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Less than 20 minutes to make (and most of that time is just heating olive oil and garlic!). In this easy appetizer, olive oil and balsamic vinegar pair with herbs and garlic for the easiest and most delicious bread dipping oil combo you've ever had! Best enjoyed with crusty French bread and a big glass of red wine!
You Will Love This
- It's simple and easy to throw together. If you need a last minute appetizer that you can make in just minutes - this is it! If you're like me you'll probably have most of these ingredients in your kitchen already which means you have this made in no time! Don't forget to check out a few of my other easy appetizers including my Baked Spinach Dip (with no mayo!), Marinated Fresh Mozzarella, and Easy Baked Feta.
- Your friends are going to devour it! If you're having a ladies night and you want to serve something along side those bottles of Merlot, this easy appetizer needs to be on the table! Chances are good your friends will have had something similar to this at a restaurant, but they will be completely blown away by the fresh flavors of THIS dip! It puts all restaurant olive oil bread dips to shame 🙂
- It looks super fancy (but it's not). Fake it 'til you make it, right?! This dip makes it LOOK like you probably spent a lot of time in the kitchen but in reality you heated a bit of minced garlic with olive oil and then poured it into a serving dish with dried herbs and balsamic vinegar. Accept the compliments graciously when your friends rave about this appetizer - you "worked hard" 😉 and you deserve it!
Ingredients and Substitutions
- Olive Oil - The main ingredient in this bread dip is olive oil, so make sure you pick something cold-pressed and organic. This is our family's favorite brand of olive oil.
- Fresh Garlic - Freshly minced garlic is going to taste best in this recipe. Garlic powder has it's place, but it's not in this recipe!
- Dried Oregano - You could also use fresh oregano in place of the dried oregano in this recipe. I'd recommend using about half the amount the recipe calls for if you're using fresh instead of dried.
- Dried Thyme - Again you could use fresh thyme in place of the dried thyme in this recipe. Use half the amount the recipe calls for if you're using fresh instead of dried.
- Salt and Pepper - Because the ingredient list is short and sweet, salt and pepper are going to go a long way in boosting the flavors of this dish. Don't skimp on the salt and pepper!
- Balsamic Vinegar - This is our favorite balsamic vinegar because of it's delicious flavor.
- Parmesan Cheese - I recommend shredding a fresh wedge of Parmesan yourself for optimum flavor. Pre-shredded Parmesan is okay in a pinch though!
- French Baguette - I love to serve with olive oil bread dip with a big loaf of crusty French baguette or sourdough.
Instructions
If you don't like to cook, you're going to love this bread dipping oil recipe! Even if you do like to cook it's nice to get a little break once in a while and just enjoy a quality snack that takes only minutes to prepare!
Add olive oil to a small sauce pan over medium low heat.
Add fresh minced garlic. Heat for about 12 minutes.
Add dried spices.
Stir to combine.
Pour the herbaceous olive oil into a serving dish.
And add balsamic vinegar.
Finish this dish with freshly shredded Parmesan.
Serve with sliced French baguette. Pair this dip alongside my favorite Creamy Vegan Tuscan Pasta for a hearty dinner your family and friends will love!
Choosing Olive Oil
- For an appetizer like this where the ingredient list is short, make sure you use a good olive oil.
- But you don't need to spend $50 on a bottle. I like to look for olive oil that is cold pressed and organic. This will narrow down the selection giving you the most pure and flavorful olive oil.
- It might take a few tries to find your favorite flavor of olive oil. There is a surprisingly wide range of flavors that olive oil can have depending on where the olives were grown including: peppery, floral, nutty or even spicy! This is my personal fave!
Tips
- Use fresh garlic. Don't use a jar of minced garlic. Grab some fresh cloves and mince them yourself. Fresh garlic is usually cheaper and honestly, you have no idea how long those jars of garlic have been sitting on the shelf before you buy them.
