If you’re looking for a simple yet insanely flavorful dip that’ll take your appetizer game to the next level, you’ve got to try this Garlic Olive Oil Dip Recipe. I absolutely love how this comes together in minutes and how it pairs perfectly with all kinds of bread, especially focaccia. Whether you’re hosting a casual get-together or just craving something delicious to snack on, this dip is your new best friend.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and Easy: Ready in just 5 minutes, so you can whip it up anytime.
Bold Flavors: The garlic and parmesan pack a punch you’ll crave again and again.
Versatile: Perfect for dipping bread, drizzling over veggies, or even as a salad dressing base.
Minimal Ingredients: You likely already have everything in your pantry.

A white bowl filled with a yellow olive oil dip topped with small green herb pieces, red chili flakes, and small bits of garlic, sitting on a white speckled plate. Around the plate, there are many pieces of light golden-brown focaccia bread with a soft, porous texture, some topped with small rosemary sprigs. The background is a white marbled surface with a soft green cloth partially visible on the right side. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Garlic Olive Oil Dip, easy garlic dip, flavorful bread dip, Mediterranean olive oil dip, quick appetizer dips

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in this Garlic Olive Oil Dip Recipe plays a special role, coming together to deliver that perfect balance of savory, spicy, and cheesy flavors. Picking the freshest garlic and a good quality olive oil really makes a difference—trust me, I’ve learned that after a few tries!

Flat lay of two bright white garlic cloves finely minced, scattered deep red pepper flakes, earthy green dried oregano leaves, a small pile of freshly grated creamy parmesan cheese, a clear golden pool of extra virgin olive oil glistening softly, vibrant green chopped parsley leaves with a fresh texture, and rustic slices of golden focaccia bread with a crunchy crust and soft crumb, all naturally arranged to highlight their colors and textures, placed on white marbled surface, photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Garlic Olive Oil Dip, easy garlic dip, flavorful bread dip, Mediterranean olive oil dip, quick appetizer dips

Garlic: Use fresh garlic, finely minced to avoid overpowering bites.
Red pepper flakes: Adds a gentle kick; adjust to your heat preference.
Dried oregano: For that lovely Mediterranean aroma and subtle earthiness.
Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated for maximum flavor and creaminess.
Extra virgin olive oil: The foundation of the dip—choose a fruity, quality one.
Salt and black pepper: Season to your taste to bring everything together.
Fresh parsley (optional): For a fresh pop of color and herbal brightness.
Bread for dipping: Focaccia is my go-to, but crusty bread or baguette works beautifully.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I love how flexible this Garlic Olive Oil Dip Recipe is. Once you get the basics down, you can tweak it to suit your taste or what you have on hand. I often switch up herbs or add different seasonings depending on the mood. Give it a try—you’ll find that personalizing this recipe makes it even more fun.

Herb swap: I sometimes swap oregano for fresh basil or thyme, which completely changes the aroma and adds a lovely twist.
Spice it up: For a smoky note, adding a pinch of smoked paprika is a game-changer I stumbled upon recently.
Garlic intensity: If you’re a garlic lover like me, go ahead and add an extra clove or roast the garlic first for a milder, sweeter flavor.
Cheese variations: Try Pecorino Romano instead of parmesan for a tangier profile—I keep doing this and love the result.

How to Make Garlic Olive Oil Dip Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients

Start by finely mincing 1 or 2 cloves of garlic—the finer the better so you don’t get any overpowering chunks when dipping. Then, measure out your dried oregano and red pepper flakes. I like to gather everything close by before starting to make the process smooth and enjoyable.

Step 2: Combine and Stir

In a medium shallow bowl, add your minced garlic, red pepper flakes, and oregano. Grate parmesan cheese directly into the bowl—freshly grated is key here. Pour the extra virgin olive oil over the top, then mix gently with a spoon to combine. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Stir just enough to integrate, but don’t over-mix or you might lose that fresh texture.

Step 3: Garnish and Serve

Finish with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or basil—it adds color and a fresh note that brightens up the dip. Serve immediately with your favorite bread for dipping. I find focaccia soaks the oil beautifully without falling apart.

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Pro Tips for Making Garlic Olive Oil Dip Recipe

Mince Garlic Very Finely: I learned this tip saving my dip from garlic overload—tiny bits distribute flavor evenly without harsh bites.
Use Quality Olive Oil: A good extra virgin olive oil makes a noticeable difference—it brings fruity and fresh notes that uplift the whole dip.
Adjust Spice Level: Start with less red pepper flakes if you’re uncertain, then add more after tasting to avoid overwhelming heat.
Add Cheese Last: Grate parmesan directly into the bowl to keep the flavors fresh and prevent drying.

How to Serve Garlic Olive Oil Dip Recipe

A white shallow bowl holds a dip made of a yellow-green oily mixture with visible herbs and spices, including finely chopped green leaves, red pepper flakes, and minced garlic spread evenly across the surface. Floating in the dip is a piece of golden toasted bread with a sprig of rosemary on top, located near the center. Around the bowl, pieces of soft white bread are scattered on a white marbled surface, ready for dipping. The image is a close-up, showing the textures of the oil, herbs, and bread clearly. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Garlic Olive Oil Dip, easy garlic dip, flavorful bread dip, Mediterranean olive oil dip, quick appetizer dips

Garnishes

I swear by chopped fresh parsley as a garnish—it adds such a lovely fresh pop and makes the dip look inviting. Sometimes I mix in fresh basil for a slightly sweeter, aromatic touch. Both work wonders and brighten up the earthy, garlicky base.

