Bread Dipping Olive Oil

This recipe is similar to the dipping oil at the Italian restaurant, Bravo. To mimic the dining experience, serve it with rosemary focaccia.

Can I use fresh herbs instead of dried?

Yes, you can use fresh herbs. Typically, the ratio is 1 tablespoon of fresh herbs to 1 teaspoon of dried herbs but in this case you'll want to use less than that or the oil to herb ratio will be off. Just make sure to very finely chop them before adding to the oil.

Is there a substitute for sun-dried tomato paste?

If you don't have sun-dried tomato paste, you can puree sun-dried tomatoes or use a small amount of regular tomato paste.

How long can I store this olive oil mixture?

This mixture is best used within a day or two. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Do not store it at room temperature or the garlic may become rancid (this can cause botulism, and nobody wants that in their dip).

Can I make this in larger quantities?

Yes, you can easily scale up the recipe. Just maintain the proportions of the ingredients.

Is it safe to infuse olive oil with garlic?

For short-term use, it's safe. However, if storing the mixture, be cautious as fresh garlic in oil can pose a risk for botulism if not stored in the refrigerator.

Is it safe to store this oil at room temperature if I use dehydrated garlic or garlic powder?

We've actually researched this and haven't been able to find a definitive answer as to the safety of using dehydrated or garlic powder stored in oil at room temperature. So, we can't recommend doing so.

Can I heat this mixture to infuse the flavors more quickly?

Gently heating the oil can help the flavors meld more quickly, but be careful not to overheat as this can affect the taste and quality of the olive oil. We also recommend not storing the oil after it's been heated as it does increase the chances of botulism. Heat it immediately before serving (you can let it cool to room temperature first of course) but do not save the leftovers.

What other spices or flavors can I add?

Try adding a splash of balsamic vinegar, a squeeze of lemon juice, grated Parmesan, crushed red pepper flakes, or other dried herbs like oregano or marjoram.

How should I serve this dipping oil?

Serve in a small bowl or dish, accompanied by fresh, crusty bread like focaccia, sourdough, or a baguette.

Can I use a different type of oil?

Olive oil is traditional for its flavor, but you can use other mild-flavored oils like avocado oil or grapeseed oil.

What type of olive oil should I use?

Either extra virgin or regular are fine. They have different flavors so you can experiment with different ones to see which you prefer. Extra virgin is more flavorful and regular is more mild.