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To make loaded bread dipping oil, you need some key ingredients that come together for a tasty treat. Here’s what you will need: - 1 cup extra virgin olive oil - 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes - 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, finely chopped - 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped - 1 tablespoon sun-dried tomatoes, chopped - 1 teaspoon sea salt - Freshly cracked black pepper to taste Each ingredient brings its own flavor to the oil. Extra virgin olive oil is rich and smooth. Balsamic vinegar adds a sweet and tangy kick. Garlic powder and onion powder give depth and warmth. Red pepper flakes add a bit of spice. Fresh rosemary and parsley bring a green, earthy taste. Sun-dried tomatoes add a chewy texture and sweet flavor. Sea salt and black pepper enhance all the other tastes. You can mix and match these ingredients to find your perfect blend. This recipe is easy to adjust based on what you like. So have fun and get creative in your kitchen! {{ingredient_image_1}} 1. Mixing the olive oil and balsamic vinegar Start by taking a medium bowl. Pour in 1 cup of extra virgin olive oil. Add 2 tablespoons of balsamic vinegar. Whisk them together until they blend well. 2. Incorporating spices and herbs Next, add 1 teaspoon of garlic powder and 1 teaspoon of onion powder to the bowl. Stir to mix these spices into the oil. This step adds depth to your flavor. 3. Adding sun-dried tomatoes Now, it's time for a burst of flavor. Fold in 1 tablespoon of chopped sun-dried tomatoes. Make sure they are evenly mixed in the oil. They add a nice tangy touch. 4. Seasoning to taste Sprinkle in 1 teaspoon of sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste. Adjust it to your liking. This step brings balance to the oil. 5. Allowing the flavors to meld Let your mixture sit at room temperature for at least 30 minutes. This waiting time allows all the flavors to blend together beautifully. 6. Serving suggestions Transfer the dipping oil to a rustic bowl for serving. Pair it with slices of crusty bread. You can also add some torn basil leaves or olives on the side for a lovely touch. Enjoy! - Using different herbs and spices: You can switch up the herbs. Try thyme or oregano. Each herb gives a new taste. Fresh herbs make the oil bright and fresh. Dried herbs work too, but fresh is best. - Alternative oils: Extra virgin olive oil is great, but don't stop there. Avocado oil or nut oils can add fun flavors. Each oil has its own taste, so experiment to find your favorite. - Adjusting heat levels: Like it spicy? Add more red pepper flakes or try chili oil. Want it mild? Cut back on the heat. Tweak to match your taste buds. - Rustic serving suggestions: Serve the dipping oil in a simple pottery bowl. You can also use a wooden board for a rustic look. Pair it with crusty bread or breadsticks for a nice touch. - Creative garnish options: Add small bowls of olives or fresh herbs on the side. Drizzle more olive oil on top for shine. A sprinkle of sea salt makes it pretty and tasty. Pro Tips Use High-Quality Olive Oil: The flavor of your dipping oil heavily depends on the quality of olive oil used. Opt for extra virgin olive oil for the best taste. Let It Marinate: Allowing the oil to sit for at least 30 minutes enhances the flavors. For an even richer taste, consider letting it sit for a few hours or overnight. Customize Your Herbs: Feel free to experiment with different herbs like thyme or basil based on your taste preferences. Fresh herbs will elevate the flavor profile. Perfect Pairings: This dipping oil pairs wonderfully with toasted baguette slices, but also try it with grilled vegetables or as a salad dressing for a delightful twist. {{image_2}} You can change up the flavors in your loaded bread dipping oil. Here are some fun ideas: - Italian-inspired with oregano and basil: Add dried oregano and fresh basil. These herbs give a classic Italian taste that pairs well with crusty bread. - Mediterranean twist with kalamata olives: Chop up some kalamata olives and mix them in. The olives add a salty, rich flavor that enhances the oil. - Spicy version with added chili oil: If you love heat, drizzle in some chili oil. It brings a fiery kick that will warm your taste buds. Changing some ingredients can create new flavors. - Substituting vinegar types: You can swap balsamic vinegar for red wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar. Each type adds a different tang to the oil. - Using different types of oil: Try using avocado oil or nut oils for a unique twist. Each oil has its own taste and can change the overall flavor. Get creative with these variations! Each change can lead to a new favorite. To store leftover dipping oil, pour it into a clean glass jar. Make sure to seal it tightly. Keep the jar in a cool, dark place. This helps keep the oil fresh. You can store it in the fridge, but it may thicken. Your dipping oil stays fresh for about one week. After that, check for any off smells or changes in color. If it looks or smells strange, throw it out. I recommend using glass jars or bottles for storage. They do not react with the oil. Look for jars with tight-sealing lids to keep air out. This keeps your oil fresh longer. Label your jar with the date you made the oil. This way, you’ll know how long it has been stored. You can also write down the main ingredients. This helps you remember what’s inside. How long can I store bread dipping oil? You can store bread dipping oil for up to two weeks. Keep it in a sealed glass jar. Store it in a cool, dark place. The flavors will get stronger over time. Can I make this recipe vegan? Yes, this recipe is already vegan! All the ingredients are plant-based. Enjoy this tasty dip with no worries. What types of bread pair well with this dipping oil? Crusty bread works best. I love using baguettes or ciabatta. Sourdough also adds a nice tang. You can even use pita or focaccia for a fun twist. What is the purpose of balsamic vinegar in this recipe? Balsamic vinegar adds a rich, tangy flavor. It balances the oil and spices. The acidity brightens the overall taste of the dip. It makes every bite more exciting. Are sun-dried tomatoes necessary for flavor? While sun-dried tomatoes add depth, they are not a must. You can skip them if you prefer. However, they do give a nice umami flavor. Try adding chopped olives or roasted red peppers instead for a different taste. This blog post explored how to make a tasty loaded bread dipping oil. We listed key ingredients like olive oil, herbs, and spices. Then, we shared easy steps to mix and serve. We added tips for flavor and presentation, plus variations to try. Finally, we covered storage and answered common questions. Dipping oil brings joy to meals. Use this guide to create your own unique blend!

Loaded Bread Dipping Oil

A flavorful oil blend perfect for dipping crusty bread.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Course Appetizer
Cuisine Mediterranean
Servings 4
Calories 120 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, finely chopped
  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped
  • 1 tablespoon sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
  • 1 teaspoon sea salt
  • to taste freshly cracked black pepper

Instructions
 

  • In a medium bowl, combine the extra virgin olive oil and balsamic vinegar. Whisk them together until well blended.
  • Add the garlic powder and onion powder to the oil mixture, stirring to incorporate.
  • Sprinkle in the red pepper flakes for a touch of heat, followed by the fresh rosemary and parsley. Mix well.
  • Fold in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes, ensuring they’re evenly distributed throughout the oil.
  • Season the mixture with sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper, adjusting to taste.
  • Allow the dipping oil to sit for at least 30 minutes at room temperature to let the flavors meld together.
  • Transfer the dipping oil to a serving bowl and serve with slices of crusty bread.

Notes

Serve the dipping oil in a rustic pottery bowl with a small dish of freshly torn basil leaves or whole olives on the side. Drizzle a little more olive oil on top for a glossy finish.
Keyword appetizer, bread, dipping oil, Mediterranean