Mediterranean Bread Dipping Oil

This sun-dried tomato olive oil bread dip transforms ordinary bread into an extraordinary Mediterranean feast. The combination of aromatic infused oil, tangy sun-dried tomatoes, and briny olives creates a dipping experience that will transport you straight to an Italian trattoria without leaving your kitchen.

I first created this dip when unexpected guests arrived one evening and it has since become my signature appetizer. The compliments I receive whenever I serve it have made it my go to recipe for every gathering.

Ingredients

• Extra virgin olive oil: Provides the rich foundation use a good quality one as it really matters for the flavor
• Shallot: Adds a mild sweet onion flavor without overpowering the other ingredients
• Garlic: Infuses the oil with aromatic depth select firm cloves with no green sprouts
• Red chili flakes: Bring just enough heat to wake up the palate adjust to your spice preference
• Grated parmesan cheese: Adds savory umami notes choose freshly grated for best results
• Sun dried tomatoes: Contribute intense sweet tomato flavor and chewy texture
• Castelvetrano olives: Offer buttery texture and mild flavor look for bright green ones
• Fresh parsley: Brightens the dip with color and herbaceous notes
• Fresh basil: Adds that classic Italian aromatic quality
• Balsamic vinegar: Provides sweet tanginess opt for a medium quality one
• Maldon salt: Finishing flakes that add texture and enhance all the flavors
• Crusty bread: For serving choose something sturdy enough to scoop up the dip

Step-by-Step Instructions

Infuse the Oil:

Combine olive oil shallot garlic and chili flakes in a medium saucepan over medium low heat. Allow the aromatics to slowly infuse the oil watching carefully to ensure the garlic turns golden but not brown about 4 5 minutes. This slow infusion process releases all the essential flavors into the oil creating the aromatic base of your dip.

Cool the Mixture:

Remove the pan from heat and let the infused oil cool slightly about 2 3 minutes. This cooling period prevents the hot oil from wilting the fresh herbs when combined later and preserves their bright flavor and color.

Combine All Ingredients:

Transfer your fragrant oil mixture to a medium bowl. Add the grated parmesan sun dried tomatoes olives parsley basil balsamic vinegar and Maldon salt. Stir gently but thoroughly until all ingredients are well distributed and coated in the flavorful oil about 30 seconds of mixing.

Serve and Enjoy:

Immediately transfer to a shallow serving bowl surrounded by torn pieces of crusty bread. The warm infused oil will slightly soften the bread edges when dipped creating a perfect textural contrast. For best flavor allow the dip to sit for about 5 minutes before serving to let the flavors meld together.

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The sun dried tomatoes are truly the star ingredient here. I discovered their transformative power during a cooking class in Tuscany where our instructor used them in everything from bruschetta to pasta. Their intense concentrated flavor provides a perfect counterpoint to the rich olive oil.

Make It Your Own

This recipe welcomes creative variations based on what you have available. Try roasted red peppers instead of sun dried tomatoes for a smokier profile or substitute kalamata olives for a more pronounced briny flavor. Fresh herbs can be swapped based on availability rosemary thyme or oregano all work beautifully. For a dairy free version simply omit the parmesan and add a tablespoon of nutritional yeast for a similar umami quality.

Storage Tips

The flavors of this dip actually improve overnight as the ingredients have time to meld together. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. The olive oil will solidify when chilled so be sure to remove it from the refrigerator about 30 minutes before serving to allow it to return to room temperature. Give it a quick stir before serving to reincorporate any separated ingredients.

Serving Suggestions

While crusty Italian bread is the traditional pairing this versatile dip works beautifully with a variety of vehicles. Try it with warm pita triangles crunchy crostini or even fresh vegetables for a lower carb option. For an impressive antipasto platter arrange the dip alongside sliced salami fresh mozzarella marinated artichokes and roasted peppers. It also makes an excellent spread for sandwiches particularly those featuring grilled chicken or turkey.

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This Mediterranean inspired dip celebrates simple quality ingredients coming together in perfect harmony. The combination of aromatic infused oil tangy tomatoes and briny olives creates layers of flavor that transform ordinary bread into an extraordinary experience. Whether served as a casual snack or elegant appetizer its vibrant flavors will have everyone asking for your secret recipe.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I make this bread dip ahead of time?

Yes! This dip actually improves with time as the flavors meld together. You can prepare it up to 3 days in advance and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Just bring to room temperature before serving.

→ What type of bread works best with this dip?

Crusty artisan breads like ciabatta, baguette, or sourdough work particularly well. The sturdy texture stands up to the oil while the air pockets capture more of the flavorful ingredients.

→ Can I substitute any ingredients?

Absolutely! Try kalamata olives instead of castelvetrano, add roasted red peppers for sweetness, or swap parmesan for pecorino romano. The garlic and olive oil base works with many Mediterranean flavor combinations.

→ How long does this dip stay fresh?

When stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, this dip will maintain its quality for up to 5 days. The olive oil may solidify when chilled, so allow it to come to room temperature before serving.

→ Can I make this dip less spicy?

Yes, simply reduce or omit the red chili flakes. The dip will still have plenty of flavor from the garlic, herbs, and other ingredients.

→ What can I serve with this besides bread?

While bread is traditional, this versatile dip also works well drizzled over grilled vegetables, as a marinade for chicken or fish, tossed with pasta, or as a finishing oil for soups.