Bread Dipping Oil Recipe | Restaurant-Style Recipe - Rachel Cooks® (2024)

Home Recipes by Ease of Preparation 30 Minutes or Less

3030 Minutes or LessGFGluten-Free

4.47

/5

10 minutes mins

235 Comments

Jump to Recipe

By: Rachel GurkPosted: 04/29/2019

This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure policy.

This is the most irresistible restaurant-style bread dipping oil recipe! You’ll feel like you’re at a fancy Italian restaurant and you won’t be able to stop dipping!

Bread Dipping Oil Recipe | Restaurant-Style Recipe - Rachel Cooks® (1)

Give me a loaf of bread that’s the perfect balance of crusty and soft, and this bread dipping oil, and I’m a happy girl. Throw in a glass of wine and you’re pretty much making all my dreams come true.

I mean, this stuff is absolutely irresistible. Someone asked me to develop a recipe for this, quite some time ago now…and I did…and then I sat on the floor of my studio after I photographed it and ate bite after bite…after bite. It’s garlicky, herby, a little spicy, a little salty, and 100% amazing.

Bread Dipping Oil Recipe | Restaurant-Style Recipe - Rachel Cooks® (2)

Drizzle over some incredible extra virgin olive oil and you have the perfect precursor to pretty much any meal. I mean…if you want to make it a meal in and of itself, you won’t find me judging. You’ll probably find me saying, “Could you please pass me the bread?”

This bread dipping oil is the best concoction of herbs, garlic, and of course, rich, flavorful olive oil. It makes a lot, but it stores well in the fridge for about a week. If you want to extend the shelf life further, leave out the fresh garlic and just add that when you’re ready to use it. That’s what I typically do.

Bread Dipping Oil Recipe | Restaurant-Style Recipe - Rachel Cooks® (3)

What Is in this bread Dipping Oil?

So much great stuff! It all works together so well for the perfect bite with every dip of bread.

  • garlic, of course!
  • oregano
  • basil
  • parsley
  • onion powder
  • cracked black pepper
  • red pepper flakes
  • thyme
  • rosemary
  • garlic powder
  • and of course, the star, olive oil! Try to find a really rich, bold, extra virgin olive oil.
Bread Dipping Oil Recipe | Restaurant-Style Recipe - Rachel Cooks® (4)

Want to take this oil mixture to the next level?
Try adding:
– a splash of really good balsamic vinegar
– freshly grated Parmesan cheese

Bread Dipping Oil Recipe | Restaurant-Style Recipe - Rachel Cooks® (5)

This bread dipping oil goes great with

  • Chicken Marsala Pasta (one pan!)
  • Instant Pot Pasta with Spinach, Sausage, and Tomatoes
  • Instant Pot Spaghetti
  • One Pan Rigatoni with Creamy Red Wine Tomato Sauce
  • Chicken Tuscan Pasta Bake

Did you make this? Be sure to leave a review below and tag me @rachelcooksblog on Facebook, Instagram, or Pinterest!

Bread Dipping Oil Recipe | Restaurant-Style Recipe - Rachel Cooks® (6)

Recipe

Get the Recipe: Bread Dipping Oil Recipe | Restaurant-Style

4.47 from 642 votes

Prep Time: 10 minutes mins

Total Time: 10 minutes mins

7 tablespoons dry mix

Print Rate Recipe

This is the most irresistible restaurant-style bread dipping oil recipe! You'll feel like you're at a fancy Italian restaurant and you won't be able to stop dipping!

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Mix all ingredients together in a small bowl EXCEPT olive oil, garlic, and parmesan cheese (see note about garlic).

  • When ready to use, mix ONLY 1 tablespoon of mixture with about 1/2 cup of olive oil. If desired, add 1 tablespoon freshly grated Parmesan cheese.

  • Store remaining mixture in fridge for up to a week (unless you didn't use fresh garlic, then you can store dry herb/spice mixture in your pantry for up to 6 months).

