.

I think we can all agree that there is something utterly satisfying about dipping a slice of warm, crusty bread into a bowl of flavorful olive oil. Thankfully, this recipe could not be easier!

What is Bread Dipping Oil?

It is a combination of herbs (fresh or dried), seasoning, and good olive oil that is designed for dipping bread. There is an infinite amount of flavor combinations you could try when it comes to the dried herbs and flavorings. The key is great quality extra-virgin olive oil and a nice crusty bread like a French baguette.

Ingredients

• Olive Oil - Olive oil is the main star of this dish. You want to use a high-quality oil, a.k.a. extra-virgin olive oil, cheaper oils have an undesirable bitterness. *See below for suggestions.
• Dried Herbs - This recipe utilizes a collection of dried herbs everyone has on hand. The dried herbs include basil, oregano, red pepper flakes, rosemary, and onion powder.
• Salt and Black Pepper – For the best flavor results, use sea salt or kosher salt. As for the black pepper, freshly cracked pepper is ideal. Avoid table salt.
• Minced Garlic - This recipe calls for 2 small cloves, or one large clove, of garlic, minced. If you are not eating this mixture right away, refrigerate the garlic herb blend and add the olive oil when ready to eat. You can also substitute the fresh garlic with dried. While I have not experimented with this, I would start with a ¼ teaspoon and taste as you go. Additionally, roasted garlic is fantastic in this recipe as well.
• Parmesan (optional) - I enjoy cheese in my olive oil dip, however, it is optional. Grated Parmesan is great here, particularly finely grated, but crumbled feta is fantastic as well.

What is the Best Olive Oil for Dipping Bread?

These days, grocery stores are full of olive oil options. Honestly, it can be overwhelming. When having an olive oil-based dish such as this one, it is important to use high-quality oil for the best flavor. What is the best tasting oil for dipping bread? Look for a cold-pressed Extra Virgin Olive Oil.

Avoid refined oils, which are of poor quality, as well as store (generic) brands. My go-to Extra Virgin Olive Oil brands are California Olive Ranch, Cuac, and O Olive Oil, and Vinegar. Be sure to check your local gourmet food stores as well.

What is the best way to store olive oil?

When investing in a higher-quality oil it is important to use it in a timely manner and store it appropriately, so it doesn’t go rancid. Store olive oil in a cool dark place, out of direct sunlight. For best results, use olive oil within one to two months of opening.

How to Make Olive Oil Dip

1. In a small bowl, stir together all of the dried herbs and spices and the minced garlic. Add in the grated Parmesan, stir until combined.
2. Whisk in the olive oil until everything is well blended. Place into a shallow serving dish.
3. Enjoy with fresh baguette slices.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does bread dipping oil last? If you do not plan on eating the entirety of the recipe, I would suggest only making a half batch. When the garlic herb blend is combined with olive oil, it becomes perishable and needs to be refrigerated. When refrigerated, olive oil's consistency changes. That said, the bread dipping oil will last up to 3 days if stored properly.

How do you store bread dipping oil? You can store the garlic herb mixture without the olive oil in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. If desired, you can also make the mixture without the minced garlic so that it does not have to be refrigerated.

What is the best bread to use for olive oil dip? Crusty bread, or artisan bread, is ideal when it comes to olive oil dip. When I say crusty, I mean bread with a hard outer shell and subtly soft interior. What bread fits this description? French baguette, ciabatta (loaf or rolls), and sourdough to name a few.

What Else Can You Dip in Olive Oil Besides Bread?

While this olive oil dip is certainly delicious with bread, it is great with a multitude of foods. Pour this herb-infused oil over fish or chicken for instant flavor. In addition, it’s delicious drizzled over grains such as rice or pasta, and roasted potatoes too.

This bread dipping oil is a satisfying snack or appetizer when paired with fresh bread. While the recipe specifies using a baguette, use whatever crusty or chewy bread you’d like. This simple recipe could not be easier, or more delicious.

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