Name: Olive Oil Bread Dip with Herbs and Balsamic Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 10 min
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 1 cup extra virgin olive oil; 3-4 cloves fresh garlic, finely chopped; 1 tablespoon dried basil; 1 tablespoon dried oregano; 1 tablespoon dried thyme; 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste); 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar; Salt and pepper to taste; Crusty bread (e.g., baguette or ciabatta), sliced

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Introduction

This Olive Oil Bread Dip with Herbs and Balsamic is a simple yet flavorful appetizer perfect for any occasion. Combining fragrant garlic, aromatic herbs, and a touch of balsamic vinegar, it pairs beautifully with crusty bread for dipping. It’s a quick and delicious way to elevate your snack or starter.

A white bowl holds a shallow layer of golden yellow olive oil mixed with scattered green herbs and red chili flakes floating on top, creating a colorful, textured surface. A piece of toasted bread with a crisp, brown, and slightly rough crust is partially dipped into the oil and herbs, showing its soft and airy inside with small holes. A woman's hand is gently holding the bread slice at the top right corner. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 cup extra virgin olive oil
3-4 cloves fresh garlic, finely chopped
1 tablespoon dried basil
1 tablespoon dried oregano
1 tablespoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
Salt and pepper to taste
Crusty bread (e.g., baguette or ciabatta), sliced

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare all ingredients by gathering them on your counter to ensure a smooth preparation process.
Step 2: Peel and finely chop the garlic cloves until fragrant to help release their aroma.
Step 3: In a medium bowl, pour in the extra virgin olive oil and add the chopped garlic. Stir gently to combine and allow the flavors to begin infusing.
Step 4: Add the dried basil, dried oregano, dried thyme, and red pepper flakes to the olive oil mixture. Stir well to evenly distribute the herbs and spices.
Step 5: Drizzle in the balsamic vinegar and season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix until the dip is well combined and balanced in flavor.
Step 6: Pour the prepared dip into a serving bowl and serve alongside slices of crusty bread or toasted baguette for dipping.

Tips & Variations

Use fresh herbs if available for a brighter flavor, but be sure to finely chop them to release their aroma.
Adjust the red pepper flakes according to your heat preference or omit for a milder dip.
Try adding a pinch of smoked paprika for a subtle smoky note.
Serve the dip slightly warmed to enhance the flavors and soften the garlic taste.

Storage

Store any leftover dip in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Before serving again, bring it to room temperature and stir well. Avoid reheating in the microwave to preserve the olive oil’s flavor and texture.

How to Serve

A close-up image shows a woman's hand holding a toasted slice of bread dipped into a white bowl filled with golden-yellow olive oil. The bread slice is coated with chopped green herbs, red chili flakes, and some spices, giving it a speckled texture with green and red colors. The olive oil in the bowl has floating bits of green herbs and red chili flakes, creating a colorful layer on the smooth surface of the oil. The white bowl sits on a white marbled textured surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use fresh herbs instead of dried?

Yes, fresh herbs can be used for a more vibrant taste. Use about three times the amount of fresh herbs compared to dried and finely chop them before adding to the dip.

Is this dip suitable for all types of bread?

This dip works best with crusty bread like baguette or ciabatta, but you can also enjoy it with pita bread, focaccia, or even vegetable sticks for a lighter option.