Olive Oil Bread Dip with Herbs and Balsamic Recipe
This Olive Oil Bread Dip with Herbs and Balsamic is a simple and flavorful appetizer perfect for any gathering. Combining extra virgin olive oil infused with fresh garlic, dried herbs, red pepper flakes, and a splash of balsamic vinegar, this dip offers a delightful Mediterranean-inspired taste. Serve it alongside crusty bread or toasted baguette slices for a deliciously easy starter or snack.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
Herb and Olive Oil Mixture
- 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
Serving
- Crusty bread (e.g., baguette or ciabatta), sliced
Instructions
- Prepare Ingredients: Gather all ingredients on your counter to have everything ready for a smooth preparation process.
- Chop Garlic: Peel and finely chop the garlic cloves until fragrant to release their aroma and enhance the olive oil infusion.
- Combine Olive Oil and Garlic: In a medium bowl, pour the extra virgin olive oil and add the chopped garlic, stirring gently to combine and allow flavors to start infusing.
- Add Herbs and Seasonings: Incorporate the dried basil, dried oregano, dried thyme, and red pepper flakes into the olive oil mixture and stir well to evenly distribute the herbs and spices.
- Flavor with Vinegar and Season: Drizzle in the balsamic vinegar and season with salt and pepper according to taste, mixing until the dip is well combined and balanced in flavor.
- Serve: Pour the prepared dip into a serving bowl and offer alongside slices of crusty bread or toasted baguette for dipping.
Notes
- Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to control the spice level according to your preference.
- For best flavor, let the dip sit for 10-15 minutes before serving to allow the garlic and herbs to infuse into the olive oil.
- This dip is best served fresh but can be stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Bring to room temperature before serving.
- Use high-quality extra virgin olive oil for a richer and more authentic flavor.
- To add variety, try adding other herbs like rosemary or parsley based on your taste.
Keywords: olive oil dip, bread dip, appetizer, herb dip, balsamic vinegar dip, garlic oil dip, Mediterranean appetizer, easy party recipes
