Bread Dipping Oil
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A Note from Feedfeed
This restaurant-style bread dipping oil recipe is a quick and easy precursor to any meal. Perfect for gatherings or a simple night in, this recipe promises to delight with its simplicity and deliciousness. For an extra special touch, serve it with warm, homemade focaccia to soak up every last bit of flavor.
Recipe Description
You’ll impress your guests by serving this with fresh bread while dinner is prepared.
Just like dining in an Italian restaurant, when they bring you a basket of warm bread with dried herbs and oil, you can adjust the spices and other ingredients to your liking and use whatever you have. Olives are just extra, and you can skip them. I recommend a mild extra virgin olive oil
- Bread Dipping Oil Ingredients
- Test Kitchen Notes
- FAQs
- Recipe Card
Bread Dipping Oil Ingredients
Sumac: Sumac is a Middle Eastern spice with a tangy, lemony flavor. If you don't have sumac, you can substitute it with lemon zest or a squeeze of lemon juice for a similar citrusy flavor or a za’atar spice blend is an excellent alternative.
Olives: Olives add a briny, savory flavor to the dipping oil. However, if you're not a fan of olives, you can leave them out for a different yet equally delicious version.
Balsamic vinegar: Balsamic vinegar adds a sweet and tangy flavor to the dipping oil. If you don't have balsamic vinegar, substitute it with red wine vinegar or a splash of lemon juice for a brighter flavor.
Test Kitchen Notes
Infusion for Intensity: For a more intense flavor, let the oil mixture sit for a few hours or even overnight to allow the herbs and spices to infuse.
Customize to Taste: Experiment with different herbs and spices to suit your preferences. Grate in extra fresh garlic or garlic powder along with fresh herbs.
Quality Matters: Use high-quality extra virgin olive oil for the best flavor.
Serve at Room Temperature: Serve the dipping oil at room temperature for the most vibrant flavors.
Versatile Pairing: This dipping oil pairs perfectly with crusty bread, focaccia, or drizzled over salads or grilled vegetables.
FAQs
What makes restaurant bread dipping oil so delicious?
It often consists of high-quality extra virgin olive oil, flavorful herbs and spices, and possibly additional ingredients like balsamic vinegar or grated Parmesan cheese. The freshness and balance of these ingredients can elevate the oil's taste.
Is dipping bread in oil healthy?
Dipping bread in oil can be part of a healthy diet when done in moderation. Extra virgin olive oil is rich in healthy monounsaturated fats and antioxidants, which can have various health benefits. However, it's also calorie-dense, so portion control is key.
What olive oil is best for bread dipping?
The best olive oil for bread dipping is a high-quality extra virgin olive oil. Look for oils labeled as "cold-pressed" or "first cold-pressed," which indicates they are made without heat or chemicals, preserving the oil's flavor and nutrients. We reccomend using Graza Drizzle Extra Virgin Olive Oil for this recipe.
What bread is good for dipping?
Crusty bread, like Italian or French bread, is ideal for dipping, as its texture allows it to absorb the oil without becoming soggy too quickly. Other options include ciabatta, baguette, or rustic sourdough. Opt for bread with a firm crust and open crumb structure for the best dipping experience.
Recipe Card
ingredients
- 100 ml (roughly 1/3 cup) extra virgin olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1 teaspoon sumac or lemon zest
- 1/2 teaspoon chili flakes (more or less to taste)
- 1 tablespoon finely chopped parsley
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 15 pitted olives (optional), finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar (more or less to taste)
- Flaky sea salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- French or Italian bread, for dipping
Method
Step 1
Pour the olive oil into a small plate or shallow bowl.
Step 2
Add the dried oregano, basil, parsley, sumac or lemon zest, chili flakes, finely chopped parsley, fresh thyme, minced garlic, and chopped olives (if using).
Step 3
Season with flaky sea salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
Step 4
Drizzle the balsamic vinegar over the mixture, adjusting the amount to taste.
Step 5
Serve with bread, either as is or mixed.