Bread Dipping Oil Recipe

If you’ve ever dined at Carrabba’s Italian Grill, you know that one of the most unforgettable parts of the experience is their flavorful bread dipping oil. This aromatic blend of herbs, spices, and quality olive oil transforms a simple bread basket into a gourmet appetizer.

The good news? You don’t have to visit the restaurant to enjoy this delicious treat. With just a handful of pantry staples, you can recreate Carrabba’s signature dipping oil right in your own kitchen. It’s a quick, easy, and affordable way to elevate any meal.

Whether you’re hosting a dinner party, enjoying a cozy night in, or simply looking for a way to make your homemade bread taste even better, this dipping oil is the perfect solution. The combination of fragrant herbs and rich olive oil makes it an irresistible pairing for fresh, crusty bread.

Not only does this recipe taste amazing, but it’s also versatile. You can tweak the seasonings to match your personal preference, add a touch of spice, or even use it as a marinade for meats and vegetables. Let’s dive into how you can make this restaurant-quality dip in just minutes!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Easy to Make: This recipe requires no cooking and can be prepared in under five minutes.
Restaurant-Quality Flavor: Recreate the signature taste of Carrabba’s from the comfort of your home.
Versatile Use: Use this oil as a dip, a marinade, or even a salad dressing base.
Perfect for Entertaining: A must-have for dinner parties, date nights, or any gathering.

Perfect Pairings

Bread: Serve with a fresh baguette, ciabatta, focaccia, or any artisan-style bread.
Cheese Platter: Pair with an assortment of cheeses like Parmesan, Asiago, or Mozzarella.
Mediterranean Dishes: Complements pasta, grilled chicken, or roasted vegetables beautifully.
Wine Pairing: Enjoy with a glass of Pinot Grigio, Chardonnay, or a light-bodied red wine.

Tips for Success

Use High-Quality Olive Oil: The better the olive oil, the richer the flavor. Look for extra virgin olive oil with a robust aroma.
Let It Sit: Allow the herbs to infuse into the oil for a few minutes before serving for a deeper flavor.
Customize It: Add a pinch of smoked paprika, lemon zest, or fresh minced garlic for a different twist.
Storage: Store leftover dry seasoning in an airtight container for up to a month and mix with oil when needed.

Suzi

Recreate the famous Carrabba’s Bread Dipping Oil at home with this easy Italian appetizer recipe. A blend of olive oil, herbs, and spices pairs perfectly with crusty bread. Perfect for entertaining, quick to make, and full of flavor.

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Prep Time 5

Total Time 5

Course Appetizer, Side Dish, Snack

Cuisine Italian

Servings 8

Calories 120 kcal

Ingredients

1 tablespoon dried oregano
1 tablespoon dried basil
1 tablespoon dried parsley
1 tablespoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
1 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon rosemary crushed
1/2 teaspoon thyme
1/4 teaspoon dried lemon zest optional, for brightness
1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
Freshly grated Parmesan cheese optional, for garnish
Balsamic vinegar optional, for added depth

Instructions

In a small bowl, combine all the dried herbs and spices: oregano, basil, parsley, garlic powder, onion powder, red pepper flakes, black pepper, salt, rosemary, thyme, and lemon zest. Stir until evenly mixed.
Transfer the herb blend to a shallow dish or dipping plate.
Pour the extra virgin olive oil over the seasoning blend, allowing the flavors to infuse.
(Optional) Add freshly grated Parmesan cheese and a drizzle of balsamic vinegar for extra richness.
Serve immediately with warm, crusty bread for dipping. Enjoy!

Keyword Bread Dipping Oil

Common Questions

Can I use fresh herbs instead of dried?
Yes! Fresh herbs will provide a brighter flavor. Just remember to finely chop them and use about three times the amount of dried herbs.

What’s the best type of bread to serve with this oil?
A crusty baguette, ciabatta, or focaccia work best since they absorb the oil while maintaining their texture.

Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dry herb mix in advance and simply mix it with olive oil when ready to serve.

Can I store leftovers?
It’s best to make the dipping oil fresh, but you can refrigerate any leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Bring it to room temperature before serving.

Alternatives & Variations

Spicy Kick: Add extra red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne for more heat.
Garlic Lovers: Mix in fresh minced garlic for a robust garlic flavor.
Cheesy Delight: Stir in grated Parmesan or Pecorino Romano for added umami.
Lemon Zest: For a fresh, citrusy brightness, add a little extra lemon zest.
Balsamic Twist: A small drizzle of balsamic glaze adds sweetness and depth.

This Carrabba’s Bread Dipping Oil recipe is a simple yet elegant way to bring the flavors of an Italian restaurant into your home. Whether you’re using it for dipping, drizzling, or marinating, this herb-infused oil is sure to impress. Try it out today and elevate your next meal effortlessly!