The Sun-dried Tomato Olive Oil Bread Dip is a delightful blend of flavors that pairs perfectly with crusty bread. This dip is not only easy to prepare but also makes for an impressive appetizer at any gathering. Whether you’re hosting a cozy dinner party or enjoying a casual afternoon snack, this dip is sure to please. Its unique combination of sun-dried tomatoes, olives, and parmesan creates a rich and savory taste that stands out.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick to Prepare: Whip up this delicious dip in just 20 minutes, making it perfect for last-minute gatherings.
- Flavor-Packed: The combination of garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, and parmesan brings a burst of flavor that keeps everyone coming back for more.
- Versatile Serving Options: Serve it with various breads or even vegetable sticks for a healthy twist.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Ideal for parties, picnics, or cozy nights in; it’s sure to impress your guests.
- Customizable Ingredients: Feel free to adjust the herbs and spices to suit your taste preferences.
Tools and Preparation
Gathering the right tools will make your preparation seamless and enjoyable. Here are the essentials you’ll need:
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Medium saucepan
- Medium bowl
- Grater
- Knife
- Chopping board
Importance of Each Tool
- Medium saucepan: Essential for infusing the olive oil with garlic and shallots, enhancing the depth of flavor in your dip.
- Grater: Useful for easily grating garlic and parmesan cheese, ensuring even distribution throughout the dip.
Ingredients
For the Dip
- 3/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1 shallot (finely chopped)
- 6 cloves garlic (grated)
- 1 teaspoon red chili flakes
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan
- 1/4 cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes
- 1/4 cup chopped castelvetrano olives
- 1/4 cup chopped parsley
- 2 tablespoons chopped basil
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 1 teaspoon Maldon salt
- Bread for serving
For Garnish
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
How to Make Sun-dried Tomato Olive Oil Bread Dip
Step 1: Infuse the Oil
- Combine oil, finely chopped shallot, garlic, and red chili flakes in a medium saucepan.
- Heat over medium-low heat until garlic is lightly browned, about 4–5 minutes.
- Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
Step 2: Mix the Ingredients
- Transfer infused oil to a medium bowl.
- Add remaining ingredients including parmesan, sun-dried tomatoes, olives, parsley, basil, balsamic vinegar, and Maldon salt.
- Stir until well combined.
Step 3: Serve
Serve with crusty bread for dipping and enjoy this flavorful treat with friends and family!
How to Serve Sun-dried Tomato Olive Oil Bread Dip
This delicious Sun-dried Tomato Olive Oil Bread Dip is perfect for entertaining or a cozy night in. Here are some creative ways to serve it alongside your favorite foods.
With Crusty Breads
- Baguette Slices – Freshly baked baguette slices are perfect for dipping and add a delightful crunch.
- Ciabatta – The airy texture of ciabatta makes it an excellent choice for scooping up the dip.
- Pita Chips – For something different, try crispy pita chips that add a unique flavor pairing.
As a Topping
- Grilled Chicken – Spread the dip over grilled chicken breasts for a burst of flavor.
- Roasted Vegetables – Use the dip as a tasty topping on roasted vegetables for added richness.
Accompanying Antipasto Platters
- Mixed Olives – Complement the flavors with a variety of olives to enhance the Mediterranean experience.
- Cheese Selection – Pair with cheeses like feta or goat cheese to balance the dip’s richness.
How to Perfect Sun-dried Tomato Olive Oil Bread Dip
To ensure your Sun-dried Tomato Olive Oil Bread Dip is always a hit, consider these helpful tips.
- Bold Flavors – Use high-quality sun-dried tomatoes and olives for intense flavor in every bite.
- Fresh Herbs – Always opt for fresh parsley and basil; they elevate the dip’s taste significantly.
- Infusion Time – Allow the oil to infuse longer if you prefer a stronger garlic flavor; just keep an eye on it while cooking.
- Chill Before Serving – Letting the dip chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes melds the flavors beautifully.
- Experiment with Spice – Adjust red chili flakes according to your heat preference; add more for an extra kick!
- Presentation Matters – Serve in a beautiful bowl, garnished with extra herbs, to make it visually appealing.
Best Side Dishes for Sun-dried Tomato Olive Oil Bread Dip
Pairing side dishes with your Sun-dried Tomato Olive Oil Bread Dip can enhance your meal. Here are some fantastic options that complement this Italian-inspired treat.
- Bruschetta – Toasted bread topped with diced tomatoes and basil adds freshness to your spread.
- Caprese Salad – A light salad of mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil brings a refreshing contrast.
