Bread Dipping Oil (Olive Oil Bread Dip)

Name: Bread Dipping Oil (Olive Oil Bread Dip)
Prep time: 5 min
Total time: 5 min
Ingredients: 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil; 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar; 2 clove garlic; 1/4 teaspoon chili flakes; 1/2 teaspoon seasoning (salt and pepper)

This balsamic vinegar and olive oil bread dip is the best bread dipping oil you will ever try! You just need 4 ingredients and 5 minutes.

Perfect with this Instant Pot Bread or your favorite bread.

bread dipping oil in a small dipping bowl placed next to bread slices on the cooling rack

I absolutely love bread! And even more when it is served alongside a bread dipping oil. I even went through a phase of eating bread with hummus and an olive oil bread dip for breakfast.

I'll admit, I fill up before the appetizer has even arrived because I've raided the bread basket!

I first tried an olive oil dip at a fine dining restaurant - it was a simple dip made with balsamic and extra virgin olive oil.

I decided to add to that recipe, and regularly prepare this version which has added red pepper flakes and fresh garlic. It tastes like something you'd find at a fancy Italian restaurant and is so, so good!

It is like the dips at Olive Garden, Buca de Beppo, Macaroni Grill, Carrabba’s or California Pizza Kitchen!

best olive oil bread dip served in a small white dipping bowl

Restaurant style Olive Oil Bread Dip Ingredients

Full ingredients with measurements are available in the recipe card below at the end of this post

Extra virgin olive oil - use good quality extra virgin olive oil for the best flavor

Balsamic vinegar - I've used both high quality and shop brand versions and I find that both taste amazing! Do not sub in other vinegar, it must be balsamic. You could also use balsamic glaze.

Salt and black pepper - freshly cracked black pepper is best

Optional additions that I used:

Garlic - I have used minced fresh garlic for incredible flavor and I highly recommend using fresh if you can. As an alternative, use garlic powder but the results will not be the same. Omit if you do not like the strong flavor from raw garlic.

Red chilli flakes - leave these out you aren't a fan of spice

Other variations:

Parmesan cheese - if using, grate your own rather than using pre-grated as it usually contains coatings. You can find vegetarian and vegan versions.

Fresh rosemary or thyme - for a herb infused oil, go for fresh or dried rosemary and thyme

Add in fresh herbs such as finely chopped parsley or basil

Dried herbs such as dried basil or dried oregano or italian seasoning (most commonly Oregano, Basil, Red Pepper Flakes, Marjoram, Thyme, Rosemary, Sage, Parsley)

Add in dukka or sumac

Add in finely chopped olives for extra tang.

How to make bread dipping oil instructions

Making balsamic vinegar olive oil bread dip takes less than 5 minutes!

Mince fresh garlic cloves using a garlic press or mini food processor.

In a small bowl, add olive oil, balsamic vinegar, garlic, crushed red pepper.

Season with salt and pepper, you should only need a pinch of salt to taste, and whisk together well.

The balsamic vinegar and olive oil will separate - that is fine.

You can serve it immediately or prepare in advance for later.

Serve in the same bowl or add to a shallow bowl alongside fresh bread

a bowl of balsamic vinegar olive oil bread dip placed on the small plate

slice of bread dipped in the simple olive oil bread dip

Serving Suggestions

This bread olive oil recipe is perfect for warm crusty breads, and also with sourdough bread, french baguette, rye bread. Italian bread like ciabatta bread or focaccia. These are the perfect easy appetizer recipes.

Don't just limit yourself to bread though! Try some of these other options:

Drizzle over crostini
Use as a salad dressing for a simple green lead salad
It also works so well alongside a pasta dish like this Air Fryer Pasta Bake
Drizzle over roasted vegetables
Dunk pizza crust - I've used it to dip the crusts of this Chargrilled Vegetable Pizza or Air Fryer French Bread Pizza!
Perfect addition to a cheeseboard
Use it as a dip for Air Fryer Toasted Ravioli
Drizzle over soups like this Butternut Squash Cannellini Bean Soup

Storage

Store leftover olive oil bread dip in an airtight container and keep at room temperature - the oil and vinegar will prevent it spoiling for a day or two.

Top up with a little extra olive oil if you still have some of the garlic mixture but the olive oil has all been soaked up.

garlic olive oil bread dip bowl placed on parchment paper

FAQs

How long will bread dipping oil last?

If adding garlic, this bread dip will last up to a day at room temperature. It can be stored in the fridge to last for 4-5 days but the oil will solidify. Leave it out to come to room temperature

If you omit the garlic, the dip can be stored for up to 1 month as it is made with ingredients that have a long shelf life

Other Dip Recipes

Whipped Goat Cheese

Tamarind Sauce

Sour Cream and Chive Dip

Poppadom Dips

As always if you make this recipe, be sure to leave me a comment, rate this recipe and tag me on Instagram @jcookingodyssey or #jcookingodyssey. I love seeing all your photos of my recipe recreations!

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