Last updated on June 26th, 2026

Herb & Olive Bread Dipping Oil. - harvestandnourish.com

Delicious Easy Herb and Olive Bread Dipping Oil for the best easy appetizer! Perfect for any gathering, this simple olive oil dip combines crisp buttery olives, aromatic herbs and a little heat to elevate your appetizer table.

You know those flavourful olive oil dips restaurants serve with bread baskets? This is that, but better. And it all comes together in minutes.

Here’s everything you’ll need to make this Easy Herb and Olive Bread Dipping Oil

½ cup (115 grams) extra-virgin olive oil
¼ cup (60 grams) balsamic vinegar of Modena
1 clove garlic, grated or finely chopped
1 oz (28 grams) Parmesan cheese, grated
2 teaspoons (3 grams) fresh parsley, finely chopped
½ teaspoon (0.5 grams) fresh dill, finely chopped
¼ teaspoon (0.5 grams) dried oregano
½ teaspoon (0.5 grams) red pepper flakes
½ teaspoon (2 grams) Diamond Crystal kosher salt (if using Morton’s use half)
¼ cup (30 grams) green olives, chopped (I use Castelvetrano)
Fresh dill to garnish
Crusty bread

The olive oil is your foundation, so feel free to use your favourite high-quality extra-virgin olive oil with robust, fruity notes. The herbs and seasonings add a mix of savoury flavours, aromatic depth and a pop of colour while the freshly grated Parmesan adds a little delicious saltiness. And of course, the crusty bread is essential for dipping.

✨ The olive oil quality secret

Because this quick appetizer requires zero actual cooking, the olive oil you choose acts as the primary flavour foundation of the entire dish.

To get that ultra-rich, luxurious restaurant-style finish, skip the basic cooking oils and reach for a high-quality extra-virgin olive oil.

Look for bottles labeled cold-pressed, which carry a naturally fruity, peppery kick that beautifully balances the salty brine of the olives and the fresh herbs.

Why you’ll love this Herb and Olive Bread Dipping Oil

It’s effortless: Simple to prepare, it comes together in under 10 minutes. Just mix and serve!
Change it up: Whether served as a holiday appetizer, game day snack or as a side at dinner, this dip pairs well with any type of bread (baguette, focaccia, rolls, crostini, crackers or even bread sticks) and it’s completely customizable with your favourite herbs and seasonings.
Healthy and satisfying: With a rich flavour profile, this dip is packed with heart-healthy fats and immune-boosting properties, making it a delicious as well as nutritious option to serve at your next gathering.

Variations & substitutions

Adjust seasoning as required: Mix then taste and adjust salt, red pepper flakes, oil or vinegar according to taste.
Herbs: Fresh rosemary, sage, thyme, cumin or basil would all be delicious here.
Make it milder: For a less spicy version, leave out the red pepper flakes.
Storage: Leftover dipping oil will keep well in the refrigerator in a sealed container for up to a week. Bring to room temperature and stir before serving.

🫒 The shallow dish rule

When it’s time to serve this vibrant appetizer to your guests, always opt for a wide, shallow plate or rimmed platter rather than a deep bowl.

Using a deep container causes all your heavy chopped olives, garlic, and red pepper flakes to immediately sink to the absolute bottom of the dish.

A wide, shallow plate allows the ingredients to spread out evenly across the pool of oil, ensuring every single dip of bread picks up a perfect balance of herbs and texture.

This Easy Herb and Olive Bread Dipping Oil combines fresh and savoury, salty flavours with a little heat for an unforgettable appetizer, snack or side. An elegant, restaurant-style pairing for your favourite breads!

Try this beginner-friendly No-Knead Green Olive and Rosemary Artisan Bread or this Easy Tuscan White Bean Dip next.

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Easy Herb and Olive Bread Dipping Oil

This Easy Herb and Olive Bread Dipping Oil combines fresh and savoury, salty flavours with a little heat for an unforgettable appetizer, snack or side. The best easy appetizer, it’s an elegant, restaurant-style pairing for your favourite breads!

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Prep Time:10

Total Time:10

Course: Appetizer, Side, Snack

Keyword: bread dipping oil, castelvetrano, herbs, olive oil dip, olives

Servings:

Author: Kerry

Equipment

Ingredients

½ cup extra-virgin olive oil
¼ cup balsamic vinegar of Modena
1 clove garlic grated or finely chopped
1 oz Parmesan cheese grated
2 teaspoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
½ teaspoon fresh dill, finely chopped
¼ teaspoon dried oregano
½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
½ teaspoon Diamond Crystal kosher salt (if using Morton’s, use half)
¼ cup green olives, chopped (I use Castelvetrano)
Fresh dill to garnish
Crusty bread

US Customary – Metric

Instructions

In a small serving bowl, combine extra-virgin olive oil with balsamic vinegar, garlic, Parmesan, parsley, dill, dried oregano, red pepper flakes and salt.
Stir in chopped olives then taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
Garnish with fresh dill and serve with crusty bread for dipping.

Notes

Storage: Bread dipping oil can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. Bring to room temperature and stir before serving.