Notes

  • If you'd like to store this mix longer, leave out the fresh garlic and just add it when you're ready to serve. If you do this, you don't need to refrigerate the mixture and it will keep for up to 6 months in your pantry.
  • For a more mild garlic flavor, omit fresh garlic and increase garlic powder to 1 teaspoon.
  • Nutrition information is for dry mix only and does not include olive oil or cheese.
  • This is also really good with some high quality balsamic mixed in.

Nutrition Information

Serving: 1g, Calories: 6kcal, Carbohydrates: 1g, Sodium: 228mg, Fiber: 1g

This website provides approximate nutrition information for convenience and as a courtesy only. Nutrition data is gathered primarily from the USDA Food Composition Database, whenever available, or otherwise other online calculators.

© Author: Rachel Gurk

You May Also Like...

  • Chive Bread

  • Healthy Banana Bread

  • Healthy Pumpkin Bread Recipe

  • Snickerdoodle Bread - Triple Cinnamon Swirl!

Previous PostInstant Pot Ribs – fall off the bone!
Next Post Pizza Pasta – 1 pan, 20 minutes

Reader Interactions

Leave a Review

  1. Donna Chandler says

    Bread Dipping Oil Recipe | Restaurant-Style Recipe - Rachel Cooks® (14)
    Excellent

    Reply

    • Rachel Gurk says

      Thank you!

      Reply

  2. Blair says

    Bread Dipping Oil Recipe | Restaurant-Style Recipe - Rachel Cooks® (15)
    I used to manage an italian restaurant called Bertuccis. We served rolls with an olive oil dip and everyone loved it. I made YOUR recipe and it is different but just as good! Just had some. I love that you told us how to make it and store it for later use. That was super helpful! THANK YOU!!!

    Reply

    • Rachel Gurk says

      You’re so welcome! Thank you for the kind comment!

      Reply

    • Rachel Gurk says

      Yes just let it sit at room temp for 15 min or so – it liquidizes pretty quickly.

      Reply

  3. Marvin Tunnell says

    Bread Dipping Oil Recipe | Restaurant-Style Recipe - Rachel Cooks® (17)
    Love it

    Reply

    • Rachel Gurk says

      Thank you, Marvin!

      Reply

  4. Heather D says

    Just mixed it and smells amazing. Can’t wait to use it. How many servings of the mix is this then? 3-4?

    Reply

    • Rachel Gurk says

      It makes enough to use it about 7 times if you’re using a tablespoon of the mixture each time. I hope you love it!

      Reply

  5. Patty says

    Bread Dipping Oil Recipe | Restaurant-Style Recipe - Rachel Cooks® (18)
    The bread dipping recipe is delicious. Didn’t change anything in the recipe. Will make it again.

    Reply

    • Rachel Gurk says

      So glad you liked it! Thank you for leaving a review!

      Reply

  6. Sonya says

    Bread Dipping Oil Recipe | Restaurant-Style Recipe - Rachel Cooks® (19)
    I made it and love it!!!!
    It was a hit with everyone from parents to kids. I took it a little further and added one TBS of the dry mix to my homemade gluten free bread. Great flavor!

    Reply

    • Rachel Gurk says

      So glad you liked it! Thank you for leaving a review!

      Reply

  7. Heather says

    Bread Dipping Oil Recipe | Restaurant-Style Recipe - Rachel Cooks® (20)
    Amazing!!! So yummy!

    Reply

    • Rachel Gurk says

      So happy you liked it!

      Reply

  8. Sean says

    Bread Dipping Oil Recipe | Restaurant-Style Recipe - Rachel Cooks® (21)
    At what point does the fresh garlic come in? Am I supposed to mix it into the oil after adding the dry mixture?

    Reply

    • Rachel Gurk says

      Since the spice mix itself without the garlic can be stored in your pantry for weeks, I recommend adding the garlic in just to the portion you’re eating when you’re ready to serve. So, put some minced garlic in a bowl or shallow plate, add the seasoning mixture, and add olive oil. That’s definitely the best way, but it’s great without the fresh garlic too. I often leave it out if I’m serving people who are more more sensitive to garlic.

      Reply

  9. Susan Evans says

    Bread Dipping Oil Recipe | Restaurant-Style Recipe - Rachel Cooks® (22)
    Does the oil need to be refrigerated after making

    Reply

    • Rachel Gurk says

      If you use fresh garlic, the oil should be refrigerated. It will keep for a week. If you use dried garlic or garlic powder, it is pantry safe and will keep for up to six months. Hope that helps!

      Reply

  10. Howell says

    Bread Dipping Oil Recipe | Restaurant-Style Recipe - Rachel Cooks® (23)
    Amazing first round. Went without the Parmesan (not my choice) and I used the jarred minced garlic and cut the red pepper flakes in half for my youngest, and she thought it was great. Definitely a staple for our weekly Italian dinners. Thank you for sharing your recipe.

    Reply

    • Rachel Gurk says

      So glad you enjoyed it! Thank you for leaving a review!

      Reply

  11. Amy Bauer says

    Bread Dipping Oil Recipe | Restaurant-Style Recipe - Rachel Cooks® (24)
    Loved it! And so easy! Thank you!

    Reply

    • Rachel Gurk says

      You’re welcome!

      Reply

  12. Diane says

    I’m sorry…I think I’m missing something. Mix all together except oil, garlic and cheese. Then use I TBS of the dry mix with 1/2 cup olive oil and a Tablespoon of garlic on the plate? I love garlic, but that seems string, even for me.
    Just trying to get it right. Thank you!

    Reply

    • Rachel Gurk says

      You can definitely just use garlic powder, or reduce the fresh garlic if you’d like.

      Reply

    • Flying Squirrel says

      Bread Dipping Oil Recipe | Restaurant-Style Recipe - Rachel Cooks® (25)
      I used this a little differently, but the spice combo for the exception of the red pepper flakes (I was out and substituted 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper) was perfection!
      I took an entire loaf of Italian bread sliced it in 1/2 in. Ovals, dipped one entire surface of each slice in the dipping sauce, covered it with a mixture of the Italian cheeses left in my fridge and made crostini. It turned out spectacular and gave my home the scent of an Italian restaurant!

      Reply

Older Comments

Bread Dipping Oil Recipe | Restaurant-Style Recipe - Rachel Cooks® (2024)

FAQs

What bread is best for dipping in oil? ›

The bread's interior should be soft, pliable, and absorbent to soak up the flavorful oil. The best and most common options include ciabatta, focaccia, and olive bread.

What is Carrabba's bread dip made of? ›

Carrabba's Bread Dip recipe – the real thing! Recipe straight from Carrabba's Italian Grill. Parsley, basil, rosemary, oregano, garlic, red pepper flakes, kosher salt, black pepper, and olive oil. Can make the spice mixture in advance and store it in an airtight container until ready to serve.

Why don't Italians dip bread in olive oil? ›

There are a couple reasons why this rule exists. 1) Extra virgin olive oil is expensive. 2) If a communal bowl of olive oil is placed in the middle of the table, diners will have to share. 3) There's the potential for drips.

What makes the bread dipping oil at restaurants so delicious? ›

Dried herbs like oregano, rosemary, and basil are the most popular and lend a nice brightness to olive oil without changing the taste too much.

What do French people dip their bread in? ›

Almost all French people have bread for breakfast. Toasted or not, it is eaten with butter and/or jam, honey or chocolate spread, and dipped into their mug of coffee. Although this can be a bit messy with crumbles of bread falling into the coffee and drops of coffee falling on the table, the French love it.

Why is Carrabba's food so salty? ›

Carrabba's Italian Grill Fettuccine Weesie With Whole Grain Spaghetti. Alfredo sauces are always high in sodium because of their cheese and salted butter content. Largeman-Roth also points out that the shrimp in the dish may contribute to the overall sodium amount as well.

What do Italians call dipping bread in sauce? ›

Scarpetta: The Italian Word for Dipping the Sauce on the Plate With a Small Shoe, or Bread.

Do Italians dip bread in pasta? ›

Yes we do. Not always, but we do eat a bit of bread with pasta. Mostly, when we've finished pasta, we dip the bread into what's left of the pasta's condiment/sauce and eat it (This action has even it's own expression in Italian: it's called “fare scarpetta col pane” - “scarpetta” means “l*ttle shoe”).

Do Italians dip bread in balsamic vinegar? ›

Italians don't slather their bread with butter, nor dip it in olive oil and balsamic vinegar. They enjoy it with a light drizzle of olive oil or plain.

Why don't Italians put salt in their bread? ›

The first dates back to the Middle Ages, when a heavy tax was placed on salt. Since salt was essential for preserving meat and other foods to last through the winter, those with little money in Tuscany and central Italy had to prioritize where they used their salt, leaving it out of nonessential dishes like bread.

Does balsamic vinegar go bad? ›

We can say that aged balsamic vinegar has an indefinite shelf life. However, it would be convenient to use the product once opened, within two to three years, and the one that has yet to be opened, within five years. After that time, its color may change, and the flavor will no longer be as bright and fresh as before.

What's the best olive oil for dipping bread? ›

This means that extra virgin olive oil is the best olive oil for dipping bread. Extra virgin olive oil is the freshest, least processed type of olive oil, which results in that grassy, peppery flavor that is a hallmark of olive oil.

Is it healthier to eat bread with butter or olive oil? ›

Based on its nutritional value, olive oil is a clear winner in terms of health benefits. So, if you're wondering if you should substitute olive oil for butter, the answer is yes. Even swapping out butter for olive oil half of the time can have a big impact.

What is the best healthy oil for bread making? ›

Canola oil is also the a healthy choice as it only contains 7% saturated fat while containing the highest content of omega-3 fatty acids after flaxseed oil. So, the next time you are planning on baking bread, consider adding one of the above oils to it instead and see how it comes out.

What is a good substitute for bread for dipping? ›

Some vegetables make an excellent substitute for bread. Eggplants, large mushrooms, and bell peppers can be used instead of buns and sliced bread. Cucumbers and carrots are excellent for dipping instead of breadsticks and wheat crackers.

What is the best baking oil bread? ›

Canola Oil. One of the major reasons canola oil is so popular in baking and cooking is its neutral flavor. This helps bring out the original flavors of the baked goods and prevents the oil from affecting the taste negatively.

Why do people dip bread in oil? ›

While some restaurants load dipping oil with other ingredients, the simple combination of bread and olive oil can be incredible. Renowned for its healthy fats and antioxidant properties, olive oil is an ingredient that is intrinsic to the Mediterranean diet. It's a taste-good, feel-good food.

Can you put oil in bread? ›

A little splash of oil or a spoon of butter can be added at the beginning of mixing. Whilst a large amount of fat should be added after some gluten development. Gluten is made from two proteins working together (glutenin and gliadin). As soon as you add water to flour and hydrate it, they start forming gluten.

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Lidia Grady

Last Updated:

Views: 6390

Rating: 4.4 / 5 (45 voted)

Reviews: 92% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Lidia Grady

Birthday: 1992-01-22

Address: Suite 493 356 Dale Fall, New Wanda, RI 52485

Phone: +29914464387516

Job: Customer Engineer

Hobby: Cryptography, Writing, Dowsing, Stand-up comedy, Calligraphy, Web surfing, Ghost hunting

Introduction: My name is Lidia Grady, I am a thankful, fine, glamorous, lucky, lively, pleasant, shiny person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.