Are you ready to transform your appetizer game with a mind-blowingly simple yet incredibly delicious dip that will have your guests begging for the recipe? This Garlic Olive Oil Dip is not just a condiment—it's a flavor explosion waiting to happen! Imagine a luxurious blend of extra virgin olive oil, zesty garlic, and a hint of spicy red pepper flakes that will elevate any bread, vegetable, or snack from ordinary to extraordinary. In just 10 minutes, you'll create a restaurant-worthy dip that looks gourmet but is shockingly easy to make.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: -
Total Time: 10 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- Fresh herbs (optional)
Instructions
- Peel and finely mince the garlic cloves using a sharp knife, ensuring the pieces are very small and uniform to distribute flavor evenly.
- In a small mixing bowl, combine the extra virgin olive oil with the minced garlic, creating a base for the dip.
- Add the red pepper flakes to the olive oil and garlic mixture, which will provide a subtle heat and depth of flavor.
- Sprinkle in the salt and gently stir all ingredients to ensure they are well combined and the salt is dissolved.
- Drizzle the balsamic vinegar into the mixture, which will add a tangy complexity and balance the richness of the olive oil.
- If using fresh herbs like chopped basil, parsley, or oregano, add them now and gently fold into the dip for additional aromatic notes.
- Let the dip sit at room temperature for 5-10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the garlic to infuse the olive oil.
- Transfer to a serving bowl and serve with crusty bread, breadsticks, or fresh vegetables for dipping.
- Store any leftover dip in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, allowing flavors to continue developing.
Tips
- Quality Matters: Use the best extra virgin olive oil you can find—it's the star of this recipe.
- Garlic Technique: Mince garlic as finely as possible to distribute flavor evenly and prevent overpowering raw garlic chunks.
- Flavor Infusion: Let the dip rest for 5-10 minutes before serving to allow ingredients to meld and develop deeper flavors.
- Herb Enhancement: Experiment with fresh herbs like basil or oregano to customize your dip.
- Storage Tip: Refrigerate leftovers and let them come to room temperature before serving to revive the flavors.
- Serving Suggestion: Pair with warm, crusty bread or fresh, crunchy vegetables for the ultimate dipping experience.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 240kcal
Carbohydrates: 1g
Protein: 0g
Fat: 28g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 0mg