- Use quality olive oil. You don't have to spend an arm and a leg to get good olive oil. Look for something cold pressed, organic and most importantly in your price range!
- Shred your own Parmesan cheese. Pre-shredded cheeses are coated in cellulose so the shreds don't stick together. Skip the additives and opt for a wedge of Parmesan. There is nothing more delicious than freshly grated cheese!
FAQ
Honestly, I try to stay away from the word "healthy" in regards to food. Is olive oil dip and bread something you should eat all day, every day? Well, of course not. As with all things in life, moderation is key. However, the great thing about making your own olive oil bread dip at home is that you are in control of what goes in it! Go with an organic cold pressed olive oil and a crusty Artisan loaf of bread for this recipe!
Don't bother spending big bucks on a pre-packaged seasoning that's likely filled with preservatives and ingredients you can't pronounce! Use a mixture of dried herbs from your pantry for a bold flavor at a fraction of the cost!
Regular olive oil is a mix of cold pressed and processed oils, while extra virgin is made from just cold pressed organic olives. For this olive oil dip, extra virgin is your best bet. For every day sauteing, regular olive oil works just fine!
Super Easy Appetizers
- Easy Baked Feta with Olives
- The Easiest Spinach & Artichoke Dip
- Roasted Tomatoes with Burrata & Balsamic
- Greek Potato Wedges with Tzatziki
- Easy Baked Jalapeno Poppers
Olive Oil & Balsamic Vinegar Bread Dip
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 17 minutes
- Yield: 4-6 servings 1x
Description
Olive oil and balsamic vinegar combine with herbs and garlic for the easiest and most delicious appetizer you've ever had! Best enjoyed with crusty French bread and a big glass of red wine!
Ingredients
- ½ cup olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Kosher salt
- fresh cracked pepper
- 5 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- ¼ cup shredded Parmesan cheese
- sliced French baguette for serving
Instructions
- In a small saucepan combine olive oil and garlic over medium low heat. Heat for 12 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Remove from heat, stir in oregano, thyme and a moderate pinch of salt and pepper.
- Pour oil mixture into a wide shallow serving dish.
- Pour in balsamic vinegar and sprinkle with shredded Parmesan.
- Serve with sliced French baguette for dipping and enjoy!
Notes
Use fresh garlic. Don't use a jar of minced garlic. Grab some fresh cloves and mince them yourself. Fresh garlic is usually cheaper and honestly, you have no idea how long those jars of garlic have been sitting on the shelf before you buy them.
Use quality olive oil. You don't have to spend an arm and a leg to get good olive oil. Look for something cold pressed, organic and most importantly in your price range!
Shred your own Parmesan cheese. Pre-shredded cheeses are coated in cellulose so the shreds don't stick together. Skip the additives and opt for a wedge of Parmesan. There is nothing more delicious than freshly grated cheese!
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Stove Top
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: bread dipping oil, bread dip, olive oil dip
This post was originally published in September of 2018. It was updated in Feburary 2019 to include process shots and tips for making the perfect olive oil & balsamic bread dip!
cathysfoodinspirations
Very nice
Midwest Foodie
Thank you Cathy!
Midwest Foodie
One of my favorite quick and easy appetizer recipes!
★★★★★
Luke
So good, so easy, so delicious!!
★★★★★
Midwest Foodie
You are SO right!
Katherine | Love In My Oven
Quick and easy, and so delicious. You can never go wrong with a dip like this! Perfect for a party - who can resist freshly baked bread with balsam!?
Kylie Lato
This is definitely a crowd-pleaser!
Sherri
We love the olive oil and herb dips served at restaurants so this is a great idea to make one at home! The addition of the balsamic vinegar is fantastic! Definitely a must try...especially with the big glass of red wine! 😉
★★★★★
Kylie Lato
And the best part is you can enjoy it in your pajamas!
Jacquelyn Hastert
This is one of my most favorite dips to order at restaurants. I can't wait to serve it with a big dish of pasta next week.
