It was one of those chilly autumn evenings in New Jersey—the kind where the air smells like firewood, and the leaves crunch under your boots. My girls were drawing at the kitchen table, my husband was uncorking a bottle of wine, and I was rushing around in socks, setting up the easiest appetizer I knew.
A bowl. A drizzle. A sprinkle. And voilà—herbed olive oil dip for bread.
No matter how busy or slow the day had been, this dip always brought us together. I think that’s what I love most about it—it’s not just flavorful, it’s inviting. You don’t need a fancy charcuterie board or even a reason. A few slices of crusty bread and this dip? You’ve got a moment of comfort, connection, and pure deliciousness.
Now I’m sharing it with you—because every good dip deserves a story.
Written by Magali, Cooking With Magali – https://cookingwithmagali.com
Why You’ll Fall in Love With This Dip 💛
🧄 Ridiculously Easy to Make
You don’t need to cook, blend, or bake anything. It’s just a few pantry staples and voilà—dip perfection in minutes.
🍃 Bursting With Fresh Herb Flavor
Whether you use dried or fresh herbs, the blend creates a symphony of Mediterranean goodness that elevates any bread.
🍞 Pairs With Almost Everything
From sourdough to baguette, this dip is your bread’s best friend. It also shines as a drizzle for grilled veggies or pasta.
🫒 Elegant Yet Unfussy
Serve it at a dinner party and people will ask for the recipe. Serve it on a Tuesday night and it still feels special.
Let’s Talk Ingredients (Without Listing Them 😉)
The soul of this recipe lies in high-quality extra virgin olive oil. It’s the silky base that carries every herb, every flake of chili, and every note of garlic. The herb combo—typically a mix of oregano, thyme, rosemary, and basil—creates an earthy, aromatic profile that feels like a warm Italian breeze.
Want it spicy? Add red pepper flakes. Want a richer flavor? A splash of balsamic vinegar does wonders. And garlic? Well, garlic is non-negotiable in my house.
You can also go wild with personal touches—a pinch of lemon zest, crumbled feta, or even sun-dried tomatoes for that extra zing.
What You’ll Need (It’s Simpler Than You Think!)
No fancy gadgets here. Just the basics:
- A small serving bowl or shallow dish
- A spoon or small whisk
- A sharp knife and cutting board (if using fresh herbs or garlic)
- Your favorite bread for dipping!
Storing & Reheating (Though It Probably Won’t Last That Long 😋)
This dip stores surprisingly well! Here’s how to keep it fresh:
- Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container or cover the serving dish with plastic wrap. It stays good for up to 5 days.
- Bring to Room Temp: Olive oil solidifies in the fridge. Let it sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before serving.
- Freeze: Not recommended—fresh herbs and olive oil don’t love the freezer.
- Pro Tip: If you’re making a large batch, store the base (oil + garlic + herbs) separately and portion it out as needed.
Fun Variations to Try 🎨
🧀 Add Cheese: Crumbled feta or grated parmesan can add a salty kick.
🍋 Citrus Zest: Lemon or orange zest brightens everything.
🌶️ Spice It Up: A pinch of cayenne or a chopped chili pepper brings the heat.
🥦 Make It a Meal: Serve alongside grilled vegetables or over pasta for a simple dinner.
Gluten-free? Pair with gluten-free bread or seed crackers. Vegan? You’re all good—this dip is naturally plant-based.
What to Serve With It 🍷
This olive oil dip is the gateway to a perfect appetizer platter. Here’s what I love pairing it with:
- Warm Bread: Think ciabatta, focaccia, or crusty baguette.
- Fresh Salad: Try a tomato-basil salad or arugula with lemon dressing.
- Wine: White wines like Sauvignon Blanc or reds like Chianti complement the herbaceous profile beautifully.
- Roasted Garlic: Because double garlic is never too much.
Related Recipes You’ll Love 🔗
- Grilled Peach & Burrata Salad with Balsamic Glaze
- Crispy Honey Garlic Salmon Bites
- The Best French Toast with Orange and Cinnamon
Let’s Chat! 📣
I’d love to know—do you have a go-to dip or olive oil trick?
Leave a comment below or tag me on Instagram @cookingwithmagali so I can see your delicious creations. Sharing food is my favorite way to connect, and I can’t wait to hear your stories too! 💬💛
FAQ – Herbed Olive Oil Dip for Bread ❓
- What is herbed olive oil dip for bread?
It’s a simple appetizer made by infusing olive oil with herbs, garlic, and spices—perfect for dipping bread. - Can I use dried herbs for olive oil dip?
Absolutely! Dried herbs work great and are easy to keep on hand. - How long does olive oil dip last in the fridge?
It lasts up to 5 days in an airtight container. Let it sit at room temp before serving. - Is olive oil dip healthy?
Yes, when made with extra virgin olive oil, it offers healthy fats and antioxidants. - Can I use this dip for more than bread?
Definitely—try it on grilled veggies, pasta, or even as a salad dressing base. - What’s the best bread to pair with olive oil dip?
Crusty breads like baguette, ciabatta, or sourdough are perfect for soaking up the oil. - Can I make a spicy version of this dip?
Yes! Add red pepper flakes or minced fresh chili for heat. - Does this recipe work for vegan diets?
It’s naturally vegan—just make sure your bread is too! - How can I make this dip look fancy for a party?
Serve in a shallow dish with a swirl pattern, a sprinkle of herbs on top, and artisanal bread on the side. - What is the best olive oil for dipping bread?
Look for high-quality extra virgin olive oil—it should smell fresh, grassy, and slightly fruity.
Herbed Olive Oil Dip for Bread – Irresistible Appetizer Idea
Description
This Herbed Olive Oil Dip for Bread is a quick and sophisticated way to impress guests or elevate everyday meals. Inspired by the traditional Italian “pinzimonio,” this dip combines high-quality olive oil with aromatic herbs, garlic, and a touch of spice for a bold yet balanced flavor. It’s perfect for dipping crusty bread, drizzling over salads, or even spooning onto grilled veggies. You can whip it up in minutes—and once you do, you’ll never serve plain olive oil again.
Ingredients
Instructions
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Prepare the base:
In a small bowl, pour the extra virgin olive oil.
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Add herbs:
Stir in dried oregano, thyme, and crushed rosemary.
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Flavor it up:
Add minced garlic, red pepper flakes (if using), and season with salt and pepper to taste.
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Optional richness:
For added depth, mix in balsamic vinegar.
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Infuse:
Let sit at room temperature for 10 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
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Serve:
Transfer to a shallow dish, sprinkle with fresh parsley, and serve with warm crusty bread.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 6
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 120kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 14g22%
- Total Carbohydrate 1g1%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Note
- Use fresh herbs when possible for a brighter flavor.
- Add a splash of lemon juice for a zesty variation.
- This dip also works well as a simple vinaigrette over greens or roasted vegetables.
- Store leftovers in a sealed jar in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
