This olive oil bread dip is the perfect appetizer—simple, flavorful, and always a crowd-pleaser. A bright, herb-forward olive oil base with garlic, Italian seasoning, parsley, and a touch of crushed red pepper creates an addictive dip that will earn compliments from guests.
Serve this with crostini, an artisan loaf, a crusty French baguette, or slices of sourdough for the best results. Toasting the bread lightly and letting a slice rest in the dip for a few seconds helps it soak up all the flavor.
The BEST Olive Oil Dip
There’s nothing like being served a fragrant olive oil dip at a restaurant—now you can recreate that experience at home in minutes. This recipe takes about five minutes to prepare and uses pantry-friendly ingredients. It’s perfect for parties because you can make fresh batches quickly, or lay out several dipping options—cheese dips, spreads, and multiple breads—to keep everyone happy.
Ingredients for Olive Oil Bread Dip
This recipe uses seven basic ingredients you likely already have on hand. Adjust quantities to taste; the ingredient list below gives the standard amounts.
- Olive oil: The base of the dip—use a good-quality olive oil for best flavor.
- Garlic cloves: Fresh is best; if using jarred minced garlic, about 1/2 teaspoon equals one clove.
- Italian seasoning: A convenient blend of oregano, basil, thyme, and other herbs. Homemade Italian seasoning works beautifully here.
- Parsley: Fresh chopped parsley adds brightness; dried parsley also works in a pinch.
- Crushed red pepper: Adds a gentle heat—use more or less depending on your preference.
- Salt and pepper: Season to taste to balance and enhance the flavors.
Let’s Make Some Dip
- Combine: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, chopped parsley, and crushed red pepper. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve immediately at room temperature with your choice of bread.
Olive Oil Tips
Follow these simple tips to get the most from this dip.
- Store olive oil properly: Keep unopened bottles in a cool, dark place. After opening, use within 1–2 months for the freshest flavor.
- Fresh or dried herbs: Both work well. Fresh herbs add brightness, while dried herbs are convenient and still flavorful.
- Make it kid-friendly: Omit the crushed red pepper or reduce the amount. Swap in milder herbs like rosemary or thyme if desired.
How to Store Leftovers
If you have any leftover dip, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. Allow it to come to room temperature before serving so the olive oil regains its full texture and flavor.
Breads Used for Dips
Different breads offer varying textures and flavors—try crostini, baguette, sourdough, or focaccia for a range of dipping experiences. Let the bread soak briefly to absorb the seasoned oil.
Recipe Skill Levels
Crostini
20 minutes
Recipe Skill Levels
French Baguette
3 hours 5 minutes
Recipe Skill Levels
Sourdough Bread
6 days 14 hours
Bread
Slow Cooker Focaccia
3 hours 35 minutes
Olive Oil Bread Dip
Ingredients
- 1 cup olive oil
- 3 garlic cloves minced
- 1/2 Tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon parsley chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
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In a small bowl, combine olive oil, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, parsley, and crushed red pepper. Stir until well blended. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve at room temperature with bread for dipping.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is an approximation.