Herbed Olive Oil Bread Dip🥗 Side

Name: Herbed Olive Oil Bread Dip
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 10 min
Yield: 10 servings
Ingredients: 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil; 3 tsp minced garlic; 1 tsp dried basil; 1/2 tsp dried oregano; 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes; 1/4 tsp paprika; 1/4 tsp coarse salt; 1/4 tsp black pepper; 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar

A fragrant blend of garlic, seasonings, and fresh herbs mixed into oil, topped with a splash of balsamic. No need to dine out for this Italian favorite!

By Priya Patel, Recipe Curator

Prep: 5 minCook: 5 minServes: 10

italian appetizer quick vegetarian vegan

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Italian cooking at its best is about simplicity, quality ingredients, and respect for technique. This herbed olive oil bread dip follows that philosophy — a handful of good ingredients, treated well, creating something that tastes far more sophisticated than the effort involved. It is the kind of meal that makes an ordinary weeknight feel like a small celebration.

Add the garlic after the other aromatics have softened — it burns faster than onions and can turn bitter if it hits high heat for too long.

This pairs well with almost any protein, from a simple roasted chicken to grilled steak or baked salmon. Make extra — it reheats well and having a ready-made side dish in the fridge makes weeknight cooking significantly easier.

Ingredients

1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
3 tsp minced garlic
1 tsp dried basil
1/2 tsp dried oregano
1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
1/4 tsp paprika
1/4 tsp coarse salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
2 tbsp balsamic vinegar

Nutrition (Per 10 servings)*

101

Calories

Protein

Carbs

11g

Fat

Fiber

119mg

Sodium

* AI-estimated values only — not a substitute for professional nutrition labeling.

Instructions

Heat 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil in a small saucepan over medium heat, about 3 to 4 minutes.
In a small bowl, combine 3 teaspoons minced garlic, 1 teaspoon dried basil, 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano, 1/2 teaspoons crushed red pepper flakes, and 1/4 teaspoon paprika.
Once oil is hot, remove from the heat and pour over the garlic, herbs, and spices. Allow to cool for 5 minutes.
Season with 1/4 teaspoon coarse salt and 1/4 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper. Drizzle with 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar.
Let sit 30 to 60 minutes to cool and allow the flavors to infuse into the olive oil. Serve with crusty bread for dipping.