This delicious Bread Dipping Oil with Mediterranean flavours takes minutes to prepare, and makes a fabulous appetiser! Serve with your favourite bread, some shavings of Parmesan cheese and a glass of wine!
Why we love this recipe:
This Mediterranean Dipping Oil is a great way to start a meal. It is perfect before most meals, but it also sits comfortably with a casual catch-up with friends over a glass of wine.
When dining at Italian restaurants, many of us are now accustomed to being served olive oil into which we can dip our crusty bread. However, as delicious as that is, when I'm having guests for dinner or drinks, I do like to appear to have made at least a small amount of effort. And so, inspired by the flavours of the Mediterranean, I have developed this dipping oil.
This is a super simple dipping oil which is easily made and yet full of flavour. This delicious starter comes together in about 5 minutes - they don't come much quicker or easier than that.
Ingredients in this recipe:
Please see the recipe card further along in the post for exact quantities of ingredients and the full method.
Olive Oil - use a good quality olive oil for the very best flavour. Extra Virgin is our preference.
Chilli Flakes - we love the heat of chilli/red pepper flakes. Use more or less, depending on how much you like the heat.
Sea Salt Flakes - I highly recommend using sea salt flakes for delicious flavour and a little texture. Divine!
Dried Oregano and Basil - for me, these herbs are great pantry staples. They elevate the flavour of so many dishes, and are perfect in this Bread Dipping Oil.
Garlic - a clove of garlic which has been minced adds a lovely flavour to the oil.
Step by Step Instructions:
This is such a simple recipe, that it hardly needs instructions!
- Combine your ingredients in a bowl.
- Serve with crusty bread, shavings of Parmesan cheese, and if you like - a glass of wine!
Tips for Success and FAQs:
As this is such a simple recipe with very few ingredients, we recommend using the best quality products you're able to find.
A good quality olive oil makes the difference in a recipe like this, where it is very much the star of the show.
Ensure that your dried herbs and chilli flakes are fresh - they lose their vibrancy and flavour the longer they have been around.
Fresh garlic as opposed to already chopped from a jar is also important.
The Bread Dipping Oil will last for 3 days. It can be made a day in advance, but the herbs and chilli may lose their vibrant colour. I recommend making it at least 30 minutes prior to serving, to allow the flavours to develop.
Absolutely - fresh basil and oregano work well, but you may still wish to use some dried herbs also, as they have a strong flavour. Fresh rosemary is also lovely in this Mediterranean Dipping Oil! You could also try our Herbed Bread Dipping Oil.
Other delicious recipes for you to try:
Create a delicious antipasto platter by serving the Bread Dipping Oil alongside some of these delicious recipes:
- Roasted Marinated Olives
- Roasted Capsicums
- Easy Spelt Focaccia
- Cannellini Bean Dip
- Marinated Parmesan
- Oven Baked Beef Meatballs
- Gluten-Free Focaccia
- Caprese Bread Tartlets
- And perhaps a glass of Strawberry Prosecco or Pineapple Iced Tea!
A relaxed host makes for relaxed guests and successful entertaining. There is no stress involved to make this quickly and easily prepared starter. Prepare this Mediterranean Bread Dipping Oil, cut or tear some crusty bread to serve, relax and enjoy.
Let me know in the comments below when you have given this a try!
Alex xx
Mediterranean Bread Dipping Oil
Please note:
For accuracy, when weights are provided, we recommend weighing your ingredients. This will produce the best results. All oven temperatures listed are for fan forced.
Ingredients
- ¾ cup (180 ml) extra virgin olive oil See Note 1
- 1 clove garlic, finely chopped/minced
- ½ teaspoon sea salt flakes See Note 2
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ - 1 teaspoon dried red chilli flakes See Note 3
Instructions
- Combine all of your ingredients in a bowl.
- Allow the flavours to develop for 30 minutes, and serve with your favourite bread.
Notes
- Using a good quality Olive Oil is important for the success of this recipe.
- Use sea salt flakes for the best flavour and texture. Adjust the amount of salt to your taste.
- Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes depending on the amount of heat you like. We use 1 tsp, as we love a slight heat.
- Please note, the nutritional information is based on this being enjoyed as an appetiser between 6 people. You can adjust the amount you make accordingly, or it does keep for 3 days, stored in the fridge.
Nutrition Estimate:
Nutritional Disclaimer:
The nutritional information is an estimate only, and is derived from online calculators. For accurate results, we recommend calculating the nutritional information based on the ingredients and brands you use.
Judy says
love this dip. great with crusty bread or a slice of pizza
Alexandra Cook says
So happy to hear this, Judy!
Thank you for sharing! Alex xo
Lyn-Marie says
Hi. I read the recipe and understand you said it keeps for 3 days. However if I were to make it and place it in a sterilised glass bottle is it possible to make and give it as a Christmas gift?
Alexandra Cook says
Hi Lyn-Marie,
Thank you for your question!
This isn't something I would recommend due to the risk of botulism.
I'd recommend looking for a specific recipe that is designed to be kept longer - perhaps an infused oil of sorts that is heat treated.
Kind regards, Alex
Konstantina says
After going through and spotting this recipe, I couldn't wait for tomorrow. The crusty bread I had no idea what to do with, was such a fantastic accompaniment to this VERY addicting bread dipping Sauce!!!! Guess I'll call this my bedtime snack....all I can say, is thank goodness I only had 3 pieces of crostini bread, or I definitely would have kept dipping. Also going to use this drizzled in baked potatoes and use as a marinade for chicken!!!! Endless possibilities, so exciting. THANK YOU sooo very much❣❣❣❣🤗🤗
Alexandra says
Hello Konstantina, thank you so much for your fantastic comments on the Mediterranean Bread Dipping Oil. I am delighted that you enjoyed it so much and appreciate that you took the time to contact me. 🙂
Runa says
Second time making this and I'm still blown away by how delicious it is. I needed to walk away because that bread was going down like there was no tomorrow!
Alexandra says
Oh, I am so thrilled to hear you enjoyed it, Runa! Thank you for taking the time to let me know!
Chris says
Love how quick and easy this! Yum!
Alexandra says
Thank you, Chris!