★★★★★
Kylie Lato
A big bowl of pasta sounds SO good. What time is dinner? I'll bring the wine!
Rachel
That garlic flavor is AMAZING! That combined with the other flavors + crusty bread + red wine = pure food love! My husband is obsessed with this recipe. He’s had it the past two nights and I feel like he’s going to make it again tonight! ?
★★★★★
Kylie Lato
Best. Review. Ever. Thanks Rachel!! So glad your family is enjoying this recipe 🙂
Jenni LeBaron
Yum! I used to work in the banquet department of a hotel in the summers between college and the hotel made something very similar that we used to lap up with warm rolls when we were on shift. I can't wait to eat some of this!
★★★★★
Kylie Lato
Mmmm - this would be THE BEST with warm rolls!
Colleen
We usually just swirl the balsamic and olive oil on a plate together, but I have to try it with garlic, herbs, and Parmesan now. Thanks for sharing.
★★★★★
Kylie Lato
Nothing wrong with that!! Garlic and herbs will definitely bump up the flavor though 🙂
Claire | The Simple, Sweet Life
Every month or so the book club I'm in meets and this month its my turn to host. And how perfect to stumble across this recipe since I'm planning on serving a simple Italian themed dinner! I'll definitely have to make this for one of the appetizers!
Kylie Lato
Your book club is going to LOVE this recipe!!! It's the perfect starter for an Italian dinner 🙂
Deseree
This is such a simple appetizer that packs so much flavor. Everyone will love this and it steps up your dinner game.
★★★★★
Kylie Lato
Totally agree!
Sharon
Slice up a loaf of crusty bread and this would be a great snack with some wine. Can't wait to make this soon.
★★★★★
Kylie Lato
I couldn't agree more!
Daniela
What a great dip to serve as an appetizer! Def has crowd pleasing written all over it! Thanks so much for sharing :).
Kylie Lato
You've got that right!!
Alisha Rodrigues
oh man !! This is easy and so tempting. I've got all the ingredients to make it besides the french bread. Picking it up on my way right away. Simple recipes are always a treat
★★★★★
Kylie Lato
Definitely a great snack to throw together with pantry staples!
Michelle
Can I make this dip the day before I serve it?
★★★★★
Kylie Lato
Good question...because of the fresh garlic I would think you'd need to refrigerate the olive oil (as opposed to leaving it out on the counter) and when you refrigerate olive oil it solidifies. One option would be to make it ahead, refrigerate the olive oil mixture and then let that sit out on the counter for 1-2 hours before serving so it becomes liquid again. If you do try this - I'd love to know how it goes!
Supriya Kutty
amazing picture representation which helps to get how to do exactly and the recipe is simple and sweet
thanks you so much for sharing and keep posting we love you and your recipes
Sara
Hi! I am wondering if this could be put in a jar! I am wanting to give it as a gift with a loaf of homemade French bread. Thanks!
Kylie Lato
What a perfect gift idea Sarah! My rule of thumb is usually that if my dip/dressing has fresh garlic or herbs, it needs to be refrigerated (or it could possibly go rancid). Because of the olive oil, this dip would not do well refrigerated (the oil will turn solid). However, you could use GARLIC POWDER and DRIED herbs and THEN I think it would do just fine in a jar at room temperature! Great question!!
Staci Schroeder
Looking forward to trying this! Quick question: you mention French bread, but would homemade sour dough bread work with the flavor combination? Thanks
Kylie Lato
Sourdough would be great!! I think the flavors of this dip would work well with any kind of crusty bread for sure!! Great question 🙂
Catherine
Will be making this again and again! So delicious, thank you!!
★★★★★
Kylie Lato
I just made this last night and called it dinner! Such a quick and easy appetizer 🙂 Thanks for leaving a review Catherine!
Lynn
This was so simple and so amazing! I will absolutely make again, for any occasion. Thank you!
