Name: Bread Dipping Oil with Fresh Herbs, Olives, and Parmesan 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)

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Introduction

This Bread Dipping Oil is a flavorful and aromatic dip perfect for serving with warm, crusty bread. Combining fresh herbs, olives, garlic, and parmesan, it delivers a delightful Mediterranean taste that is sure to impress your guests or elevate any meal.

A white shallow bowl sits on a white marbled surface, filled with a dip that has three visible layers: a bright golden olive oil layer on top, scattered with dark green fresh herbs mixed with chopped black olives creating a rough, speckled texture, and a smooth creamy base beneath barely seen at the edges. A wooden spoon with a rounded end rests inside the bowl soaking some dip, positioned on the right side. Around the bowl, torn chunks of crusty bread with a light brown, crispy crust and soft white interior are placed casually, some touching the edge of the bowl. Fresh green basil leaves add a pop of color near the top left and bottom right corners of the scene. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

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)

Instructions

Step 1: In a shallow bowl, pour the extra virgin olive oil and drizzle the balsamic vinegar evenly over the top.
Step 2: Finely chop the parsley, basil, Castelvetrano olives, and Kalamata olives, then add them to the bowl.
Step 3: Grate the garlic clove directly into the mixture. Add the dried oregano and flaky sea salt.
Step 4: Freshly grate the parmesan cheese and stir everything gently until all ingredients are well combined.
Step 5: Serve the dipping oil immediately alongside fresh, warm crusty bread for dipping.

Tips & Variations

Use a mix of your favorite olives or fresh herbs to personalize the flavor.
Add a pinch of red chili flakes for a subtle spicy kick.
For a smoother texture, pulse the mixture briefly in a food processor before serving.
Use grated pecorino or romano cheese instead of parmesan for a different flavor profile.

Storage

Store leftover dipping oil in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Bring it back to room temperature and stir before serving. Parmesan may thicken the mixture slightly when chilled, but it will loosen again when warmed.

How to Serve

A white shallow bowl filled with a dark green and brown chunky sauce made of chopped herbs and olives mixed in golden olive oil, placed on a round black plate. Pieces of torn crusty bread with a golden brown crust and soft white inside are scattered around the bowl on the plate. Fresh bright green basil leaves are placed near the bread on the white marbled surface. A small wooden spoon rests inside the bowl, partially covered by the sauce, with its handle extending outside the bowl. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare this dipping oil in advance?

Yes, you can make it up to a day ahead. Store it covered in the refrigerator and bring it to room temperature before serving for the best flavor.

What type of bread pairs best with this dipping oil?

Fresh, warm crusty bread like a baguette, ciabatta, or sourdough works wonderfully to soak up the flavors of the dipping oil.