olive oil bread dip on a tile surface surrounded by crostini and fresh parsley

Why you’ll love this olive oil bread dip

Years ago, when I was working at an Italian restaurant in Milwaukee (the same one that inspired my artichoke pasta), I made olive oil bread dip just like this one on a regular basis. There was parmesan in theirs, but this is essentially the same recipe.

To make up for the “lack of cheese” in ours, I added a pinch of salt and some dried Italian herbs, and I can’t even tell you how good it was. Marc and I couldn’t get enough of it, and we were more than happy to make another batch the next day for lunch.

This bread dipping oil is perfect to serve alongside your favorite pasta – maybe topped with some dairy free alfredo or a spicy arrabiata sauce. Take your pick. Either way, I know you’ll love it.

ingredients for bread dipping oil in a small white bowl
closeup of Italian bread dip

How to make olive oil bread dip

Bread dipping oil couldn’t be any easier to make. All you do is dump the seasonings on a plate or in a bowl, add your olive oil and drizzle some balsamic vinegar on top.

If you eat cheese, or have vegan parmesan, feel free to add it. I think this recipe is more than delicious without, but it’s your call.

Frequently asked questions

What is the best bread for dipping into olive oil?

Ciabatta bread and other hard crusty breads are perfect for this dip because the olive oil makes it softer but doesn’t turn it into a soggy mess like it would with softer breads such as a sandwich bread.

What’s the best type of olive oil for dipping?

Using a nice extra virgin olive oil is usually preferred because it has the purest and most delicate flavor. You can use regular olive oil though!

hand dipping a slice of bread into dipping oil with herbs and balsamic vinegar

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Olive Oil Bread Dip

By: Melissa Belanger
Making your own olive oil bread dip is incredibly easy. This bread dipping oil recipe is made with just a few flavorful ingredients like balsamic vinegar and garlic, and it can be ready in minutes. Serve it as an appetizer or alongside your favorite pasta dish, and you’ll feel like you’re at your favorite Italian restaurant without even leaving your house.
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes
Servings: 4
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Ingredients 

  • 3 – 4 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon minced garlic
  • 1 teaspoon fresh chopped parsley
  • 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
  • 1/2 teaspoon coarse salt
  • 2 teaspoons balsamic vinegar

Instructions 

  • Pour olive oil into a small serving bowl or plate.
  • Add Italian seasoning, garlic, parsley, red pepper flakes and salt.
  • Before serving, drizzle balsamic vinegar into the bowl.

Nutrition

Calories: 98kcal, Carbohydrates: 1g, Protein: 0.1g, Fat: 11g, Sodium: 296mg, Fiber: 0.3g, Sugar: 0.4g, Vitamin C: 0.3mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

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Hi! I'm Melissa.

I create easy, dairy free recipes because I know how hard living without milk can be. I believe you can live a completely satisfying life without dairy, and I want to teach you how.

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6 Comments

  1. Dianna Thompson says:

    Can you make this dip all together ahead of time and bottle to give as gift with home made bread?

    1. Melissa Belanger says:

      Yes, it sounds like a great gift!

  2. Sarah W says:

    Is is really 98kcal or is that a typo? Because that’s a lot of calories.

    1. Melissa says:

      It’s definitely not a typo. Each tablespoon of olive oil contains 120 calories, so considering that, each serving would be about 98 calories.

  3. Pam says:

    It’s delicious!How long will this last?

    1. Melissa says:

      This should last for up to 4 days in the fridge, but it’s really best served fresh.