Name: Bread Dipping Oil Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 10 min
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: ¾ cup extra virgin olive oil; 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar; 2 tablespoons parsley leaves (finely chopped); 2 tablespoons basil leaves (finely chopped); 2 tablespoons Castelvetrano olives (chopped); 2 tablespoons Kalamata olives (chopped); 1 clove garlic (grated); ½ teaspoon dried oregano; ¼ teaspoon flaky sea salt (or more to taste); ¼ cup parmesan cheese (freshly grated); fresh warm bread (for serving)

Jump to Recipe· 4.3 from 10 reviews

I absolutely love having a flavorful, homemade bread dipping oil ready to go whenever I’m serving fresh bread to my family or friends. This Bread Dipping Oil Recipe is one of my favorite go-to starters because it’s bursting with so much vibrant flavor and takes just minutes to prepare. The combination of fruity olive oil, tangy balsamic vinegar, fresh herbs, briny olives, and a touch of parmesan creates a dip that feels both elegant and welcoming. Whenever I bring this to the table, it never lasts long, and everyone asks for the recipe!

Why You’ll Love This Bread Dipping Oil Recipe

What makes this Bread Dipping Oil Recipe so special to me is its perfect balance of flavors. The extra virgin olive oil is silky and smooth, providing the perfect base for the rich, tangy balsamic vinegar. Adding fresh parsley and basil gives it a green, herbal brightness, while the Castelvetrano and Kalamata olives add a salty, fruity punch that makes each bite exciting. I also love the subtle garlic zing paired with the warm, nutty parmesan that rounds everything out beautifully. It’s not just a dipping oil—it’s an experience in every spoonful.

The simplicity of this recipe is also a huge win. I appreciate recipes that don’t require a dozen ingredients or complicated techniques, and this one fits the bill perfectly. It comes together in under 10 minutes, so my prep time is minimal. It’s the ideal make-ahead option for last-minute gatherings, casual dinners, or even just a treat on a quiet night in. Every time I serve it, I feel like I’m sharing something that’s both homemade and genuinely impressive without any fuss.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a white shallow bowl filled with a mixture of dark green fresh chopped herbs and dark purple olives in a golden yellow oil base that has a shiny texture. Scattered finely chopped herbs and pieces of olives spread evenly across the surface, giving a speckled and slightly chunky look. A small wooden spoon with a smooth finish rests on the right side of the bowl, partially submerged in the oily herb and olive mix. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface with a piece of bread slightly visible on the top right corner. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The beauty of this Bread Dipping Oil Recipe lies in its simplicity and the quality of the ingredients. Each element plays a crucial role in building this flavorful dip, from the rich olive oil to the punchy vinegar and fresh herbs.

¾ cup extra virgin olive oil: This is the base of the dip, so opt for the best quality you can find for a rich and smooth flavor.
2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar: Adds a wonderful acidity and depth that balances the richness of the oil.
2 tablespoons parsley leaves (finely chopped): Brings fresh, herbal brightness and a lovely green color.
2 tablespoons basil leaves (finely chopped): Adds a sweet, aromatic note that’s classic with olive oil.
2 tablespoons Castelvetrano olives (chopped): Known for their mild, buttery flavor, they add subtle fruity saltiness.
2 tablespoons Kalamata olives (chopped): Brings a stronger, slightly tangy olive flavor for complexity.
1 clove garlic (grated): Adds a little kick and warmth without overpowering.
½ teaspoon dried oregano: Enhances the herbal profile with its earthy, slightly bitter notes.
¼ teaspoon flaky sea salt (or more to taste): Essential for seasoning and bringing all the flavors together.
¼ cup parmesan cheese (freshly grated): Adds a nutty, savory punch that complements the olives and herbs perfectly.
Fresh warm bread (for serving): A crusty baguette or rustic Italian bread works beautifully for dipping.

Directions

Step 1: In a shallow bowl or dipping dish, pour in the extra virgin olive oil and gently drizzle the balsamic vinegar right on top. This layering helps the vinegar swirl beautifully into the oil as you stir later.

Step 2: Finely chop the parsley, basil, Castelvetrano olives, and Kalamata olives. Make sure the olives are pitted and chopped into small, manageable pieces so they’ll distribute evenly in every bite. Add all these to the bowl with the oil and vinegar.

Step 3: Grate the garlic clove finely to release its flavor without large pieces overwhelming the dip. Sprinkle in the dried oregano and flaky sea salt, adjusting the amount of salt to your taste preference.

Step 4: Freshly grate the parmesan cheese and add it to the mixture. Stir everything gently but thoroughly so all the ingredients come together evenly.

Step 5: Serve immediately alongside fresh, warm crusty bread. I love to tear pieces of bread and dip generously, savoring the way the flavors cling to every crumb.

