Sizzling Italian Dipping Oil for Bread

Sizzling Italian Dipping Oil for Bread

Sizzling hot, full of fresh herbs and garlic with a little drizzle of sweet balsamic vinegar…the most irresistible dipping oil for bread. It soaks into the bread just a little and is the perfect appetizer or side dish for any meal.

Years ago when I was in college I was dating a boy that enjoyed cooking and baking. We had a lot of fun trying new recipes and because we were dating, my parents gave me a fancy set of oil and different seasonings for bread for one of my Christmas gifts. The relationship didn’t last but my love for bread and dipping oil totally did! Haha!

Take 10 minutes to make this dipping oil recipe, pull a fresh loaf of focaccia bread or a crusty artisan bread loaf out of the oven, and you have an elegant start to your authentic Italian bolognese dinner! You’ll feel like you’re sitting at a fancy Italian restaurant!

What Goes into Italian Dipping Oil?

Here are the ingredients you will need for this recipe:

• Olive Oil – extra virgin, make sure it is good quality (from Italy or California is the best), extra virgin olive oil has a deeper and richer flavor
• Garlic – fresh, not from a jar
• Fresh herbs – parsley, oregano (or marjoram), rosemary and basil all minced really fine
  • PRO TIP: We love this combinations of fresh herbs, but you could use any combination you love! It’s so versatile! Add some thyme, omit the parsley…seriously whatever your family enjoys!
  • If you need to use dried herbs, double all the measurements for each herb.
• Red Pepper Flakes – feel free to add more if you like more heat
• Kosher Salt – adds flavor
• Balsamic Vinegar – adds the most lovely hint of sweetness and acid to cut through the oil
• Bread – I have been known to dip just about any bread into this oil. Heck, I’d dip a slice of white Wonderbread! See section below for specific suggestions.

The measurements for each ingredients can be found in the recipe card at the end of the post.

What Type of Olive Oil is Best for Dipping Oil?

You want a top quality, extra virgin olive oil for the best flavor. Extra virgin olive oil will hold up the best to all the flavors of the fresh herbs. Look for EVOO that is from Italy or California. EVOO can be expensive, but you only need 1/3 cup for this recipe, so buying the best is recommended and will last for a long time.

Can Other Types of Oil Be Used?

No, I would definitely not recommend using any other type of oil for making a dipping oil for bread. Other types of oil just don’t have the same rich flavor that you get from olive oil. Olive oil is also one of the healthiest types of oil out there.

How to Make Olive Oil Bread Dip

There are two methods for making this recipe. It just depends on how you want your garlic to taste.

Toasted Garlic

1. Prepare all your herbs and spices so they are ready to quickly add to the oil when it’s ready.
2. In a small sauce pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat until it is shimmering. Add the garlic and let it just start to brown. It happens quickly so don’t walk away!
3. Remove from the heat, pour the oil and garlic into your serving dish and then stir in the herbs and spices. Give it a good stir and then top with salt and a drizzle of balsamic vinegar. Serve immediately.

Fresh Garlic

1. Measure out all your herbs, garlic and spice and place them in a shallow bowl.
2. Heat the olive oil in a small sauce pan over medium heat until it is shimmering.
3. Pour the hot oil over the herbs, garlic and spices. Let it all sit for a few seconds, then give it a good stir and add a drizzle of balsamic vinegar. Top with salt and serve.

Best Bread for Dipping in Oil

I’m not picky when it comes to my bread and the answer is always just “YES!” Honestly, any type of bread will taste fabulous with this dipping oil, but a good hearty bread will hold up best to dipping in oil. Here are a few suggestions:

• French Bread
• Focaccia Bread
• Herbed Peasant Bread
• Homemade Baguette
• No Knead Artisan Bread
• Dinner Rolls

Tips for the Best Dipping Oil

So listen, for years I’ve been improving upon this whole bread dipping oil recipe and I’m convinced that this really is the best combination and the best method for making it. 

1. Fresh herbs. I know that sounds obvious, but when they are fresh it does seem like it could be a little soggy, but I promise it’s not. It’s so fresh, vibrant and good!!!!
2. Hot oil! You guys, you totally don’t HAVE TO heat your oil. I’ll eat warm bread and olive oil any day. But I’m telling you, the hot oil is life-changing. Just wait until you see and hear the satisfaction of the crackling oil all over the herbs. 
3. Balsamic Vinegar. The tiniest little drizzle of higher quality, made in Italy or California balsamic vinegar adds the most lovely sweetness. 

What Else Can Dipping Oil Be Used For?

If you find yourself with some leftover dipping oil, it is great for dressing a simple salad or for adding to a pasta dish. You could also drizzle it over a steak or grilled chicken. If you brush it over some french bread and stick it in the broiler for a few minutes, you’ll have a delicious garlic bread.

What Can I Dip Besides Bread?

Fresh veggies taste great dipped in this olive oil. You can set out a platter of carrot stick, celery, broccoli, snap peas, etc. and let everyone go at it. You can also dip crackers or pretzels in it.

Can Dipping Oil Be Made Ahead of Time?

Yes, this is a great recipe for making ahead of time. If stored properly in an airtight container, this oil dip for bread will keep in the refrigerator for up to a week.

This Olive Oil Bread Dip Goes Great With…

A fresh loaf of bread with an olive oil dipping sauce usually is the appetizer for an Italian meal, so here are some ideas for what to serve for the main course:

• Bolognese
• Crispy Pancetta Ravioli
• Short Rib Ragu
• Sausage Rigatoni
• Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo

If you’re like me, the best part of eating at an Italian restaurant is the bowl of fresh bread with the little dish of dipping oil they bring out to eat while you wait for your food. And then I get so full on the bread, I have no room for my dinner, but it was totally worth it! Sound familiar? Just me?

You won’t be able to stop once you try this bread dipping oil recipe! It’s so flavorful, so bold, so quick and easy to make, so incredible, and so needed in your life! Do it! Make it! Dip in it!

More Delicious Dips to Try:

• Creamy Artichoke Dip
• Chile con Queso
• Classic 7 Layer Dip
• Bacon Ranch Corn Dip
• Spinach Artichoke Dip

READ: Sizzling Italian Dipping Oil for Bread