If you love crusty bread and incredible flavor, this Italian bread dipping oil is about to become your new obsession. Made with simple dried herbs you probably already have, it’s vibrant, aromatic, and perfect for dipping slices of French baguette, sourdough, or ciabatta.
I first fell for bread dipped in herby olive oil at Macaroni Grill, an Italian restaurant that might not even exist anymore. We went just for the rosemary bread and olive oil appetizer. It was that good!
Later, I found one of those divided spice jars at the grocery store, the kind with six little wedges of different blends. Tuscany was my favorite, meant for mixing right into olive oil. I remember thinking, this is basically just dried herbs; why not make my own?
That’s when I started experimenting and ended up with this flavor-packed, shelf-stable blend that’s perfect for a quick appetizer before any Italian-inspired meal.
I also make a baked olive cheese bread that’s loaded with flavor, for another great appetizer if you’re in the mood for something warm and cheesy.
Why You Will Love This Olive Oil Dipping Sauce for Bread
- Simple and quick. The seasoning comes together in minutes, and the dipping sauce takes almost no effort to prepare.
- Packed with flavor. Just a few dried herbs transform olive oil into something rich and aromatic.
- Customizable. Add garlic, parmesan, or a little extra crushed red pepper to make it your own. Cut back on the spices you don’t like, add more of the ones you love.
- Perfect starter. It sets the tone for any Italian-inspired meal and pairs beautifully with crusty bread.
- Versatile seasoning. Keep the dried blend on hand for chicken, fish, meatballs, or marinated mozzarella balls.
More delicious ways to use olive oil:
Try these next: Marinated Mozzarella Balls | Marinated Olives
Ingredients Needed
- For the seasoning blend – dried basil, parsley, oregano, rosemary, thyme, salt, pepper, red pepper flakes.
- For the dip – extra virgin olive oil, minced garlic (optional but recommended), grated parmesan (optional).
- For serving – crusty bread like French baguette or sourdough.
Ingredient Notes
Dried herbs: They are more potent than fresh, shelf-stable, and perfect for making a pre-made blend. You can triple the amounts if using fresh herbs, but dried works best for this dipping sauce.
Olive oil: Use a good-quality extra virgin olive oil for the best flavor.
Garlic and parmesan: Add fresh to the olive oil only when you’re ready to make a dish of the dipping sauce. This keeps the spice blend shelf-stable and super convenient to use.
Bread: Pick something with a nice crust to soak up all that herby, garlicky oil.
About This Italian Spice Blend
What makes this blend taste so Italian is really the combination of classic dried herbs that show up in so many Italian dishes. Each one brings its own flavor and aroma to the party:
- Basil – Sweet and slightly peppery, basil gives the blend that unmistakable Italian herbiness.
- Parsley – Fresh-tasting and a little grassy, parsley brightens the mix and balances the stronger herbs.
- Oregano – Earthy and warm, oregano is the backbone of many Italian dishes and adds depth to the oil.
- Rosemary – Piney and fragrant, rosemary is perfect for bread dipping and adds that authentic Italian aroma. (It’s also why I loved that Macaroni Grill bread I was telling you about.)
- Thyme – Subtle but savory, thyme rounds out the blend and helps tie all the flavors together.
- Red pepper flakes – A little heat that wakes up the flavors without overpowering the herbs.
- Salt and pepper – Just enough seasoning to make each bite pop.
When combined, these herbs create a flavor profile that is instantly recognizable as Italian. The mix looks as beautiful as it tastes.
How to Make Italian Bread Dipping Oil
Detailed recipe and instructions are in recipe card at bottom of post.
Step 1: Make the seasoning blend
- Combine dried basil, parsley, oregano, rosemary, thyme, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes in a small bowl. (Increase crushed red pepper flakes if you like it spicy.)
- Stir together and transfer to a tightly sealed jar.
- Store on your spice shelf or make a batch for gifting with a bottle of olive oil (see below).
Step 2: Prepare the bread dipping oil
- Scoop about 1 tablespoon of your seasoning blend into a small, shallow dish.
- Pour in about 1/3 cup of extra virgin olive oil and stir. (Use less of each if it’s just for yourself and another.)
- Add freshly minced garlic and grated parmesan, if desired. You can even add a touch of balsamic vinegar if you like.
- Serve immediately with bread that’s been cut in half (with a non-crust side), or let the oil infuse for 10-30 minutes for a bolder flavor.
Serving Ideas for the Bread Dipping Oil
- Serve as a starter with crusty bread for any Italian-inspired meal.
- Add to your appetizer table with marinated mozzarella balls or olives.
- Place alongside pasta dishes, like Lemon Garlic Pasta or Cherry Tomato Pasta, for a flavorful bread option.
- Let guests drizzle over bread or use as a dipping sauce at dinner parties.
Gift in a Jar
One of my favorite things about this Italian spice blend is how easy it is to turn into a thoughtful gift.
- Fill a 6-ounce mason jar with a triple batch of the seasoning blend, or an 8-ounce jar with a quadruple batch.
- Pair it with a small bottle of extra virgin olive oil and tie with a ribbon.
- Add a little note with serving suggestions, like adding garlic and parmesan for dipping bread.
It makes a lovely hostess gift, a fun kitchen treat for friends, or a little something special in a holiday basket.
Extra Uses for the Spice Blend
- Sprinkle on chicken, fish, or roasted vegetables.
- Mix with olive oil for marinated mozzarella balls.
- Add to your table with pasta dishes — try it with my Lemon Garlic Pasta or Cherry Tomato Pasta recipes for a flavorful starter.
- Stir into salad dressings for a quick Italian kick.
- Keep a jar handy for last-minute dinner parties or snack platters.
Related Recipes
- Marinated Mozzarella Balls – A quick, 10-minute recipe that’s everyone loves.
- Marinated Olives – Skip the olive bar and make them yourself.
- Homemade Chili Seasoning – My go-to bulk blend for easy weeknight chili.
- Homemade Taco Seasoning – I skip the packets and use this flavorful homemade mix instead.
Bread Dipping Oil Recipe
This Italian bread dipping oil is simple, flavorful, and bursting with herbs. Make it with dried spices, olive oil, garlic, and parmesan for a restaurant-style starter served with crusty bread.
Ingredients
For the seasoning blend:
- 1 tablespoon dried basil
- 1 tablespoon dried parsley
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
For the Dip:
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning blend
- 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1 clove garlic, minced (optional)
- 1 tablespoon grated parmesan (optional)
- Crusty bread for serving
Instructions
Make the Seasoning Blend:
- In a small bowl, combine basil, parsley, oregano, rosemary, thyme, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes.
- Stir well and store in a tightly sealed jar.
Prepare the Bread Dipping Oil:
- Scoop 1 tablespoon of the seasoning blend into a small bowl.
- Add 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil and stir to combine.
- If desired, mix in minced garlic and grated parmesan. You can even add a touch of balsamic vinegar if you like.
- Serve immediately or let the oil sit for 10-30 minutes to infuse the flavors. Cut bread slices in half so each piece has a non-crust side for easier dipping.
Notes
- To make a larger jar for gifting, triple the blend for a 6-ounce jar or quadruple for an 8-ounce jar.
- Adjust crushed red pepper flakes to taste for more heat.
- Keep garlic and parmesan separate until serving to maintain shelf life of the seasoning blend.