Description
Mediterranean olive oil dip brings rustic Italian flavors to your table with fragrant herbs and rich, smooth extra virgin olive oil. Crusty warm bread meets zesty spices, creating a simple yet irresistible appetizer you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons (30 g) grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, finely minced
Herbs and Spices:
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary, crushed
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
Optional Flavor Enhancer:
- 1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar
Serving Suggestion:
- Freshly baked crusty bread, sliced
Instructions
- Craft an aromatic herb blend by finely chopping fresh garlic and mixing with dried basil, oregano, rosemary, red pepper flakes, ground black pepper, and kosher salt in a small ceramic bowl.
- Drizzle extra virgin olive oil generously over the herb mixture, creating a vibrant, fragrant base that allows the spices to bloom and release their essential oils.
- Gently fold grated Parmesan cheese into the herbed olive oil, ensuring smooth integration and developing a rich, savory undertone.
- For enhanced complexity, introduce a splash of aged balsamic vinegar, which will contribute a subtle sweet-tangy dimension to the dip.
- Warm crusty artisan bread in a 350°F oven for 3-5 minutes until slightly crisp and golden around the edges, releasing a warm, inviting aroma.
- Transfer the herb-infused olive oil mixture to a shallow serving dish, presenting it alongside the freshly warmed bread slices for an immediate and sensory dining experience.
Notes
- Customize herb blend by experimenting with fresh herbs like thyme or chopped parsley for brighter, more vibrant flavors.
- Control spice levels by adjusting red pepper flakes, making the dip milder or more intense based on personal preference.
- Enhance dip’s richness by using high-quality extra virgin olive oil with robust, fruity undertones for deeper taste complexity.
- Transform into gluten-free version by serving with gluten-free bread or vegetable sticks like cucumber and bell pepper slices.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Blending
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 398
- Sugar: 0.1 g
- Sodium: 176 mg
- Fat: 45 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 39 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 1 g
- Fiber: 0.3 g
- Protein: 2.5 g
- Cholesterol: 7 mg