Ready for the easiest, most satisfying appetizer recipe of all time? Good, me too.
If you’ve ever been out to an Italian restaurant there’s a good chance they served olive oil, balsamic, salt & pepper, and maybe some fresh herbs right at the table for dipping fresh bread. Good news: this garlic olive oil dip is even BETTER than any restaurant-style dip and comes together in just 5 minutes.
Whenever I’m looking for a little something elevated to serve guests that is super easy and will be a huge hit, I turn to this wonderful 5-ingredient dip. It’s savory, salty, a little spicy, and perfect for dipping breads or topping toasted crostini.
You can easily make it ahead of time, too, which makes it one of the best apps for the holidays! Add it to your Thanksgiving table with some sliced bread and watch guests devour. I highly suggest making a double or triple batch. Leave a comment with your favorite ways to use it, and enjoy!
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There are just 5 core ingredients (plus salt and pepper) in this wonderful olive oil dip that give it the perfect flavor. Here’s everything you’ll need:
- Garlic: freshly minced garlic adds the best savory touch to the dip.
- Red pepper flakes: a little kick of heat brings out all of the flavors (but isn’t overly spicy!)
- Dried oregano: for that true Italian flavor you’ll need a little dried oregano.
- Parmesan: I like to add freshly grated parmesan cheese for delicious saltiness.
- Olive oil: the base of the dip, of course! Feel free to use your favorite high-quality extra virgin olive oil.
- Salt & pepper: add ground salt and pepper to taste.
- For garnish: I like to top the dip with some parsley or basil for freshness.
Which olive oil is best?
Be sure to use a high quality extra virgin olive oil in the dip as it will give it the best, most robust flavor. Cheaper olive oils tend to be lighter in color and not very flavorful, so grab one that is a bit higher in quality! You could even try a small batch, artisan-style olive oil from a local shop or market for even better flavor.
Can I make it without the spice?
Sure! Simply leave out the red pepper flakes and the olive oil dip won’t have the spicy kick to it. This will also make it kid-friendly.
Our favorite ways to use this olive oil dip
The options are truly endless for ways you can use the dip! Here are our favorites:
- Dip chunks of focaccia or slices of a French baguette
- Brush it on toasted crostini
- Spread it on your fav sandwich bread as a lovely light condiment
Easy olive oil dip in 3 steps
- Combine the ingredients. Add the garlic, red pepper flakes, and oregano to a shallow bowl or plate. Grate the parmesan into the bowl, then pour the olive oil on top.
- Mix it up. Stir everything together and season the dip with salt and pepper to taste.
- Garnish & serve. Top with fresh chopped parsley or basil and serve it with pieces of bread!
Storing tips
Store any leftover olive oil dip in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. Let the dip come to room temperature when you’re ready to enjoy it again. This is a great appetizer to make ahead of time for the holidays!
More appetizers you’ll love
- Whipped Feta Yogurt Dip with Hot Honey, Basil & Toasted Almonds
- Hot Honey & Basil Pepperoni Pizza Dip
- Ricotta and Pear Crostini with Salty Pumpkin Seed Pistachio Crunch
- Scallion Jalapeño Popper Stuffed Mushrooms
- How to Make Super Creamy Hummus (+5 different flavor variations!)
Get all of my appetizer recipes here!
I hope you love this amazing garlic olive oil dip! If you make it be sure to leave a comment and a rating so I know how you liked it. Enjoy, xo!
Ambitious Kitchen
Cookbook
125 Ridiculously Good For You, Sometimes Indulgent, and Absolutely Never Boring Recipes for Every Meal of the Day
Garlic Olive Oil Dip
Ingredients
- 1-2 cloves garlic, very finely minced
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ¼ cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
- ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
- Freshly ground black pepper & salt to taste
- For garnish:
- Fresh chopped parsley
- For serving:
- Bread for dipping (we love focaccia!)
Instructions
- Add minced garlic, red pepper flakes and oregano to a medium size shallow bowl or plate. Grate parmesan directly into the bowl, then pour the olive oil over top.
- Stir everything together with a spoon and season with salt and pepper to taste. Add a little fresh chopped parsley (or basil!) on top, if desired.
- Serve with pieces of bread for dipping and enjoy! Serves 4.
Recipe Notes
Nutrition
Recipe by: Monique Volz // Ambitious Kitchen | Photography by: Eat Love Eats
Really great recipe, but the fresh pressed garlic had too much of a bite. Next time I’d cook the garlic in the oil prior to adding the other ingredients. However, adding this to the list!
Let me know how it goes with cooked garlic!
It sounded really good but not something I will make again. I found it to have way too much Parmesan cheese so then add more olive oil. I didn’t have fresh herbs so used dry…May have been better to use fresh as noted in the recipe.
Sorry to hear that! I do recommend using fresh to get the right flavors.
Did not like this at all. Too much cheese.
Sorry to hear that! Feel free to reduce the parmesan to your liking next time.
The dip is delicious. However, I did’t like the thick texture. I’d advise using at least double the amount of oil. I used half extra virgin and half light olive oil. Maybe let the dip sit for 30 mins to let the flavors meld.
Feel free to add a bit more olive oil next time! 🙂
This is one of those things I feel like I should know how to throw together on my own, but it never quite hits the mark. But THIS is it. Better than any restaurant and unreal easy!! I’m obsessed! Paired with Trader Joe’s focaccia for the perfect lazy gal app.
Right?! Sometimes seeing the actual recipe makes all the difference 🙂
Super easy and even more delicious!!!
One of my fav easy apps!
The best dip I’ve ever had. 10/10
YUM! I am so glad you’re loving this recipe and it turned out great for you!
Very good with a fresh loaf of sourdough! I added some homemade Zaatar seasoning and omitted the Parmesan for a more middle eastern taste.
Oh sounds amazing, Jessica. Glad you’re loving this recipe and with fresh sourdough, YUM!
It came out PERFECT!!!! Soooo delicious. This is also great for when I have guests over. Thank you so much
Woohooo! So happy you loved it! And yes it’s the perfect party app 🙂
We made this at Thanksgiving and everyone raved! It will be back on the Christmas menu.
Love that! Such a great holiday app 🙂
This was amazing! Made it tonight for my family and Mother in Law. I expected to have some left over but it was all gone! We would have eaten it with a spoon if we ran out of bread. Will make it again next weekend for guests!
Ahhh this is amazing! SO glad you and the fam are loving this recipe ❤️
Cant wait to make this soon for me can i use vegan parmesan cheese i never had garlic olive oil dip before perfect with bread for my after office snacks love your recipes as always brightens up my day everyday after work
Thanks so much! Hope you enjoy this recipe ☺️