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Ultimate Copycat Restaurant-Style Olive Oil Bread Dip (Quick Garlic Herb Oil)

Close-up of vibrant olive oil bread dip seasoned heavily with green herbs and red pepper flakes.
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Welcome to My Kitchen! I am sharing my simple recipe for the best olive oil bread dip. This restaurant-style garlic herb oil tastes just like the popular versions you find at Italian chains, and it comes together in minutes. It is the perfect, flavorful starter for any meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 4 cloves fresh garlic, minced very fine
  • 2 teaspoons dried Italian seasoning mix
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for serving)
  • 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar (optional, for serving in a separate dish)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the dry seasoning mix: In a small bowl, combine the Italian seasoning, oregano, basil, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if you are using them. Stir these dry ingredients together well.
  2. Mince the fresh garlic very finely. You want small pieces that release flavor but do not overwhelm the dip.
  3. Combine the oil and seasonings: Pour the one cup of extra virgin olive oil into a shallow, wide serving dish or bowl.
  4. Add the minced garlic and the entire dry seasoning mix to the olive oil. Stir everything together gently.
  5. Let the dip rest for at least 10 minutes before serving. This resting time allows the garlic and herbs to infuse the oil, giving you that deep, restaurant-style flavor.
  6. Serve immediately with warm, crusty bread like a baguette or focaccia.
  7. If you prefer a variation, place the grated Parmesan cheese and the balsamic vinegar in separate small bowls alongside the main oil dip for guests to add as they wish.

Notes

  • For a richer flavor, you can gently warm the olive oil with the garlic for about 30 seconds before adding the dried herbs. Do not let the garlic brown.
  • This dry herb mix makes a wonderful, thoughtful gift. Mix the dry ingredients and place them in a small jar with a tag detailing the olive oil and fresh garlic needed.
  • If you want a ‘loaded’ version, add a tablespoon of finely chopped sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil (drained) to the final mixture.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://carlacooking.com/olive-oil-bread-dip-recipe/