Olive Oil Bread Dip With Garlic and Herbs
Jun 28, 2024, Updated Aug 30, 2025
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One thing I love about a homemade bread dipping oil, you get that restaurant feel and quality in the comfort of your own home! It comes together in no time and everyone loves it! While we’re talking about dips, you might want to check out some other delicious dip recipes like roasted garlic hummus, tirokafteri and ezme.
Table of Contents
Key Ingredients
- Olive Oil: The base of the dip, providing a rich, smooth texture and heart-healthy fats. Use extra virgin olive oil for the best flavor.
- Garlic: Adds a robust, aromatic flavor. If you don’t like a strong raw garlic taste, add roasted garlic which is milder and sweeter.
- Fresh Oregano, Mint and parsley: Fresh herbs add a lot of flavor to the dip. You can use other herbs including thyme, cilantro or dill.
- Pepper Paste: Contributes a mild heat and depth of flavor. You can use homemade pepper paste or purchase a jar at a Mediterranean store.
- Tomato Paste: Adds richness and a slight tang.
- Kalamata Olives: Provide a salty, briny flavor. Ensure they are pitted and chopped finely for the best texture.
- Sumac: Offers a tangy, lemony taste.
- Pomegranate Molasses: Adds sweetness and a tart kick. If you don’t have it on hand use my homemade pomegranate molasses recipe to make your own
- Lemon Zest: Gives a bright, citrusy note without the acidity.
How to Make Olive Oil Bread Dip
In a medium-sized bowl, pour in ½ cup of extra virgin olive oil. Then, add the minced garlic and give it a good stir to combine.
Add the fresh oregano and fresh mint to the bowl. Next, add the pepper paste and tomato paste.
Stir in the chopped kalamata olives. Season with sumac, salt and black pepper. Stir in the pomegranate molasses and finish with the lemon zest.
Let the mixture sit for at least 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Transfer the dip to a serving bowl and drizzle a bit more olive oil on top if desired. Serve with crusty bread of your choice.
What Goes Well With Olive Oil Dip?
No-Knead Bread: This rustic, crusty bread is perfect for soaking up the rich flavors of the dip.
Simit: A Turkish sesame bagel-like bread, offering a chewy texture and nutty flavor that pairs wonderfully with the dip.
Bazlama: A soft and fluffy Turkish flatbread, ideal for scooping up the dip.
Ciabatta: This Italian bread with its airy, open crumb structure and crisp crust is perfect for dipping.
Focaccia: With its herb-infused, slightly salty taste, focaccia is a fantastic choice to pair with the flavorful olive oil dip.
Variations and Substitutes
Herb Variations:
- Dried Herbs: If fresh herbs are unavailable, use dried oregano and mint. Reduce the amount to 1 tablespoon each, as dried herbs are more concentrated.
- Basil: Substitute fresh oregano or mint with basil for a different aromatic profile.
- Rosemary or Thyme: For a more robust flavor, try using rosemary or thyme.
Olive Variations:
- Green Olives: Replace Kalamata olives with green olives for a milder, less briny taste.
- Mixed Olives: Use a combination of different types of olives (e.g., Castelvetrano, black olives) for a complex flavor profile.
Oil and Vinegar:
- Balsamic Vinegar: Add 1 teaspoon of balsamic vinegar for a touch of sweetness and acidity.
- Chili Oil: For a spicy twist, add a few drops of chili oil.
Citrus:
- Lime Zest: Substitute lemon zest with lime zest for a tangier flavor.
- Orange Zest: Use orange zest for a slightly sweeter, citrusy taste.
Storage
Refrigeration: Transfer the dip to an airtight container or jar with a lid. Store in the refrigerator for up to one week. Before serving, if refrigerated, allow the dip to come to room temperature for about 20 minutes. This enhances the flavors and makes it easier to dip with bread.
Room Temperature: If kept at room temperature, consume the dip within a day to ensure optimal taste and freshness.
Avoid Freezing: Olive oil can solidify in the freezer, altering the texture of the dip. It’s best not to freeze the dip.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, you can substitute dried herbs for fresh ones, but use them in smaller quantities. Typically, you’d use about 1/3 to 1/2 of the amount of dried herbs compared to fresh.
More Recipes To Try
Dips and Spreads
Zhoug Recipe (Spicy Cilantro Sauce)
Dips and Spreads
Gremolata (Italian Herb Condiment)
Summer Recipes
Best Basil Pesto Recipe
Mediterranean recipes
Easy Basil Oil Recipe
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5-Minute Olive Oil Bread Dip
Ingredients
- ½ cup Olive oil
- 1 clove Garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp Fresh oregano
- 2 tbsp Fresh mint
- 1 tsp Pepper paste
- 1 tsp Tomato paste
- ¼ cup Kalamata olives, chopped
- ½ tsp Salt
- ¼ tsp Pepper
- 1 tsp Sumac
- 1 tbsp Pomegranate Molasses
- 1 Lemon , Zest of
Instructions
- In a medium-sized bowl, pour in the olive oil. Then, add the minced garlic and give it a good stir to combine.
- Add fresh oregano and fresh mint to the bowl. Next, add pepper paste and tomato paste.
- Stir in the chopped kalamata olives. Season with salt, pepper and sumac.
- Add in the pomegranate molasses and lemon zest. Then, stir everything together until well combined.
- If time allows, the mixture sit for at least 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Transfer the dip to a serving bowl and drizzle a bit more olive oil on top if desired. Serve with crusty bread of your choice.
Video
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
This dip is so good with freshly baked sourdough! I also tossed it with pasta for an easy and flavorful meal with some beans and spinach stirred in. So good!
The blend of herbs and spices with the rich olive oil created a perfect, savory dip that paired wonderfully with fresh, crusty bread. I’ll definitely be keeping this simple yet delicious recipe in my rotation for gatherings and cozy nights in!
This Easy Olive Oil Bread Dip is fantastic! It’s so simple to make and full of flavor. Perfect for dipping fresh bread. Thank you for the great recipe!
I love the flavours. It reminds me a bit of olive tapenade.
Great bread dip! I served it at our dinner party last night and they all loved it! Especially the mint – that’s a nice touch!