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

Dunk warm slices or chunks of crusty carbs in this Bread Dipping Oil 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.
Course Appetizer
Cuisine American, Italian
Prep Time 5 minutes
Total Time 5 minutes
Servings 4 servings (1 tbsp each)
Calories 124kcal
Author Meggan Hill

Ingredients

  • 1/4 cup olive oil (see note 1)
  • 1 teaspoon dried marjoram (see note 2)
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar (see note 3)
  • 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes optional (see note 4)
  • bread for serving
US Customary - Metric

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 (spaghetti sauce, bean stews, red wine vinaigrette).
  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. (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.)
  4. Crushed red pepper flakes: Omit if you're not fond of spicy food.
  5. Yield: This Bread Dipping Oil recipe makes about 1/4 cup, or 4 servings, 1 tablespoon each.
  6. Storage: Leftovers can be stored for up to 4 days.

Nutrition

Serving: 1tbsp | Calories: 124kcal | Carbohydrates: 1g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 14g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 10g | Sodium: 585mg | Potassium: 11mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 40IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 4mg | Iron: 1mg