★★★★★
Kylie Lato
WOOHOO! I am so glad that you enjoyed this recipe, Lynn! Thanks so much for leaving a review 🙂
Ravin kumar
Really it was so amazing and easy to make. I am so glad that you enjoyed this recipe. Thanks for sharing your information.
★★★★★
Kylie Lato
I am so glad that you enjoyed this recipe, Ravin! Thanks so much for leaving a review 🙂
luke
Sorry not for us. I put this recipe together exactly after battling minutes of pop up add gibberish to get to recipe. Way too strong. Way, way too much basalmic and herbs. Totally extinguished the bread (ciabatta) and olive oil flavor. Sorry but quite strong tasting. Even too strong for a salad dressing. Tasted like a sponge dipped in some far out exotic wine or something. All I taste is overwhelming vinegar and herbs. Even overwhelmed the garlic and parmesan cheese. Ok I tried your jazzed up recipe but will stick to the simple recipes from now on. Exnay the basalmic and too much herbs.
★★
Kylie Lato
I really appreciate your honest opinion Luke - thank you! Do you enjoy balsamic vinegar in other dishes or dips? This bread dip is definitely not meant to be a salad dressing, and if your bread tasted like a sponge, I'd recommend trying a different kind of bread! This recipe has a prominent balsamic vinegar flavor and if you don't like balsamic vinegar, I would not recommend this recipe for you.
Melanie
Delicious!!!! This is my go to appetizer now! Thank you
★★★★★
Kylie Lato
I am so glad that you enjoyed this recipe, Melanie! Such a quick and easy appetizer. Thanks so much for leaving a review - I really appreciate it!
Ann B
Just made it and we ate it on soft french bread, yummy. Added basil. The crunchy garlic bits in there were a treat. I ground up the dried herbs a bit for better flavor. I like a bit more balsamic, hubby a bit less, and so I served separate portions on a long plate. We cleaned it up. Made a can of split pea soup into a real meal.
★★★★★
Kylie Lato
I love when you can customize appetizers based on everyone's taste! I like to have a separate plate from my husband too 😉 Thanks so much for leaving a review, Ann. I'm so glad you enjoyed this recipe!!
Mila
Once in a while you run across a recipe that has you sharing the links with your friends after just a bite or two and this is it! Now, I will admit I used jar minced garlic AND balsamic glaze and as we are devouring the dip, I mentioned the tweaks for next time (fresh garlic & adding the glaze to the plate BEFORE the oil) and the universal opinion was NO, it’s perfect as is! (But I will anyway! The consistency of the glaze covered the herbs) This dish will be made at every gathering from here on out!
★★★★★
Kylie Lato
Nothing wrong with switching things up to use what you've got on hand! I am OBSESSED with balsamic glaze right now and I think that would work perfectly in this recipe! I'm so glad that everyone loved this one! I make this all the time at home because it's just that good and so quick and easy! Thank you for leaving a review, Mila. I really appreciate it 🙂
Karen
My niece made the BEST homemade rosemary focaccia (Magnolia recipe). Now THAT would taste AWESOME warmed up, with this dip! Also, we usually use just EVOO and balsamic vinegar, but I know my husband would love this dip better with GARLIC!! I HIGHLY recommend trying this recipe with a "BOLD" extra virgin olive oil. (Pompeian brand) We tried it once and now we NEVER use any other kind of EVOO for these bread dips. Seriously, TRY the BOLD EVOO!!
Kylie Lato
I am going to have to give that bold EVOO a try! Rosemary focaccia would be delicious alongside this bread dip!!
Terry
I'm giving this recipe a 4 only because I'm not a fan of dried herbs in my olive oil. But I do love fresh ingredients in my flavored olive oil. The best I've found is from Gusto Della Vita. http://www.gustodellavita.com They have the best Olive Oil and Balsamic Vinegar I've ever had outside of Italy.
★★★★
Kylie Lato
Thanks for the recommendation on olive oil, Terry! I will have to check that out. Thanks for leaving a review - I really appreciate it 🙂