This Dipping Oil for Bread is bursting with rich, savory flavors from olive oil, Parmesan, herbs, and a touch of balsamic vinegar. Perfect for pairing with warm, crusty bread or homemade focaccia. Simple to make and absolutely delicious. Once you try it, you’ll be hooked!
Dipping oil for bread
There’s something special about dipping fresh homemade bread or a crusty baguette into a flavorful oil. This Dipping Oil for Bread takes a simple ingredient, olive oil, and transforms it into something incredible with the addition of Parmesan, herbs, and a splash of balsamic vinegar. It’s the perfect way to start a meal or serve alongside a cozy dinner.
One of the best things about this recipe is how easy it is to make. Just mix everything together, and it’s ready in minutes, no cooking required! Whether you’re hosting guests or just want to elevate a family dinner, this dipping oil adds a restaurant-quality touch with minimal effort.
It’s also completely customizable! Adjust the seasonings to your taste, add fresh garlic, or swap the balsamic for a squeeze of lemon. Serve it with your favorite homemade bread or a rustic baguette, and get ready to enjoy every last dip!
Ingredients for bread dipping oil
- Olive Oil - Use a good flavored olive oil, but use one you enjoy. If you like a robust extra virgin olive oil, use that. But if you prefer a very light olive oil, you can use that. The olive oil is the predominant flavor so make certain you enjoy the flavor.
- Balsamic Vinegar - Use a good quality aged balsamic vinegar.
- Parmesan Cheese - Adds flavor and helps thicken the oil a bit.
- Seasoning - Dried oregano, dried thyme, dried basil, garlic powder, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Be flexible with the seasonings and use what you like and what you have on hand.
How to make dipping bread oil
- Pour olive oil over your seasonings.
- Add freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
- Stir everything together.
- Drizzle balsamic vinegar over the top of the oil.
- Serve with your favorite bread.
Recipe tips
- Use High-Quality Olive Oil – Since olive oil is the base of this recipe, choose a good-quality extra virgin olive oil for the best flavor. A rich, smooth oil will make all the difference, so pick one that you enjoy the taste of on its own. If you wouldn’t dip bread straight into it, it’s not the right choice for this recipe!
- Freshly Grate the Parmesan – Pre-grated Parmesan can be dry and lack flavor. Freshly grating your Parmesan adds a rich, nutty taste and blends better into the oil.
- Let It Sit for More Flavor – If you have time, let the oil and seasonings sit for 15-20 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld and develop a deeper taste.
- Customize to Your Taste – Adjust the herbs, spices, and balsamic vinegar to your liking. Add more red pepper flakes for heat or fresh minced garlic for an extra punch of flavor.
- Pair with the Right Bread – Serve with a crusty artisan bread like a baguette, ciabatta, or homemade sourdough. The texture and flavor of the bread will complement the oil beautifully!
Frequently asked questions
Cover and store in the refrigerator for up to a week. Allow the oil to come to room temperature before serving.
Variations
Use your favorite seasons when making dipping oil. Some options include:
- Garlic & Rosemary – Swap the dried herbs for fresh rosemary and add minced fresh garlic for a bold, aromatic flavor.
- Sun-Dried Tomato & Basil – Mix in finely chopped sun-dried tomatoes and use fresh basil for a slightly sweet, savory twist.
- Lemon & Herb – Replace the balsamic vinegar with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice and add a pinch of lemon zest for a bright, citrusy touch.
- Spicy Chili Oil – Add extra red pepper flakes or a drizzle of chili oil for a kick of heat.
- Balsamic & Honey – Stir in a small drizzle of honey with the balsamic vinegar for a sweet and tangy balance.
Serving suggestions
This dipping oil can be served with your favorite type of bread. Some of our favorites are listed below.
- Homemade Breadsticks
- Focaccia Bread
- Loaf of Italian Bread
- Artisan Bread
- Crusty Baguette
If you make this recipe, I’d love to hear about it! Leave a comment below and snap a picture and tag me on Instagram @beyondthechickencoop
Check out all my delicious appetizers!
Dipping Oil for Bread Recipe
Ingredients
- ½ cup olive oil
- ¼ cup Parmesan cheese (freshly grated)
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon dried basil
- ¼ teaspoon dried thyme
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon pepper
- 1-2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
Instructions
- Stir olive oil and seasoning together in a bowl.½ cup olive oil, ½ teaspoon dried oregano, ½ teaspoon dried basil, ¼ teaspoon dried thyme, ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes, ¼ teaspoon garlic powder, ¼ teaspoon salt, ¼ teaspoon pepper
- Stir in freshly grated Parmesan cheese.¼ cup Parmesan cheese
- Drizzle balsamic on top of oil.1-2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- Serve with your favorite bread.
Notes
-
- Use High-Quality Olive Oil – Since olive oil is the base of this recipe, choose a good-quality extra virgin olive oil for the best flavor. A rich, smooth oil will make all the difference, so pick one that you enjoy the taste of on its own. If you wouldn’t dip bread straight into it, it’s not the right choice for this recipe!
-
- Freshly Grate the Parmesan – Pre-grated Parmesan can be dry and lack flavor. Freshly grating your Parmesan adds a rich, nutty taste and blends better into the oil.
-
- Let It Sit for More Flavor – If you have time, let the oil and seasonings sit for 15-20 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld and develop a deeper taste.
-
- Customize to Your Taste – Adjust the herbs, spices, and balsamic vinegar to your liking. Add more red pepper flakes for heat or fresh minced garlic for an extra punch of flavor.
Nutritional Disclaimer:
Nutritional information is provided as a courtesy and should only be construed as an estimate rather than a guarantee. To obtain the most precise nutritional information in a provided recipe, you should calculate the nutritional information with the exact ingredients you are using when preparing the recipe using your preferred nutrition calculator.
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