
This 5-Minute Olive Oil Bread Dip has become my go-to for effortless entertaining and cozy nights in! Fragrant olive oil swirled with punchy tomato paste, aromatic herbs, a touch of garlic, and a splash of aged balsamic—every dip is a mini flavor adventure. The best part? It comes together in moments, making it utterly irresistible for bread lovers everywhere.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Crazy Quick: This dip genuinely comes together in just 5 minutes—no cooking, no fuss, just instant deliciousness!
- Big Flavors, Simple Ingredients: Every ingredient makes a major impact, so you get a luxurious, herby, tomato-rich dip that tastes like much more than the sum of its parts.
- Perfect for Sharing: It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, whether you’re hosting a dinner party or just need a snack to go with your favorite bread.
- Ultra Versatile: Not just for bread! Drizzle it over roasted veggies, swirl into pasta, or use as a salad dressing base.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe shines because of its focus on quality, minimal ingredients—each one essential for building deep, savory flavor, aroma, and irresistible richness. Even tiny tweaks can change the whole vibe, so try to use the best of each!
- Extra virgin olive oil: The heart of the dip! Choose a fruity, robust oil for maximum flavor and a velvety mouthfeel.
- Tomato paste (double concentrate): Adds savory depth and a gorgeous color; double concentrate gives extra punch for very little paste.
- Diamond Crystal kosher salt: Essential for seasoning everything just right. Adjust if using a different type or brand of salt.
- Garlic powder: Brings bold, even garlic flavor without overpowering the oil’s fragrance.
- Dried basil: Adds that classic Italian herby aroma everyone loves.
- Dried oregano: Balances the basil with a slightly earthy, floral undertone.
- Minced fresh rosemary: This fresh touch absolutely sings with olive oil! If needed, crush dried rosemary for a more even blend.
- Aged balsamic vinegar (not glaze): The finishing drizzle! Adds sweet, tangy complexity without overwhelming the other flavors.
Variations
One of the joys of this 5-Minute Olive Oil Bread Dip is how easily you can riff on it; let your taste buds (and pantry) lead the way! Try these fun variations to match the occasion, your mood, or whatever you’ve got on hand.
- Spicy Twist: Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or a drizzle of chili oil for a delightful kick.
- Citrusy Zing: Add a bit of lemon or orange zest to the bowl for bright, aromatic notes that play beautifully with the herbs.
- Cheesy Bread Dip: Finish with a grating of Parmigiano-Reggiano or Pecorino right before serving for a salty, savory flourish.
- Fresh Herb Swap: Substitute in fresh basil or parsley for the dried herbs if you have them—the flavor pops!
How to Make 5-Minute Olive Oil Bread Dip
Step 1: Blend Olive Oil & Tomato Paste
In your chosen serving bowl, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil and tomato paste. Take your time to break up the tomato paste fully—it can be stubborn! You’re looking for a smooth, sunset-pink base so each bite is balanced and creamy.
Step 2: Add Seasonings and Herbs
Sprinkle in the garlic powder, dried basil, dried oregano, minced fresh rosemary, and kosher salt. Stir well to evenly distribute the flavors. Every swirl infuses the oil with those fragrant Mediterranean notes—don’t skip a good mix here!
Step 3: Rest (Optional, But Worth It!)
If you have even 15 extra minutes, let the dip sit at room temperature before serving. This magical (and totally hands-off) step lets every herb and seasoning bloom, creating a richer, more complex dip that’s hard to resist.
Step 4: Finish with Balsamic & Serve
Right before serving, add that glossy drizzle of aged balsamic vinegar on top. Give it a gentle swirl, grab your favorite bread, and dive in! The balsamic ties everything together, adding brightness and a sweet-tangy edge that lingers.
Pro Tips for Making 5-Minute Olive Oil Bread Dip
- Use Top-Notch Olive Oil: The flavor of your 5-Minute Olive Oil Bread Dip lives and dies by the quality of the oil—choose extra virgin for its fruity, green intensity.
- Double Concentrate Magic: Tomato paste, especially the double concentrate tubs, melts beautifully into oil and delivers deeper color and umami.
- Let It Marinate: Those optional 15 minutes make a world of difference; flavors meld, herbs hydrate, and the dip tastes like it simmered for hours.
