Zesty Garlic Olive Oil Dip Recipe: A Flavor-Packed Appetizer

Drizzling rich garlic olive oil dip across warm, crusty bread creates an instant flavor explosion that transports you straight to Mediterranean coastlines.

Herbs and spices dance alongside golden olive oil, infusing each bite with remarkable depth.

The simplicity of this recipe belies its incredible taste profile.

Perfectly balanced ingredients merge to craft a condiment that sings with rustic charm.

Anyone who loves bold, aromatic flavors will fall head over heels for this classic dip.

Restaurants charge premium prices for something you can effortlessly craft in your own kitchen.

Serve this spectacular dip and watch as your guests’ eyes light up with culinary delight.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time:

Total Time: 10 minutes

Calories: 200 kcal

Servings: 5

What’s in Garlic Olive Oil Dip

• Dried Oregano: Adds an earthy, Mediterranean herb punch that elevates the dip's aromatic profile with its slightly bitter and peppery notes.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Brings a subtle heat and vibrant kick that awakens the taste buds and adds a spicy complexity to the dip.
• Freshly Ground Black Pepper and Salt: Balances and intensifies the overall flavor, creating depth and bringing out the natural tastes of other ingredients.

• Parmesan Cheese: Provides a rich, nutty, and salty dimension that adds intense umami and creates a luxurious texture to the dip.
• Garlic: Delivers a sharp, pungent flavor that infuses the oil with a robust and aromatic character, forming the core of the dip's intense taste.

• Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Serves as the smooth, silky foundation that carries all flavors, providing a rich, buttery base with a peppery undertone.

• Fresh Chopped Parsley: Adds a bright, fresh green color and a clean, slightly peppery herb accent that lifts the overall presentation.
• Bread (Focaccia Recommended): Creates the perfect vehicle for scooping and enjoying the dip, with its soft, airy texture and ability to absorb flavors.

Tools That Help Make Garlic Olive Oil Dip

• Shallow bowl: Perfect for mixing ingredients and creating a delicious dip.
• Measuring spoons: Help you add the right amount of spices and seasonings.
• Grater: Use to grate fresh parmesan cheese for maximum flavor.
• Spoon or whisk: Essential for stirring and combining the olive oil with herbs and garlic.
• Knife: Needed to mince garlic and chop fresh parsley or basil for garnish.

How to Mix Garlic Olive Oil Dip Like a Pro

• Flavor Foundation

Grab a small bowl and sprinkle in fragrant garlic, zesty red pepper flakes, earthy oregano, and a dusting of salty parmesan cheese. This blend creates a mouthwatering base that’ll make your taste buds dance.

• Liquid Gold

Drizzle rich, smooth olive oil over the herby mixture. Swirl everything together until the ingredients mingle and create a gorgeous, aromatic dip that looks as incredible as it smells.

• Seasoning Magic

Enhance the flavor profile with a pinch of salt and a crack of black pepper. Each sprinkle adds depth and brings out the incredible layers of taste hidden in the dip.

• Final Touch

Scatter some bright green herbs like fresh parsley or basil on top for a pop of color and extra burst of freshness. Serve alongside crusty bread and watch everyone dive in with excitement.

Tips for Infusing Garlic Olive Oil Just Right

• Let the garlic sit in olive oil for 15-20 minutes before serving to deepen the flavor profile and allow the herbs to fully release their aromatic essence.
• Adjust red pepper flakes based on your heat tolerance – use a pinch for mild warmth or a full teaspoon for a spicy kick that wakes up your taste buds.
• Experiment with fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or chives to create unique flavor combinations that complement the garlic and olive oil base.
• Keep leftover dip in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, but let it come to room temperature and stir before serving to restore its original texture and blend the ingredients.

