If you're one to reach for olive oil instead of butter for dipping some bread, this 3 minute olive oil bread dip recipe is right up your alley. This garlicky dipping oil for your favorite Italian focaccia bread rivals that of any restaurant and is so quick and simple. Just try and stop eating it!

Maybe you're like me. When I'm at an Italian restaurant and a big loaf of warm bread is delivered, all systems are go. And the first thing I do to make that bread happy (especially if it's an Italian restaurant) is reach for the olive oil. Life is even better is when the restaurant has an olive oil herb dip.
It's one of my favorite things and I'm sharing all you need to know to make this garlicky oil at home.
Let's level up your focaccia bread with big herby flavors.
5 minute easy appetizer recipe
Simple appetizers make it so easy to entertain. Recipes like marinated mozzarella, a big head of roasted garlic are delicious starters for any dinner party. Not sure if it's a coincidence or not, but pair all of these small plates with fresh bread, some dipping oil and you have a party.
And all you need is 5 minutes, a really good olive oil and a spice drawer for this super quick appetizer.
The components for olive oil dip recipe
Here's are the main parts for dipping oil. I've also included some fresh ingredient add-ins for the day you plan to serve your dip.
- Olive oil. You don't have to use your best olive oil but I do recommend a good quality olive oil. Some of my favorites include California olive oil, Olio Santo and Partanna from Italy.
- Herb and spice blend that includes:
- oregano
- thyme
- garlic powder
- onion powder
- sea salt
- crushed red pepper flakes
- fresh garlic, finely minced or zested
- Additional ingredients to add in (optional):
- minced, fresh garlic
- a drizzle of balsamic glaze
- chopped fresh basil
- parmesan cheese (right before serving)
How to make bread dipping oil
- Gather all of your ingredients.
- Chop some fresh garlic if you're using.
- In a small bowl, pour ½ cup of extra virgin olive oil.
- Take your dried herbs and one at a time, rub them together in the palm of your hand. This releases the oils and adds more flavor.
- Stir in the seasoning and herbs.
- Finish with the chopped,raw garlic if using and taste. Add another pinch or two of salt if needed.
Dried or fresh herbs?
Dried herbs work beautifully in bread dipping oil because they last the longest and produce the best results.
If you choose to use fresh herbs, keep in mind that the dipping oil will only last about a week.
Other fresh herbs that add bright flavor:
- fresh basil
- fresh rosemary
Dried Herb to Fresh Conversion
1:3
For every 1 teaspoon of dried herbs, you need 3 teaspooons of fresh.
Best bread for dipping
Who doesn't love a warm crusty Italian bread? Ciabatta is one of my favorites for this simple olive oil dip because it's soft and airy and soaks up the oil in the best way. It's also darn good.
Some other breads that love being dipped:
Homemade focaccia. I have two kinds: a focaccia barese with potato and a crispy focaccia. Both would taste amazing with bread dip.
Crispy garlic bread. Maybe it sounds a little extra but some crispy garlic bread would soak up even more of the dipping oil.
Other bread options. French baguette, sourdough bread, Pane Italiano
Other places to use this yummy bread oil
Once you make dipping oil, you're going to start thinking of all the amazing places you want to use it.
With chicken. Herby dipping oil is a great partner with some foolproof, juicy chicken breasts.
Drizzled over salad. Use as a salad dressing for Italian arugula salad.
Pizza dip. Who says creamy ranch dressing is the only thing that pairs well with pizza? A little herby olive oil dip would be so good with some Philly tomato pie.
Sandwich. Use this olive oil bread dip on a pressed Italian sandwich for your next tailgate. Adds the best zip!
How long does bread dipping oil keep?
With dried herbs: up to a month in a cool, place and dark bottle.
With fresh herbs: up to a week.
If fresh garlic and parmesan are added: up to a week.
Made this recipe?
I'd love it if you'd share your review and leave a star rating and comment!
📖 Recipe
5 Minute Olive Oil Bread Dip
Ingredients
- ½ cup olive oil
- 1 T oregano
- 1 T thyme
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon sea salt
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper
Optional
- 4 cloves fresh garlic, finely minced or zested
- 3 fresh basil leaves, finely minced
- fresh grated parmesan, if desired
Instructions
- Pour olive oil into a small bowl.½ cup olive oil
- Rub dry herbs in palms of your hands to release oils into olive oil. Add remaining seasonings.1 T oregano, 1 T thyme, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon onion powder, ½ teaspoon sea salt, ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper
Optional
- Chop fresh garlic finely, if using.4 cloves fresh garlic
- Add fresh garlic and any other fresh herbs the day you plan to serve.
- Add fresh parm before serving, if desired.
So simple and yet, so flavorful! I love this recipe. Saved.
Thank you, friend! 😊 It's the easiest and a good one for spontaneous company!