Imagine dipping a warm, crusty piece of bread into a luxurious blend of rich olive oil, fragrant garlic, and savory Parmesan that transports you straight to the rolling hills of Tuscany. This Italian Olive Oil Dip is not just a condiment – it's a culinary experience that will elevate your appetizer game and impress even the most discerning food lovers. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a restaurant-quality starter that will have your guests begging for the recipe!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: -
Total Time: 10 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 1 cup
Ingredients
- 1 cup olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare all ingredients by finely mincing the garlic cloves, grating the Parmesan cheese, and chopping the fresh parsley.
- Select a medium-sized mixing bowl that will comfortably hold all ingredients and provide enough room for whisking.
- Pour the olive oil into the mixing bowl, ensuring it is of high-quality extra virgin olive oil for the best flavor.
- Add the minced garlic to the olive oil, allowing its aromatic flavors to infuse into the oil.
- Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese into the mixture, stirring gently to distribute evenly.
- Add the freshly chopped parsley to enhance the herb's bright, fresh flavor.
- Season the dip with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste, carefully balancing the flavors.
- Whisk all ingredients together until well combined and the Parmesan cheese is slightly dissolved.
- Let the dip rest for 5-10 minutes at room temperature to allow flavors to meld together.
- Serve in a small dipping bowl alongside fresh bread or breadsticks for optimal enjoyment.
Tips
- Quality Matters: Always use extra virgin olive oil for the most authentic and robust flavor. The better the olive oil, the more delicious your dip will be.
- Garlic Technique: Mince the garlic as finely as possible to ensure it distributes evenly and releases its full aromatic potential.
- Cheese Tip: Freshly grated Parmesan will melt and blend more smoothly than pre-packaged grated cheese.
- Flavor Infusion: Let the dip rest for at least 5-10 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to marry and intensify.
- Serving Suggestion: Serve with warm, crusty bread, artisan breadsticks, or even as a dipping sauce for roasted vegetables.
- Storage: While best served fresh, you can store the dip in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Just let it come to room temperature and give it a quick whisk before serving.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 500kcal
Carbohydrates: 2g
Protein: 4g
Fat: 56g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Cholesterol: 15mg
