Olive Oil Bread Dip

Assemble Your Ingredients
How to Make Olive Oil Bread Dip
How to Store Leftovers
Party Dip Spread Favorites

If you love simple, flavorful starters, this olive oil bread dip comes together in minutes and tastes like a restaurant bread basket at home. Let it rest while you warm the bread, then pour and dip.

Flavor: This dip is savory and garlicky with a tangy balsamic brightness, a touch of Italian seasoning, and a subtle nutty richness, especially with Parmesan on top.
Optional Add-Ins: A seasonal twist I love is adding a drizzle of balsamic glaze in the winter, or a sprinkle of fresh lemon zest in the summer for a bright, fresh pop.
Serving Suggestions: Serve with a warm baguette, focaccia, or crostini for that classic restaurant-style bread basket feel.

balsamic vinegar , olive oil , parsley , italian seasoning , garlic , salt and pepper with labels to make Olive Oil Bread Dip

Assemble Your Ingredients

Olive Oil: Use a good-tasting, everyday extra virgin olive oil since the flavor is front and center. If it’s peppery, mellow it out with a splash of a milder olive oil.
Balsamic Vinegar: Vinegar keeps the dip light and tangy, while a balsamic glaze adds sweetness and clings beautifully to the bread.
Italian Seasoning: Italian seasoning is my shortcut for that “restaurant-style” flavor, but you can easily swap in a mix of oregano and basil if you need to.
Garlic: Fresh minced garlic gives the boldest flavor. For a smoother dip, swap in garlic powder.
Parsley: Fresh looks bright, dried works year-round, and blends in easily.

Variations

Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat.
Mediterranean Twist: Stir in chopped sun-dried tomatoes or olives for extra texture.
Citrus Bright: Finish with a bit of lemon zest for a fresh, citrus pop.

ingredients in jar to make Olive Oil Bread Dip

How to Make Olive Oil Bread Dip

In a jar, mix together all the ingredients (full recipe below).
Shake and allow it to sit at room temperature for up to 2 hours.
Shake again right before serving and pour into a shallow bowl, with warm bread on the side.

bowl of Olive Oil Bread Dip with a spoon

The Perfect Dish: Use a shallow dish so the bread catches the herbs and garlic in every dip.
The Bread: Warm the bread slightly so it soaks up the oil without feeling heavy.
For Smoother Dip: Use dried parsley and garlic powder instead of fresh garlic.
For More “Restaurant” Vibes: Finish with flaky salt and extra black pepper on top.
Making Ahead: Refrigerate leftovers promptly, and do not leave garlic-in-oil mixtures at room temp for long periods.
Double It for Parties: Keep the same wide dish setup so it stays dippable, not too deep.

How to Store Leftovers

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The oil will thicken when chilled, so let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes, then shake well before serving.

Freeze in small portions for longer storage. Store the bread separately and toast it to refresh.

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Did you enjoy this Olive Oil Bread Dip Recipe? Leave a comment and rating below.

image of Everyday Comfort cookbook by Holly Nilsson of Spend With Pennies plus text

Prep Time 5 minutes

30 minutes

Total Time 35 minutes

In a jar with a lid, add the oil, balsamic, garlic, parsley, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
Shake well to combine and let rest at room temperature for 30 minutes or up to 2 hours.
To serve, shake well and pour into a shallow bowl or dish
Garnish with grated Parmesan cheese, if desired.
Serve with a fresh loaf of bread, such as a baguette or focaccia, for dipping.

Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Nutrition information provided is an estimate and will vary based on cooking methods and brands of ingredients used.

Course Dip

Cuisine Italian

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