- Antipasto Skewers – Skewers filled with salami, cheese, and olives create easy-to-eat bites alongside your dip.
- Stuffed Mushrooms – Baked mushrooms stuffed with cheese and herbs add savory depth to your meal.
- Marinated Artichoke Hearts – These tangy artichokes provide a nice balance against the rich bread dip.
- Zucchini Fritters – Crispy fritters offer a delightful crunch that pairs well with the creamy texture of the dip.
- Spinach Salad – A simple spinach salad dressed lightly can cleanse the palate between bites of rich food.
- Garlic Knots – Soft garlic knots are perfect for dipping and will keep everyone coming back for more!
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making the Sun-dried Tomato Olive Oil Bread Dip can be simple, but avoiding common pitfalls will enhance your dish.
- Skipping the infused oil step: Infusing the olive oil with shallots and garlic builds flavor. Don’t rush this process; allow the garlic to brown lightly for the best taste.
- Overusing salt: While seasoning is important, too much salt can overpower the dip. Use Maldon salt sparingly, and taste as you go.
- Ignoring ingredient quality: Not all olive oils are created equal. Choose high-quality extra virgin olive oil for the best flavor in your Sun-dried Tomato Olive Oil Bread Dip.
- Neglecting texture balance: A good dip has a variety of textures. Ensure your ingredients, like sun-dried tomatoes and olives, are chopped finely but not pureed to maintain some bite.
- Serving without bread: This dip is meant to be enjoyed with crusty bread. Skipping this crucial element can leave your dish feeling incomplete.
Refrigerator Storage
- Store the dip in an airtight container.
- It will keep well for up to 5 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing Sun-dried Tomato Olive Oil Bread Dip
- You can freeze this dip for up to 3 months.
- Use a freezer-safe container or freezer bag to prevent freezer burn.
Reheating Sun-dried Tomato Olive Oil Bread Dip
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Place the dip in an oven-safe dish and heat for about 10-15 minutes until warm.
- Microwave: Transfer to a microwave-safe container. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through.
- Stovetop: Warm gently over low heat in a saucepan, stirring until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I customize my Sun-dried Tomato Olive Oil Bread Dip?
Yes! Feel free to add other ingredients like feta cheese or different herbs to create your own version of this delicious dip.
What type of bread works best for serving?
Crusty baguettes or artisan bread pair wonderfully with the Sun-dried Tomato Olive Oil Bread Dip. You can also try pita or flatbreads for a different texture.
How long does it take to prepare?
The total time for this recipe is just 20 minutes, making it a quick and easy appetizer option.
Can I make this dip ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare it a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to serve.
Final Thoughts
The Sun-dried Tomato Olive Oil Bread Dip is not only flavorful but also incredibly versatile. Its rich blend of ingredients makes it perfect for gatherings or casual snacking. Feel free to customize it with your favorite herbs or cheeses, and enjoy this delightful treat with friends and family!
Sun-dried Tomato Olive Oil Bread Dip
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 12 servings 1x
Description
Indulge in the rich and savory flavors of this Sun-dried Tomato Olive Oil Bread Dip, a perfect appetizer for any occasion. With a delightful blend of sun-dried tomatoes, castelvetrano olives, and freshly grated parmesan, this dip is designed to elevate your gatherings. Ready in just 20 minutes, it’s an effortless way to impress guests or enjoy a cozy night in. Serve it alongside crusty bread for a satisfying experience that will keep everyone coming back for more. Customize it with your favorite herbs and spices to make it truly your own!
Ingredients
- 3/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1 shallot (finely chopped)
- 6 cloves garlic (grated)
- 1 teaspoon red chili flakes
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan
- 1/4 cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes
- 1/4 cup chopped castelvetrano olives
- 1/4 cup chopped parsley
- 2 tablespoons chopped basil
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 1 teaspoon Maldon salt
- Bread for serving
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan, combine olive oil, finely chopped shallot, garlic, and red chili flakes. Heat over medium-low for 4–5 minutes until garlic is lightly browned. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
- Transfer the infused oil to a bowl. Stir in parmesan, sun-dried tomatoes, olives, parsley, basil, balsamic vinegar, and Maldon salt until well combined.
- Serve warm or at room temperature with crusty bread for dipping.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Infusing/Combining
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 30g
- Calories: 90
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 5mg
Keywords: For added flavor, infuse the oil longer if desired. Chill the dip for at least 30 minutes before serving to meld the flavors. Feel free to customize by adding feta cheese or other herbs.