Sun Dried Tomato Olive Oil Bread Dip Recipe
Sun Dried Tomato Olive Oil Bread Dip Recipe is a simple appetizer with rich Mediterranean flavor. It combines fruity olive oil, tangy sun-dried tomatoes, garlic and fresh herbs.
Ingredients
- ½ cup extra virgin olive oil
- ¼ cup finely chopped sun-dried tomatoes
- 2 garlic cloves finely minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh basil chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley chopped
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 crusty French baguette or Italian bread for serving
Instructions
Prepare the Sun-Dried Tomatoes
- Drain the sun-dried tomatoes well if they are packed in oil. Pat them gently with a paper towel. Chop them into small pieces for easy scooping and even flavor throughout the dip.
Prepare the Garlic and Herbs
- Mince the garlic very finely. Chop the fresh basil and parsley into small pieces. Smaller pieces distribute better through the olive oil and make every bite taste fresh, herby, and flavorful.
Combine the Main Ingredients
- Add olive oil, chopped tomatoes, garlic, basil, parsley, and oregano to a mixing bowl. Stir gently with a spoon until everything is evenly combined. Avoid stirring too aggressively.
Add Seasonings
- Add red pepper flakes, Parmesan cheese, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper. Stir again until the seasonings are evenly mixed. Taste the dip and adjust the salt or lemon juice if needed.
Let the Flavors Blend
- Allow the dip to rest for about 10 minutes before serving. This short resting time helps the garlic, herbs, and tomatoes flavor the olive oil more deeply.
Prepare the Bread
- Slice a crusty baguette or Italian loaf into thick pieces. You can serve the bread fresh or toast it lightly. Slightly crisp bread gives the soft, flavorful dip a wonderful texture.
Serve the Dip
- Transfer the finished dip to a shallow serving bowl. Give it one gentle stir before serving. Place the warm bread around the bowl and enjoy immediately while the bread is fresh.
Notes
- Use good-quality extra virgin olive oil for the best flavor.
- Chop sun-dried tomatoes into small, bite-sized pieces.
- Fresh garlic gives the dip a stronger flavor.
- Let the dip rest before serving for better flavor.
- Use less red pepper for a milder version.
- Add crushed toasted pine nuts for extra texture.
- Try fresh rosemary for a deeper herbal taste.
- Add a little balsamic vinegar for sweet acidity.
- Replace Parmesan with finely crumbled feta for a tangy twist.
- Toast the bread lightly for extra crunch.