Imagine dipping warm, crusty bread into a luxurious olive oil blend that transforms an ordinary appetizer into a gourmet experience. This Roasted Garlic Olive Oil Bread Dip isn't just a recipe—it's a culinary journey that will transport your taste buds straight to the heart of Italy. With just a few simple ingredients and some kitchen magic, you'll create a show-stopping appetizer that will have your guests begging for the recipe.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 head of garlic
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- Salt to taste
- Bread for dipping
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C), ensuring the rack is positioned in the middle of the oven.
- Prepare the garlic by cutting off the top 1/4 inch of the entire head, exposing the clove tips. This will allow for easy roasting and flavor extraction.
- Place the whole garlic head on a piece of aluminum foil and drizzle with 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Wrap the garlic completely in the foil, creating a sealed packet.
- Roast the garlic in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the cloves are soft and golden brown. The garlic should be tender enough to be easily squeezed out of its skin.
- Remove the roasted garlic from the oven and let it cool for 5-10 minutes until it's safe to handle.
- Squeeze the roasted garlic cloves out of their papery skin into a small serving bowl.
- Add the remaining olive oil to the bowl with the roasted garlic, mashing the cloves to create a smooth, infused oil.
- Sprinkle dried oregano, red pepper flakes, and salt into the garlic-infused oil. Stir well to combine all ingredients.
- Let the mixture sit for 5-10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Serve the dip in a small bowl with freshly sliced bread for dipping. Warm bread works best to complement the roasted garlic flavor.
Tips
- Choose high-quality olive oil for the best flavor profile
- Use fresh garlic for maximum aromatic intensity
- Roast the garlic low and slow to develop deep, sweet caramelized notes
- Let the dip sit for 10 minutes before serving to allow flavors to fully develop
- Serve with warm, crusty artisan bread for the ultimate texture contrast
- Store any leftover infused oil in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days
- For extra heat, adjust red pepper flakes to your personal spice preference
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 252kcal
Carbohydrates: 3g
Protein: g
Fat: 27g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
