Name: Irresistible Bread Dipping Oil with Herbs, Olives & Parmesan
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 10 min
Cuisine: Italian / French
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

This easy, flavorful bread dipping oil comes together in just 10 minutes and is packed with savory herbs, garlic, tangy balsamic, and two kinds of olives. I love finishing it with freshly grated Parmesan for a rich, salty bite. It’s the kind of appetizer I always want to have on hand when warm crusty bread hits the table. Irresistible Bread Dipping Oil with Herbs, Olives & Parmesan

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how simple and fast this dipping oil is to throw together, yet it tastes like something I’d get at a fancy Italian restaurant. The blend of extra-virgin olive oil and balsamic vinegar sets a bold foundation, while the combination of fresh herbs, olives, and Parmesan gives it real depth. It’s completely no-cook, and I can customize it depending on what I have in the fridge or pantry. Whether I’m entertaining guests or just treating myself, this recipe makes bread feel like the main event.

ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

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

directions

I start by adding the olive oil to a shallow serving bowl and drizzling the balsamic vinegar right on top.
Then I finely chop the parsley, basil, and olives and stir them into the oil mixture.
I grate in a fresh garlic clove, add the oregano and sea salt, and give everything a gentle stir.
Finally, I grate the Parmesan right into the bowl and mix well so the flavors blend.
I serve it immediately with warm crusty bread, or let it sit for a bit to let the flavors meld.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 8 servings and takes just 10 minutes from start to finish. Since there’s no cooking involved, it’s ideal for last-minute gatherings or quick appetizers.

Variations

I like to switch it up depending on the occasion. Sometimes I add lemon zest for brightness, red pepper flakes for heat, or sun-dried tomatoes for a bit of chew and extra flavor. Other herbs like thyme or rosemary also work beautifully if I have them on hand. For a richer finish, I’ll even sprinkle in a bit more Parmesan on top just before serving.

storage/reheating

This dipping oil keeps well in the fridge for up to 3 days in an airtight container. If I make it ahead, I let it come to room temperature before serving and give it a good stir, as the oil can solidify slightly in the cold. I don’t recommend reheating it, but letting it warm naturally brings the flavors back to life.

FAQs

How long can I store leftover dipping oil?

I keep it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavor deepens as it sits, but I make sure to bring it to room temp before serving again.

Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh?

Yes, but I reduce the quantity. Dried herbs are more concentrated, so I typically use about 1 teaspoon of each in place of the fresh.

What kind of bread goes best with this?

I love serving this with a warm, crusty baguette, sourdough, or focaccia. Anything with a nice chewy texture works well to soak up the oil.

Can I leave out the Parmesan to make it dairy-free?

Absolutely. I’ve made it without Parmesan, and it’s still delicious. I might add a pinch more salt or a splash of lemon juice to round out the flavor.

Is this dipping oil gluten-free?

Yes, the oil itself is naturally gluten-free. I just make sure to pair it with gluten-free bread if needed.

Conclusion

This herb and olive bread dipping oil is one of my favorite ways to upgrade any appetizer spread. It’s rich, savory, and endlessly adaptable. Whether I’m entertaining guests or just craving something comforting, a bowl of this oil with fresh bread never disappoints.