This Olive Oil Bread Dip is a simple and tasty way to enjoy your bread! Just mix fresh olive oil with herbs and spices for a flavorful treat that everyone will love.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Extra Virgin Olive Oil: This is the star of the dish, contributing rich flavor. If you’re out, avocado oil or a high-quality vegetable oil can work, but the taste will change slightly.
Dried Oregano & Parsley: Both add a lovely herbal touch. Fresh herbs are great substitutes if you have them on hand—just use three times the amount since fresh herbs are milder.
Red Pepper Flakes: These bring heat! Adjust the amount based on your spice tolerance. Crushed black pepper or even a dash of hot sauce can substitute if you need a different kick.
Garlic: If you prefer a milder flavor, garlic powder is a good choice. If you love garlic, fresh minced garlic (about 1 clove) will amp up the dip’s flavor.
Coriander Seeds: This is optional but adds a unique flavor. If you don’t have them, you can skip them or use ground cumin for a different twist.
Bread: A French baguette is traditional, but Italian bread, ciabatta, or even pitas can work well. Just adjust the toasting time according to thickness!
How Do You Enhance the Flavor of Olive Oil Dip?
To amp up the flavor of your olive oil dip, the key is to let the ingredients mingle. After mixing your olive oil and herbs, let it sit for 10-15 minutes to develop those delicious flavors. Here’s how to do it:
- Combine all your dry ingredients with the olive oil in a bowl.
- Stir them together and set aside for the flavors to meld.
- While the mixture sits, preheat your oven and prepare the bread. This keeps everything moving smoothly!
Toasting the bread is just as important. Lightly brush with olive oil for added flavor and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese if you like it cheesy. Keep an eye on the bread while it toasts to ensure it doesn’t burn—golden and crispy is the goal!
How to Make Olive Oil Bread Dip
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Dip:
- 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder or 1 small garlic clove, finely minced
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed coriander seeds (optional)
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
For the Bread:
- 1 French baguette or Italian bread loaf, sliced
- Optional: grated Parmesan cheese for sprinkling on bread
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and an additional 10 minutes to toast the bread. All in all, you’ll be enjoying this delicious dip in just about 20 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Olive Oil Mixture:
In a small bowl, pour in the extra virgin olive oil. Add the dried oregano, dried parsley, red pepper flakes, garlic powder (or minced garlic), crushed coriander seeds (if you’re using them), along with some salt and freshly ground black pepper. Stir everything together well so the spices and herbs blend nicely into the oil.
2. Let the Mixture Infuse:
After mixing, let the bowl sit at room temperature for about 10-15 minutes. This resting period helps the flavors combine and become richer!
3. Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Bread:
While the oil mixture is infusing, turn on your oven and preheat it to 350°F (175°C). While waiting, take the sliced bread and arrange them on a baking sheet. If you like, lightly brush each slice with a little extra olive oil and sprinkle some grated Parmesan cheese on top for extra flavor.
4. Toast the Bread:
Pop the baking sheet in the preheated oven and toast the bread for about 8-10 minutes, or until it’s golden and crispy. Keep an eye on it so it doesn’t burn!
5. Serve and Enjoy:
Once the bread is toasted, take it out of the oven and serve it warm alongside the olive oil dip. To enjoy, just dip the crispy bread into the flavorful olive oil mixture. Savor the blend of herbs, spices, and rich olive oil—yum!
This simple yet flavorful olive oil bread dip is perfect as an appetizer or snack. Enjoy your delicious creation with friends and family!
Can I Use Different Types of Bread?
Absolutely! While a French baguette or Italian loaf is traditional, you can use any bread you like. Ciabatta, sourdough, or even pitas work well too. Just adjust the toasting time based on the thickness of the bread slices!
What’s a Good Substitute for Olive Oil?
If you’re out of olive oil, avocado oil or a high-quality vegetable oil can be used in a pinch. Keep in mind, though, that the flavor will slightly change, as olive oil has a distinct taste that enhances this dip!
How Can I Store Leftovers?
If you have any leftover olive oil dip, store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. You can also keep the toasted bread in a paper bag to maintain its crispness for a day or two, but it’s best enjoyed fresh!
Can I Make the Dip in Advance?
Yes! You can prepare the olive oil mixture a few hours ahead of time and let it sit to enhance the flavor. Just give it another stir before serving. Toast the bread just before you’re ready to serve for the best crunch!