Servings and Timing

This Bread Dipping Oil Recipe makes about 8 servings, perfect for sharing at a casual gathering or as an appetizer for a family dinner. The prep time is incredibly short, just around 7 to 10 minutes, since no cooking is involved. There’s no cook time, and the total time to have this ready to serve is about 10 minutes. It’s best enjoyed fresh, although resting it for 10 to 15 minutes before serving allows the flavors to meld even more.

How to Serve This Bread Dipping Oil Recipe

A white bowl filled with a bright yellow olive oil layer at the top, mixed with small chopped green and dark purple olives and herbs that scatter through the oil mainly in the bottom half. A small wooden spoon with olive oil and herbs rests in the bowl on the right side. Two torn pieces of crusty white bread are partially dipped into the oil on the left edge of the bowl. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface with another white plate underneath it. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

I usually serve this Bread Dipping Oil Recipe with freshly baked warm bread, ideally something crusty like a baguette, ciabatta, or a rustic sourdough. The warm bread soaks up the flavorful oil beautifully, creating a perfect bite every time. For an extra touch, I sometimes place the dip in a pretty shallow dish or a rustic bowl to make it inviting on the table.

For garnishing, I like to sprinkle a little extra fresh basil or parsley on top right before serving for a pop of green color and freshness. You could also add a small drizzle of extra balsamic vinegar or a few whole olives to make it look even more special and tempting.

When it comes to beverage pairings, I find this dip pairs wonderfully with a glass of crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio. It also pairs nicely with a light, fruity red like a young Chianti. For non-alcoholic options, sparkling water with a twist of lemon or an herbal iced tea complements the fresh herbal notes beautifully. This makes an excellent appetizer for family dinners, holiday gatherings, or even effortless weeknight meals when you want to impress with minimal effort.

Variations

One of the best things about this Bread Dipping Oil Recipe is how flexible it is. If you don’t have Castelvetrano olives, you can substitute green olives you enjoy; just be mindful of their saltiness and flavor. For a different twist, try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes for a gentle heat that livens up the dip.

If you’re catering to dietary needs, this recipe is naturally gluten-free and can easily be made vegan by simply omitting the parmesan cheese. To keep that savory umami flavor without cheese, try adding a teaspoon of nutritional yeast or finely chopped sun-dried tomatoes for richness.

For a smoky variation, I sometimes swap the balsamic vinegar for sherry vinegar or add a few drops of smoked paprika. You could also gently warm the olive oil to release more aroma before mixing in the other ingredients; just be careful not to heat it too much or it will lose its delicate flavor.

Storage and Reheating

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have any leftover bread dipping oil, I keep it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Glass containers work best to preserve the flavor and prevent odors from other foods. I find it keeps well for up to 3 days. Before storing, make sure the Parmesan and fresh herbs are well mixed in but understand that the herbs may lose some of their vibrant color and texture over time.

Freezing

This kind of oil-based dip doesn’t freeze well because the texture and flavor of the fresh herbs and cheese can be compromised. I don’t recommend freezing this Bread Dipping Oil Recipe. It’s best enjoyed fresh or stored refrigerated and used within a few days.

Reheating

There’s no need to heat this dip since it’s served at room temperature. If refrigerated, simply take it out of the fridge about 20 minutes before serving so it can come back to room temp and allow the oil to regain its silky consistency. Avoid heating in the microwave as it can alter the texture and flavor adversely.

FAQs

Can I use other types of vinegar instead of balsamic?

Absolutely! While balsamic vinegar adds a sweet and tangy depth, you can substitute with sherry vinegar, red wine vinegar, or even apple cider vinegar for a different flavor profile. Just be aware that the taste will shift depending on the acidity and sweetness of the vinegar you choose.

What’s the best bread to serve with this dipping oil?

I recommend crusty breads like baguette, ciabatta, or sourdough because they have a firm crust and airy crumb that soaks up the oil without falling apart. Warm bread enhances the experience since the heat helps release aromas and softens the crumb for dipping.

Can I prepare this bread dipping oil in advance?

You can prepare it about an hour ahead and leave it covered at room temperature. This resting time allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Just give it a gentle stir before serving to redistribute the ingredients evenly.

Is this recipe suitable for vegans?

If you leave out the parmesan cheese, this recipe is naturally vegan. The oil, herbs, olives, garlic, and vinegar are all plant-based. For a cheesy flavor without dairy, try adding some nutritional yeast or a vegan parmesan alternative.

How much garlic is best to use for this recipe?

One clove of garlic grated finely is perfect to add a gentle warmth without overpowering the oil dipping sauce. If you love a strong garlic kick, you can increase it to two cloves, but I’d recommend starting with one and adjusting to taste.

Conclusion

I hope you’re as excited to try this Bread Dipping Oil Recipe as I am to share it with you. It’s one of those easy, impressive dishes that elevate any meal with minimal effort. Once you taste the beautiful blend of fresh herbs, olives, tangy balsamic, and cheesy parmesan all infused in silky olive oil, I’m sure you’ll find yourself reaching for it again and again. Trust me—once you make it, it will quickly become a family favorite for every occasion.