Dinner

Bread Dipping Oil Recipe

Name: Bread Dipping Oil Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Total time: 5 min
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: ¾ cup extra virgin olive oil; 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar; 2 tablespoons parsley leaves (finely chopped); 2 tablespoons basil leaves (finely chopped); 2 tablespoons Castelvetrano olives (chopped); 2 tablespoons Kalamata olives (chopped); 1 clove garlic (grated); ½ teaspoon dried oregano; ¼ teaspoon flaky sea salt (or more to taste); ¼ cup parmesan cheese (freshly grated); fresh warm bread (for serving)

ByBen Miller October 19, 2025October 19, 2025

Jump to Recipe

Introduction

This Bread Dipping Oil is a simple and flavorful appetizer, perfect for sharing with friends or elevating any meal. Ready in just 10 minutes, it combines fragrant herbs, olives, garlic, and parmesan in a luscious olive oil and balsamic base.

A white bowl filled with a mix of golden yellow olive oil mixed with dark green chopped herbs and pieces of black olives, creating a textured, oily surface with scattered bits of herbs and olives throughout. Surrounding the bowl is torn pieces of light beige crusty bread with a rough, airy texture, arranged on a white plate. A wooden spoon rests inside the bowl on the right side, partially covered by the mixture. Fresh bright green basil leaves are placed beside the plate on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

¾ cup extra virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
2 tablespoons parsley leaves (finely chopped)
2 tablespoons basil leaves (finely chopped)
2 tablespoons Castelvetrano olives (chopped)
2 tablespoons Kalamata olives (chopped)
1 clove garlic (grated)
½ teaspoon dried oregano
¼ teaspoon flaky sea salt (or more to taste)
¼ cup parmesan cheese (freshly grated)
fresh warm bread (for serving)

Instructions

Step 1: In a shallow bowl, pour the olive oil and drizzle the balsamic vinegar on top.
Step 2: Finely chop the parsley, basil, Castelvetrano, and Kalamata olives, then add them to the bowl.
Step 3: Grate the garlic clove directly into the mixture, then add the dried oregano and flaky sea salt.
Step 4: Freshly grate the parmesan cheese over the top and stir gently to combine all ingredients.
Step 5: Serve immediately alongside fresh, warm crusty bread for dipping.

Tips & Variations

Use freshly grated parmesan for the best flavor and texture.
Try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes for a subtle spicy kick.
Substitute balsamic vinegar with lemon juice for a brighter, tangier taste.
Let the oil mixture sit for 10–15 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld.

Storage

Store any leftover dipping oil in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To serve, bring it back to room temperature and stir well. It’s best enjoyed fresh but can be lightly reheated if the oil solidifies.

How to Serve

A close-up view of a shallow white dish filled with a mix of chopped dark purple olives and bright green herbs in golden olive oil, creating a slightly oily and textured surface. Small pieces of nuts or garlic are scattered throughout the mixture, adding texture. A small wooden spoon with a smooth round bowl rests inside the dish on the right side, coated partially with the olive and herb mix. The white marbled background contrasts softly with the rich colors of the ingredients. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this dipping oil ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare it a few hours ahead and refrigerate. Allow it to come to room temperature before serving to enhance the flavors.

What bread works best for dipping?

Fresh, warm crusty breads like baguette, ciabatta, or sourdough are ideal because they soak up the flavorful oil without falling apart.