Name: Herb and Olive Bread Dipping Oil Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 10 min
Cuisine: Italian
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

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Introduction

This flavorful bread dipping oil brings together the richness of extra virgin olive oil with fresh herbs, olives, and a touch of tangy balsamic vinegar. It’s the perfect appetizer to serve with warm crusty bread and impress your guests with minimal effort.

The image shows a white round bowl filled with a golden-yellow olive oil mixture, with chopped dark green herbs and small dark purple pieces spread unevenly on top, creating a textured surface. The bowl sits on a dark round board with torn pieces of rustic bread around it, showing a crusty brown outer layer and soft, airy white inside. A wooden spoon rests in the bowl, partially covered with the oil and herbs. On the right side, a woman's hand holds a piece of bread dipped in the mixture. Fresh green basil leaves are placed beside the bowl 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 in the extra virgin olive oil and drizzle the balsamic vinegar on top.
Step 2: Finely chop the parsley, basil, Castelvetrano olives, and Kalamata olives, then add them to the bowl.
Step 3: Grate the garlic clove and add it along with the dried oregano and flaky sea salt.
Step 4: Freshly grate the parmesan cheese into the mixture and stir well to combine all the ingredients evenly.
Step 5: Serve immediately alongside fresh warm bread for dipping and enjoy.

Tips & Variations

Use a high-quality extra virgin olive oil for the best flavor.
Swap out the balsamic vinegar for lemon juice if you prefer a brighter acidity.
Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat.
Try different olives like green or black to customize the taste.
For a richer texture, allow the mixture to sit at room temperature for 10–15 minutes before serving.

Storage

Store any leftover bread dipping oil in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Allow it to come to room temperature and stir well before serving, as the olive oil may solidify when chilled.

How to Serve

A white bowl containing a mixture of dark chopped olives and herbs sitting in a pool of golden olive oil, with finely chopped green herbs scattered throughout. A small wooden spoon filled with the olive mixture rests inside the bowl. Around the edge of the bowl are pieces of torn crusty white bread with a soft, airy interior. The bowl is placed on a white marbled surface, with part of a light-colored textured cloth visible near the bottom corner. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare this dipping oil in advance?

Yes, you can make it a few hours ahead and refrigerate it. Just bring it to room temperature and stir before serving to restore the best flavor and texture.

What type of bread works best with this dipping oil?

Fresh, crusty bread such as a baguette, ciabatta, or sourdough complements this dipping oil wonderfully, enhancing both texture and taste.