How to Serve Garlic Olive Oil With Bread or Veggies

• Bread Dunking Delight: Grab a crusty baguette or rustic Italian bread and tear it into chunky pieces for the ultimate dipping experience. The olive oil's richness perfectly coats each bread morsel, delivering a burst of garlic and herb flavors.
• Mediterranean Appetizer Platter: Arrange the dip in the center of a colorful plate surrounded by kalamata olives, roasted red peppers, and sliced cucumber. This presentation transforms the simple dip into an elegant starter that's perfect for entertaining guests.
• Veggie Companion Magic: Use the garlic olive oil dip as a flavorful sauce for fresh vegetable sticks like crisp bell peppers, crunchy carrots, and juicy cherry tomatoes. The herb-infused oil adds a zesty kick to plain raw vegetables, making them irresistibly delicious.
• Pasta Drizzle Wonder: After cooking your favorite pasta, reserve a small amount of this dip to drizzle over the top just before serving. The combination of parmesan, garlic, and red pepper flakes creates an instant flavor boost that elevates a simple pasta dish.

How to Keep Garlic Olive Oil Dip Fresh

• Dip Freshness Hub: Refrigerate the dip in an airtight container for up to 5 days, keeping flavors vibrant and ingredients crisp.
• Quick Flavor Boost: Allow the dip to sit at room temperature for 15 minutes before serving to enhance the garlic and herb infusion.
• Smart Separation Strategy: If olive oil solidifies in the refrigerator, simply let the dip rest at room temperature and gently stir to restore smooth consistency.
• Ingredient Longevity Tip: Check fresh herbs and garlic for signs of spoilage, discarding if they develop an off smell or discoloration to maintain optimal taste and safety.

Irresistible Garlic Olive Oil Dip Recipe

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4.5 from 33 reviews

• Total Time: 10 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Mediterranean cooks treasure this garlic olive oil dip as a simple yet sublime sauce that elevates bread and vegetables. Rich Mediterranean flavors blend seamlessly, inviting you to savor each delicious bite with crusty bread or fresh produce.

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Ingredients

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• ¼ cup (60 ml) extra virgin olive oil
• 1 to 2 cloves garlic, very finely minced
• ¼ cup (25 g) freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• ½ tsp (2.5 ml) dried oregano
• ¼ tsp (1.25 ml) red pepper flakes
• Black pepper, freshly ground, to taste
• Salt, to taste
• Fresh chopped parsley
• Bread for dipping (focaccia recommended)

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Mince garlic and transfer to a serving bowl, creating a fragrant foundation for the dip by evenly spreading the chopped cloves across the base.
2. Seasoning Blend: Generously dust red pepper flakes and dried oregano over the garlic, ensuring a balanced distribution of spicy and herbal notes that will infuse the dip with robust flavor.
3. Cheese Integration: Shower freshly grated parmesan cheese over the garlic mixture, allowing the cheese to meld seamlessly with the existing ingredients and create a complex flavor profile.
4. Oil Emulsion: Drizzle extra virgin olive oil in a steady, circular motion, carefully blending the ingredients to create a harmonious and silky texture that captures the essence of Mediterranean cuisine.
5. Final Seasoning: Delicately sprinkle kosher salt and crack fresh black pepper across the surface, tasting and adjusting to achieve the perfect balance of flavors that will tantalize the palate.
6. Garnish and Serve: Scatter finely chopped fresh parsley or basil leaves as a vibrant garnish, then present immediately with warm crusty bread or artisan breadsticks for an irresistible appetizer that celebrates simple, elegant flavors.

Notes

• Slice Garlic Precisely: Use a sharp knife to mince garlic uniformly, releasing maximum flavor without bruising the delicate cells.
• Balance Spice Carefully: Adjust red pepper flakes based on personal heat tolerance, starting with a light sprinkle and increasing gradually.
• Select Quality Olive Oil: Choose extra virgin olive oil with a robust, fruity profile to enhance the dip’s overall Mediterranean character.
• Serve at Room Temperature: Allow ingredients to sit for 10-15 minutes before serving to help flavors meld and develop a more complex taste profile.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: None
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 200
• Sugar: 0 g
• Sodium: 150 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 2 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 5 mg