This Olive Oil Bread Dip is easy to make with herbs and seasonings, olive oil, fresh garlic, and Parmesan cheese. Serve it with crusty bread for a simple appetizer idea for family and friends!

Be sure to serve this with my No Knead Bread!

Olive Oil Bread Dip in a white bowl with a hand dipping a slice of crusty bread into it.

Olive Oil Bread Dip

One of the major perks of visiting an Italian restaurant is definitely the Olive Oil Bread Dip! Luckily, making this at home is a snap, and tastes every bit as good as at the restaurants.

The seasonings can be mixed together well ahead of time. Just combine with olive oil, fresh garlic, and Parmesan for serving! 

This is a really easy appetizer to prepare for guests too- and it only takes a minute. Be sure to check out my olive oil recommendations and pro tips below. I can’t wait for you to try this!

A visual and list of ingredients to make Olive Oil Bread Dip.

Best Olive Oil for Dipping Bread

Pro Tips

  • Garlic: Fresh Garlic is key in this recipe, don’t be tempted by the jarred garlic for this one!
  • Parmesan: Grate the Parmesan from a wedge if possible for the best flavor. I use Belgioioso Parmesan.
  • Salt: Coarse, kosher salt is best for this recipe. If using table salt, decrease amount to 1 teaspoon.
  • 1-2 teaspoons of Balsamic Vinegar can be added for a little additional depth if preferred.
  • Additional uses for this Olive Oil Bread Dip: Aside from serving with my No Knead Bread, you can also brush it on chicken/pork, brush it on pizza dough, rolls, or French Bread Pizza, use as a salad dressing or sandwich spread, toss with veggies for roasting, etc.
  • Prepare 30 minutes before serving if possible so that the ingredients have time to meld and the garlic can infuse the oil with flavor. You can also prepare it up to 24 hours ahead, give it sufficient time to come to room temp before serving.
  • Make Ahead Method: Combine the dried seasonings ahead of time,  they should have a shelf life of 1 year or more, depending on how fresh they are. Combine with oil, garlic, and Parmesan when ready to serve.

Storage

  • Store in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 1 week. Let it come to room temperature before serving.

A slice of crusty bread being dipped into Olive Oil Bread Dip.

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A slice of crusty bread being dipped into a bowl of Olive Oil Bread Dip.

Olive Oil Bread Dip

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes
5 from 1 rating
Servings: 12 people
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This Olive Oil Bread Dip is easy to make with herbs and seasonings, olive oil, fresh garlic, and Parmesan cheese. Serve it with crusty bread for a simple appetizer idea for family and friends!

Ingredients

US Customary - Metric

Make-Ahead Seasonings

  • 2 teaspoons EACH: dried oregano, basil, parsley
  • 1 ½ teaspoons kosher salt
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • ½ teaspoon EACH: onion powder, freshly cracked black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes, optional

When ready to serve

  • ½ cup extra virgin olive oil, see notes
  • 3 cloves fresh garlic, minced. See notes
  • 2 tablespoons freshly grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

  • Combine the make-ahead seasonings in a small bowl. This will yield 3 tablespoons, or 3 batches. Use 1 tablespoon per 1/2 cup olive oil.
  • When ready to serve: Combine 1 tablespoon of the seasonings with ½ cup olive oil, 3 cloves garlic, and 2 tbsp. Parmesan. Store the remaining seasonings in an airtight container until ready to use.
  • If possible, let the flavors meld at room temperature for 30 minutes prior to serving. Serve with my no knead bread and enjoy!

Notes

Best Olive Oil for Dipping Bread:
Pro Tips
  • Garlic: Fresh Garlic is key in this recipe, don't be tempted by the jarred garlic for this one!
  • Parmesan: Grate the Parmesan from a wedge if possible for the best flavor. I use Belgioioso Parmesan.
  • Salt: Coarse, kosher salt is best for this recipe. If using table salt, decrease amount to 1 teaspoon.
  • 1-2 teaspoons of Balsamic Vinegar can be added for a little additional depth if preferred.
  • Additional uses for this Olive Oil Bread Dip: Aside from serving with my No Knead Bread, you can also brush it on chicken/pork, brush it on pizza dough, rolls, or French Bread Pizza, use as a salad dressing or sandwich spread, toss with veggies for roasting, etc.
  • Prepare 30 minutes before serving if possible so that the ingredients have time to meld and the garlic can infuse the oil with flavor. You can also prepare it up to 24 hours ahead, give it sufficient time to come to room temp before serving.
  • Make Ahead Method: Combine the dried seasonings ahead of time,  they should have a shelf life of 1 year or more, depending on how fresh they are. Combine with oil, garlic, and Parmesan when ready to serve.
Storage:
  • Store in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 1 week. Let it come to room temperature before serving.

Nutrition

Calories: 86kcal, Carbohydrates: 1g, Protein: 0.4g, Fat: 9g, Saturated Fat: 1g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g, Monounsaturated Fat: 7g, Cholesterol: 1mg, Sodium: 112mg, Potassium: 11mg, Fiber: 0.2g, Sugar: 0.04g, Vitamin A: 40IU, Vitamin C: 0.3mg, Calcium: 19mg, Iron: 0.3mg
Did you try this recipe?Mention @TheCozyCook on Instagram or tag #thecozycook!
Course: Appetizer, Side Dish, Snack
Cuisine: American, Italian
Author: Stephanie