- Fresh vs. Dried Rosemary: Fresh rosemary lends brightness and aromatic punch, but if you use dried, crush it with your fingers to avoid tough, sharp bites.
How to Serve 5-Minute Olive Oil Bread Dip
Garnishes
To make your 5-Minute Olive Oil Bread Dip shine, scatter a bit of fresh minced herbs (like basil, parsley, or even more rosemary) right before serving. A final grind of black pepper or a sprinkle of flaky sea salt can also add a lovely visual contrast and a satisfying burst of flavor.
Side Dishes
The obvious pairing is, of course, a rustic loaf—think ciabatta, sourdough, or a crusty baguette, torn into chunks. Set the dip alongside an antipasto board loaded with olives, cured meats, cheese, and fresh veggies for a Mediterranean-inspired feast.
Creative Ways to Present
For an elevated touch, pour the dip into shallow saucers and top with a generous swirl of balsamic and a plucked rosemary sprig. Or, try serving it in a communal shallow platter surrounded by bread cubes for everyone to dip in together—a real centerpiece! Individual ramekins also work for fun, mini appetizer plates.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you miraculously have any dip left over, store it in an airtight container in the fridge. The flavors will mellow and meld—even better for a second round the next day! Give it a good stir before serving again.
Freezing
While technically possible, freezing this 5-Minute Olive Oil Bread Dip isn’t recommended—the emulsion can separate and the herbs may lose vibrancy. Since it only takes minutes, it’s best made fresh or kept in the fridge for a few days.
Reheating
No reheating required! Just bring to room temperature before serving, as the olive oil can solidify in the fridge. If needed, let it sit out for 15–20 minutes and stir to revive its luscious texture.
FAQs
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Can I use regular balsamic vinegar instead of aged?
Aged balsamic vinegar is preferred because it’s thicker and sweeter, adding richness without runniness. If you only have regular balsamic, try simmering a bit to reduce before drizzling, but avoid glazes, which tend to be overly sweet or syrupy for this dip.
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Can I make 5-Minute Olive Oil Bread Dip ahead of time?
Absolutely! Mix everything except the balsamic and store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Let it come to room temperature, stir, then add the balsamic vinegar right before serving for the freshest flavor.
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What breads pair best with this dip?
Rustic breads with a chewy interior and crunchy crust—like Italian ciabatta, sourdough, or a classic French baguette—are perfect for 5-Minute Olive Oil Bread Dip. Even toasted pita or focaccia are amazing options!
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How can I make this dip gluten-free or vegan?
The 5-Minute Olive Oil Bread Dip itself is naturally vegan and gluten-free! Just serve it alongside your favorite gluten-free bread, crackers, or crisp veggies for dipping.
Final Thoughts
Once you discover how simple and sensational this 5-Minute Olive Oil Bread Dip is, you’ll want to make it for every gathering, big or small. It’s the kind of dish everyone gravitates towards, and it always leaves the bread basket empty. I hope you love this as much as I do—happy dipping!
Print5-Minute Olive Oil Bread Dip Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 0.25 cups 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This 5-Minute Olive Oil Bread Dip is a quick and flavorful appetizer perfect for any gathering. With a blend of herbs, garlic, and balsamic vinegar, this dip is sure to impress your guests and elevate your bread dipping experience.
Ingredients
Olive Oil Bread Dip:
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 2 teaspoons tomato paste (double concentrate)
- 1/2 teaspoon diamond crystal kosher salt (use half as much of any other brand or type of salt)
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon minced fresh rosemary
- 1 teaspoon aged balsamic vinegar (Denissimo/Dark/Aged Balsamic vinegar NOT balsamic vinegar glaze)
Instructions
- In the bowl you plan to serve the olive oil bread dip in, whisk together olive oil and tomato paste until the tomato paste breaks up. Stir in garlic powder and herbs. For optimal flavor, let sit for 15 minutes to infuse before serving.
- Immediately before serving, add a drizzle of balsamic vinegar.
Notes
- Add additional oil and balsamic vinegar as needed to the dip.
- For a more intense flavor, let the dip sit for 15 minutes before serving.
- Drizzle in the balsamic vinegar immediately before serving.
- If using dried rosemary, pinch and crush the sharp leaves before adding to the dip.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 tablespoon
- Calories: 60
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 1g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg