Best Italian Olive Oil and Balsamic Bread Dip and Sun-Dried Tomatoes
Italian Olive Oil and Balsamic Bread Dip with sun-dried tomatoes, olives, Parmesan, and herbs. A rich, savory appetizer perfect with crusty bread.
August 2025 update: I first shared this recipe in June 2024. I was really excited to share it so didn’t include a ton of information in the blog post. I refreshed the blog post and added more detailed information. I will get some pictures of the process in the next update. It is a really flavorful dip.
🔗 Quick Links for Italian Olive Oil and Balsamic Bread Dip
👩🍳 Why This Italian Olive Oil and Balsamic Bread Dip with Sun-Dried Tomatoes Belongs on Your Table
This Italian Olive Oil and Balsamic Bread Dip takes the classic olive oil and balsamic vinegar combo and turns it into something you’ll want to serve at every gathering. Instead of keeping it simple, it’s loaded with briny Kalamata olives, nutty Parmesan cheese, tangy sun-dried tomatoes in oil, and a mix of fresh basil, rosemary, and parsley. Every spoonful is rich, savory, and layered with flavors that pair perfectly with warm crusty bread.
This Italian Olive Oil and Balsamic Bread Dip is an easy appetizer that works for dinner parties, holiday gatherings, or a casual night in with a glass of wine. Serve it with slices of baguette, chunks of fresh ciabatta, or wedges of toasted focaccia. You can even spoon it over grilled vegetables or use it as a quick topping for pasta.
If you enjoy dips and spreads like this, you might also like my beef brisket cottage cheese dip or my Healthy Buffalo Chicken Dip. Both are crowd favorites that fit right alongside this sun-dried tomato and herb Italian Olive Oil and Balsamic Bread Dip.
🛒 Ingredients for Italian Olive Oil and Balsamic Bread Dip with Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Herbs
🥣 How To Make Italian Olive Oil and Balsamic Bread Dip
Start by prepping all of your ingredients. Mince the garlic so it blends smoothly into the oil without leaving any harsh chunks. Chop the sun-dried tomatoes into small pieces so you get their sweet, tangy flavor in every bite. Slice the olives into halves or quarters so their briny taste is evenly spread through the dip. Finely chop the basil, rosemary, and parsley right before adding them to keep their aroma fresh and vibrant.
Pour the olive oil into a shallow serving dish. A wide, low dish helps the toppings stay visible and easy to scoop with bread. Slowly drizzle the balsamic vinegar over the oil, letting it settle gently so the two liquids layer. This creates a pretty presentation before everything is mixed together.
Scatter the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and olives evenly over the top. Sprinkle in the garlic, followed by the Parmesan cheese. Add the fresh herbs so they fall across the surface. Even spacing ensures every scoop has a mix of flavors.
Season the dip with a light sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes for heat, then add smoked paprika for a hint of smokiness. Finish with a pinch of salt and a few grinds of black pepper, but taste the oil before adding too much salt—Parmesan and olives can be naturally salty on their own.
You can serve the dip as is, letting the layers stay separate for a pretty presentation, or give it a gentle stir so the flavors start blending together. If you have the time, let it sit covered at room temperature for about thirty minutes before serving so the ingredients infuse the oil and vinegar.
For the bread, choose something with a crusty outside and soft inside, like baguette, ciabatta, or focaccia. Warming the bread slightly before serving brings out its aroma and makes the inside soft while keeping the crust crisp. If you are using store-bought bread, toasting it for a few minutes in the oven can enhance both its flavor and texture.
The best way to serve this Italian Olive Oil and Balsalmic Bread Dip is with a small appetizer spoon so your guests can scoop some of it onto the bread.
Any leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge. The olive oil will solidify when chilled, so let the dip come back to room temperature and stir before serving again.
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Best Italian Olive Oil and Balsamic Bread Dip and Sun-Dried Tomatoes
Ingredients
- ½ cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
- 3 tbsp sun-dried tomatoes
- 3 tbsp sliced green olives
- 2 garlic cloves (minced)
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- ¼ cup parmesan
- 1 teaspoon fresh basil (chopped fine)
- 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary (chopped fine)
- 1 teaspoon fresh parsley (chopped fine)
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Add ½ cup extra-virgin olive oil to a plate. Add 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar.
- Top with 3 tbsp sun-dried tomatoes, 3 tbsp sliced green olives and 2 garlic cloves.
- Sprinkle 1 teaspoon paprika, ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes and ¼ cup parmesan.
- Top with 1 teaspoon fresh basil, 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary, 1 teaspoon fresh parsley and salt and pepper to taste.
Substitutions
Nutrition
FAQs
Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh?
Yes, but use less since dried herbs are more concentrated. Let the dip sit for at least 30 minutes before serving so the dried herbs have time to soften and release their flavor.
What type of balsamic vinegar works best?
Choose a thick, aged balsamic for a sweeter, richer flavor. If using a thinner, sharper balsamic, balance it with a tiny drizzle of honey.
Serving Ideas for Italian Olive Oil and Balsamic Bread Dip
There are plenty of delicious ways to enjoy this loaded olive oil and balsamic bread dip. A crusty Italian baguette is the go-to, soaking up the rich oil, tangy balsamic, and fresh herbs in every bite. Focaccia is a great choice if you want something with an herby, airy texture that complements the Parmesan and olives. Sourdough adds a slight tang, while pita bread works well for a softer, chewier option.
For a lighter twist, serve it with fresh vegetables like grilled zucchini. The crisp texture contrasts nicely with the smooth, flavorful oil. For something a little extra, toast a slice of ciabatta and spread it with creamy goat cheese before dipping—it’s rich, tangy, and completely addictive.
More Easy Appetizers
If you love this Italian Olive Oil and Balsamic Bread Dip, you might want to try a few more easy appetizers that are just as flavorful. A fresh mango salsa brings a sweet and tangy kick that works well with tortilla chips or spooned over grilled chicken or fish. Loaded stuffed mushrooms have a savory, cheesy filling that bakes to a golden finish.
Smokehouse cottage cheese brisket dip combines creamy cottage cheese with smoky brisket for a hearty option. Pigs in a blanket are a simple choice served with your favorite dipping sauces. Healthy buffalo chicken cottage cheese dip delivers all the bold flavor of buffalo chicken in a lighter, high-protein version.
This is addictive!