Description
This flavorful Olive Oil Dip is a perfect companion to warm, crusty bread, combining fragrant herbs, garlic, Parmesan cheese, and a hint of balsamic vinegar for a delicious and easy appetizer or snack.
Ingredients
Scale
Herb and Spice Mix
- 2 cloves garlic, finely minced
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon dried rosemary, crushed
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
Olive Oil Dip
- ½ cup extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar (optional)
To Serve
- Freshly baked crusty bread, sliced
Instructions
- Prepare Herb Mixture: In a small bowl, combine the finely minced garlic, dried basil, dried oregano, crushed dried rosemary, crushed red pepper flakes, freshly ground black pepper, and kosher salt. Mix thoroughly to evenly distribute the flavors.
- Add Olive Oil and Parmesan: Pour the extra virgin olive oil over the herb mixture and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese. Mix well until all ingredients are fully incorporated, creating a flavorful dip base.
- Enhance with Balsamic Vinegar: For an additional layer of flavor, add 1 teaspoon of balsamic vinegar to the mixture and stir to blend it evenly into the dip.
- Serve Warm: Transfer the prepared dip to a shallow serving dish and serve immediately alongside slices of warm, crusty bread for dipping, allowing the bread to soak up the rich and aromatic olive oil mixture.
Notes
- Use fresh, high-quality extra virgin olive oil for the best flavor.
- Adjust the amount of crushed red pepper flakes to control the spice level.
- The Parmesan cheese adds a subtle umami note; omit for a dairy-free version.
- Balsamic vinegar is optional but adds a pleasant tanginess and depth.
- Serve with a variety of breads such as baguette, sourdough, or ciabatta.