Side Dishes

While bread is the obvious choice (I love focaccia), you can also serve this dip with roasted vegetables or as a drizzle over grilled chicken or fish. One of my favorite combos is fresh crudités like bell peppers or cucumber slices alongside crusty bread—both soak up the dip differently and keep your snack platter colorful.

Creative Ways to Present

I once served this Garlic Olive Oil Dip Recipe in small, individual ramekins topped with a tiny basil leaf at a dinner party, and it was a delightful hit. You can also drizzle it over a charcuterie board for dipping meats and cheeses or pour over warm naan bread fresh from the oven. Presentation is simple but classy—and everyone will be asking for the recipe!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover garlic olive oil dip in an airtight glass container in the fridge, which keeps it fresh for up to 3 days. Just give it a gentle stir before serving again since the oil and cheese might separate a bit. I find it tastes great a day later once the flavors have melded even more.

Freezing

Freezing this dip isn’t my favorite because the texture can separate and the fresh garlic flavor dulls a bit. But if you must, freeze in a small airtight container for up to a month and thaw slowly in the fridge. Stir well before serving to recombine.

Reheating

I usually enjoy this dip cold or at room temperature, but if you want to warm it slightly, do so gently on the stove or in the microwave for just 10-15 seconds. Be careful not to heat too much or the oil may lose its fresh flavor and the cheese could clump.

FAQs

Can I use roasted garlic instead of raw garlic in this Garlic Olive Oil Dip Recipe?

Absolutely! Roasted garlic gives a milder, sweeter flavor and adds a creamy texture to the dip. I sometimes roast garlic cloves in the oven and mash them in place of raw minced garlic for a softer taste that pairs beautifully with the olive oil and parmesan.
What type of bread goes best with this dip?

I love using focaccia because it’s soft inside and crusty outside, soaking up the dip perfectly without falling apart. Crusty baguette slices or ciabatta also work wonderfully, giving you a nice balance of crunch and chewiness to scoop up every bit.
Can I make this dip vegan or dairy-free?

For a vegan version, you can skip the parmesan or replace it with nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor. The dip will still be tasty thanks to the garlic and olive oil, though a little different. Just adjust seasoning to taste!
How spicy is this Garlic Olive Oil Dip Recipe?

The red pepper flakes add a gentle heat that’s easily adjustable—start with less if you prefer mild and add more to suit your spice tolerance. I usually keep it balanced so everyone can enjoy but love bumping it up when I want a little extra kick.

Final Thoughts

This Garlic Olive Oil Dip Recipe holds a special place in my kitchen—it’s simple, speedy, and just bursting with flavor. I remember the first time I served it at a family gathering and how everyone went nuts over it, asking me to make it again and again. Honestly, it’s become my go-to when I want something impressive but effortless. I hope you give it a try soon—you won’t regret having this delicious dip ready to elevate your next snack or meal.

Garlic Olive Oil Dip Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.7 from 86 reviews

Author: Lisa
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Appetizer
Method: No-Cook
Cuisine: Italian

Print Recipe

Description

This Garlic Olive Oil Dip is a simple and flavorful appetizer featuring minced garlic, red pepper flakes, oregano, grated parmesan, and extra virgin olive oil. It’s perfect for serving with bread, adding a delicious, zesty touch to your snack or meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Dip Ingredients

1–2 cloves garlic, very finely minced
¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
½ teaspoon dried oregano
¼ cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
Freshly ground black pepper & salt to taste

For Garnish

Fresh chopped parsley

For Serving

Bread for dipping (focaccia recommended)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Combine Ingredients: In a medium shallow bowl or plate, add the finely minced garlic, red pepper flakes, and dried oregano.
Add Parmesan and Oil: Grate the parmesan cheese directly into the bowl, then pour the extra virgin olive oil on top.
Mix and Season: Stir all ingredients together thoroughly with a spoon. Season the mixture with salt and freshly ground black pepper according to your taste.
Garnish: Optionally, sprinkle fresh chopped parsley or basil on top for added freshness and color.
Serve: Serve immediately with pieces of bread, such as focaccia, for dipping and enjoy this flavorful garlic olive oil dip.

Notes

For a milder garlic flavor, reduce to 1 clove or let the dip sit for 10 minutes before serving to mellow the garlic intensity.
Fresh herbs like basil can be used instead of parsley for a different herbal note.
Use good quality extra virgin olive oil and freshly grated parmesan for the best flavor.
This dip can be prepared a few hours ahead and refrigerated; bring to room temperature before serving.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1/4 cup
Calories: 180
Sugar: 0.1g
Sodium: 150mg
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 4.5g
Unsaturated Fat: 13g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 1g
Fiber: 0.2g
Protein: 3g
Cholesterol: 10mg