If you had to choose one, the only appetizer you’d ever need is this balsamic vinegar and olive oil dipping sauce for bread. It’s elegant, delicious, and perfect for any occasion! Simply heat rich olive oil with minced garlic, add fresh herbs and seasonings, and then drizzle some balsamic vinegar on top to add a balance of flavors.
Why You’ll Love This Balsamic Vinegar and Olive Oil Dipping Sauce for Bread
This recipe is one of the most simple and delicious appetizers (or snacks!) you’ll ever make. The ingredients are so fresh and pure, and the method is super simple. Within a few minutes, you’ll be snacking on a flavorful and wholesome dish that’s light enough to serve as the perfect app!
Plus, you can customize it to your liking! I have listed the herbs and seasonings I used in perfecting this recipe down below, but you can add your favorite flavors or additional ingredients if you’d like.
This olive oil and balsamic dipping sauce is going to be your new favorite crowd-pleaser. It’s elegant and chic so you can serve it at a fancier dinner party, but you can also make it for a quickly thrown together spaghetti dinner. From the herbs, garlic, and smooth texture of the oil and vinegar, this recipe will be firmly cemented on your list of go-to’s!
Ingredients
This recipe is made with such simple and pure ingredients! Olive oil, fresh herbs, and some delicious vinegar – what more could we want?! Here’s a grocery list for you, and be sure to check out the full recipe card down below for my suggested measurements.
- Olive oil
- Garlic cloves
- Balsamic vinegar
- Fresh herbs – rosemary, Italian parsley, basil
- Seasonings – red pepper flakes, cracked black pepper, flaky sea salt
- Fresh warm bread
Best Bread for Olive Oil Dip
Honestly, your favorite bread is the best bread to enjoy with this dip. If you want my opinion, though, I’d suggest focaccia or a warm sourdough. You can also try a French baguette, Italian loaf, or ciabatta! This part of the recipe is chef’s choice.
How to Make Dipping Bread Oil
Step 1: Heat Olive Oil
Pour the olive oil into a small, shallow pan and set it over medium-low heat.
Step 2: Add Garlic
Add the minced garlic, and then eave the oil and garlic over the heat just until it has warmed. (You are not cooking it, just warming!) Then, pour the oil onto a deep plate or wide, shallow bowl.
Step 3: Add Toppings
Immediately sprinkle the oil and balsamic with your chosen remaining toppings for each flavor option. Gently swirl the seasonings together with the oil, and then pour the balsamic over the oil.
Step 4: Serve
Serve your dipping oil with warm bread, and a hefty wine pour – enjoy!
FAQs
What’s the best olive oil to dip bread in?
In a recipe like this when olive oil is the star of the show, you want to make sure you select a good quality oil. I would suggest using extra virgin olive oil at the very least becuase it’s the least processed and most delicious. To take it a step further, you can choose a cold pressed and organic version.
Do you put balsamic vinegar or olive oil first?
You’ll first add the olive oil and then drizzle the balsamic over top.
What else can I do with olive oil and balsamic vinegar?
These delicious ingredients will also combine to make a simple and healthy vinaigrette. You’ll have to play around with the proportions and make sure to whisk it (or shake it in an airtight bottle) vigorously so that it thickens a bit. You can add simple seasonings like the ones from this recipe, or the flavors of your choice.
Serving Suggestions and Variations
You can serve your olive oil bread dip in a variety of ways, so whether you tweak the recipe or just need some recipe pairings, I’ve got you covered!
- Let’s start with drinks! I love a simple recipe like this served with red wine, but a Lambrusco sangria would be an amazing level-up from that!
- Add freshly grated parmesan to the top of your dip if you’re looking for a little something extra.
- Serve your bread dipping oil with another appetizer like fried sage or burrata caprese.
- Add a spritz of lemon juice or zest to your oil for a hint of brightness.
- You can play around with the proportions of oil to vinegar, but there should always be more oil than vinegar in this case!
- Add sun-dried tomatoes as an additional yummy topping.
- As for a main dish, you can serve something Italian like pasta carbonara, or for a lighter twist, spaghetti squash lasagna boats!
- And for dessert, try this decadent tiramisu layer cake with whipped mascarpone frosting, or a bright and fresh stone fruit galette.
More Dip Recipes To Try
- 5 Layer Bean Dip
- Healthy Snack Board with Avocado Dip
- Jalapeno Cranberry Dip
- Easy Spinach Artichoke Dip
- Roasted Red Pepper Pizza Dip
If you make this Olive Oil and Balsamic Bread Dip, be sure to tag me on Pinterest and Instagram!
I seriously love seeing what you guys are making and sharing your creations with the College Housewife community!
Olive Oil and Balsamic Bread Dip
ingredients
- ½ cup olive oil
- ¾ fresh garlic cloves minced
- ¼ cup balsamic vinegar
- 1 tbsp freshly minced rosemary
- 2 tbsp freshly minced Italian parsley
- 2 tbsp fresh thinly sliced basil
- 2 tsp red pepper flakes
- Freshly cracked black pepper
- Flaky sea salt
- Nice fresh warm bread slices or cubes
instructions
- Pour the olive oil into a small shallow pan. Set over medium-low heat.
- Add the minced garlic. Leave the oil and garlic over the heat just until it has warmed, (you are not cooking it, just warming) then pour the oil onto a deep plate or wide, shallow bowl.
- Immediately sprinkle with remaining toppings for each flavor option and gently swirl together.
- Serve with warm bread.
notes
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