Bread Dipping Oil Recipe

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Dunk warm slices or chunks of crusty carbs in this Bread Dipping Oil Recipe for a restaurant-like appetizer that pairs well with pasta, grilled meat, soup, or salad. Pantry staple spices, olive oil, and 5 minutes of prep time are all you need for this easy appetizer.

Ripped pieces of bread on a platter with dipping oil in a bowl.


 

I grew up with bread baskets full of pillowy soft rolls, butter packets, saltine crackers, and sesame breadsticks. I wasn’t super impressed when, as an adult, I started going to restaurants that served me a bowl of dipping oil with bread.

I wasn’t off the mark, either, because so many of them were bad. There is nothing more unappetizing than a bowl or plate of flavorless olive oil (plain or dotted with low-effort mix-ins).

With a little bit of experimentation, I transformed the humble bread-and-oil into my ideal appetizer. It’s all about choosing just a couple of high-quality ingredients and keeping them on hand. Then all you have to do is grab a loaf of crusty bread and cancel your dinner reservation at that local Italian restaurant.

Recipe ingredients

Labeled ingredients for bread dipping oil.

At a Glance: Here is a quick snapshot of what ingredients are in this recipe.
Please see the recipe card below for specific quantities.

Ingredient notes

  • Olive oil: If you’ve never had good olive oil, it’s hard to understand the sentiment of “use one you would enjoy plain.” Because maybe there isn’t one, right? There is, but you just haven’t discovered it yet. If you think this might describe you, I personally use and recommend Cobram Estate extra virgin olive oil from California.
  • Dried marjoram: The most underrated Italian spice that you never knew you needed. Put it in your dipping oil, yes, but also add it to other Italian recipes that you might be cooking (spaghetti sauce, bean stews, red wine vinaigrette).
  • Balsamic vinegar: Seek out a variety made in Modena (like Giuseppe Giusti). The natural sweetness of this high-quality vinegar is worth the extra investment. (Plus, you can use the rest of the bottle in my French Onion Soup, Balsamic Chicken and Tomatoes, Balsamic Mushrooms and Onions, and of course Balsamic Vinaigrette.)
  • Crushed red pepper flakes: Omit the red chili flakes if you’re not fond of the spicy taste.

Step-by-step instructions

  1. In a small bowl whisk together, olive oil, dried marjoram, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes, if desired. Mix well.
Dipping oil in a clear bowl.
  1. Set aside for about 10 minutes, allowing for flavors to develop. Drizzle balsamic vinegar when serving.
Ripped pieces of bread on a platter with dipping oil in a bowl.

Recipe tips and variations

  • Yield: This Olive Oil Bread Dip recipe makes about ¼ cup, or 4 servings, 1 tablespoon each.
  • Storage: The leftover oil mixture can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days.
  • Herbs and spices: Use different herbs or dried herbs such as dried oregano, dried thyme, rosemary, or dried basil (or your favorite Italian seasoning blend). Fresh herbs can be great too! Or, add a pinch of minced fresh garlic cloves, garlic powder, or lemon pepper.
  • Cheese please: Grated parmesan cheese is an excellent addition to your olive oil dip.
  • Salt: The recipe calls for table salt because it’s most common, but if you have kosher salt on hand, that’s my preferred option for bread dipping oil.
  • Beyond-bread uses: Once you’ve mastered the easy Bread Dipping Oil recipe to pair with your favorite French baguette, No-Knead Bread, sourdough bread, or Italian loaf, try it as a finishing sauce for grilled meats, drizzle a spoonful over roasted vegetables or mashed potatoes, or toss with pasta, beans, and veggies. It makes a tasty salad dressing, too!
Dukkah, eggplant dip, hummus, artichokes, and olives in bowls
The Ultimate Mezze Platter features Olive TapenadeHomemade Hummus, Bread Dipping Oil, Roasted Eggplant DipMarinated FetaDukkahPita Bread, and Homemade Pita Chips.

Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of olive oil is best for bread dipping?

If you’ve never had good olive oil, it’s hard to understand the idea of “use one you would enjoy plain.” Because maybe you don’t see yourself eating olive oil plain. Consider this: there is one, but you just haven’t discovered it I personally use and recommend Cobram Estate extra virgin olive oil from California. As of October 2023, California has passed laws stating that olive oils with the word “California” on the label, such as California Olive Ranch, must be made from 100% California olives. I’m excited about that!

Bonus bread toppings and sauces

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Bread Dipping oil in a small dish surrounded by bread pieces.

Bread Dipping Oil Recipe

Dunk warm slices or chunks of crusty carbs in this Bread Dipping Oil Recipe for a restaurant-like appetizer that pairs well with pasta, grilled meat, soup, or salad.
Prep Time 5 minutes
Total Time 5 minutes
Servings 4 servings (1 tbsp each)
Course Appetizer
Cuisine American, Italian
Calories 124
5 from 13 votes

Ingredients 

Instructions 

  • In a small bowl whisk together, olive oil, dried marjoram, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (optional) mix well. Set aside for about 10 minutes, allowing for flavors to develop. Drizzle balsamic vinegar when serving.

Notes

  1. Olive oil: If you’ve never had good olive oil, it’s hard to understand the sentiment of “use one you would enjoy plain.” Because maybe there isn’t one, right? There is, but you just haven’t discovered it yet. If you think this might describe you, I personally use and recommend Cobram Estate extra virgin olive oil from California.
  2. Dried marjoram: The most underrated Italian spice that you never knew you needed. Put it in your dipping oil, yes, but also add it to other Italian recipes that you might be cooking.
  3. Balsamic vinegar: Seek out a variety made in Modena (like Giuseppe Giusti). The natural sweetness of this high-quality vinegar is worth the extra investment. 
  4. Crushed red pepper flakes: Omit if you don’t like spicy food. Double it up if you do!
  5. Yield: This Bread Dipping Oil recipe makes about ¼ cup, or 4 servings, 1 tablespoon each.
  6. Storage: Leftovers can be stored for up to 4 days.

Nutrition

Serving: 1 tbspCalories: 124kcalCarbohydrates: 1gProtein: 1gFat: 14gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gSodium: 585mgPotassium: 11mgFiber: 1gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 40IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 4mgIron: 1mg
Did you make this recipe?Tag @culinaryhill on Instagram so we can admire your masterpiece! #culinaryhill
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Meggan Hill is a classically-trained chef and professional writer. Her meticulously-tested recipes and detailed tutorials bring confidence and success to home cooks everywhere. Meggan has been featured on NPR, HuffPost, FoxNews, LA Times, and more.

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