Description
Mediterranean olive oil dip celebrates rustic flavors from Greece and Italy. Fresh herbs, quality olive oil, and crusty bread create a simple yet elegant appetizer you’ll savor with each aromatic bite.
Ingredients
Scale
- ½ cup (120 ml) extra virgin olive oil
- 1 loaf crusty bread (French baguette, ciabatta, or sourdough)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced or grated)
- 1 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for extra flavor)
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
- 1 tsp balsamic vinegar (optional, for a tangy kick)
- ½ tsp dried oregano
- ½ tsp dried basil
- ½ tsp dried thyme
- ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- ¼ tsp salt (or to taste)
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- Butter or olive oil for warming bread
Instructions
- Flavor Foundation: Combine extra virgin olive oil with minced garlic, blending dried oregano, basil, and thyme to create a robust aromatic base that builds complex flavor layers.
- Seasoning Elevation: Sprinkle red pepper flakes for subtle heat, then balance with sea salt and freshly ground black pepper to enhance the Mediterranean-inspired profile.
- Cheese Integration: Fold finely grated Parmesan into the oil mixture, allowing it to meld seamlessly. Optionally drizzle balsamic vinegar for an additional tangy dimension.
- Infusion Rest: Allow the herb-infused oil to settle for several minutes, enabling spices and herbs to release their full aromatic potential and create a harmonious blend.
- Bread Preparation: Preheat oven to 350F. Slice a rustic loaf into bite-sized pieces, then delicately brush each slice with olive oil to ensure a uniform, golden coating.
- Toasting Process: Arrange bread on a baking sheet and toast for 5-7 minutes, watching carefully to achieve a perfectly crisp exterior without burning the delicate slices.
- Presentation Finale: Transfer infused olive oil to a serving dish, garnish with freshly chopped parsley, and serve warm bread alongside the aromatic dip, creating an inviting culinary experience.
Notes
- Maximize Herb Infusion: Crush dried herbs between your fingers before adding to release more intense essential oils and amplify flavor depth.
- Customize Oil Temperature: Let olive oil sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before mixing to ensure optimal herb and garlic absorption and smoother blending.
- Prevent Bread Burning: Use parchment paper on baking sheet and place bread on middle rack to ensure even, golden toasting without scorching edges.
- Adapt for Dietary Needs: Substitute Parmesan with nutritional yeast for vegan version or use gluten-free bread for celiac-friendly alternative, maintaining recipe’s core essence.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 5-7 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 5
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 0 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 4.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 24 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 15 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg