bread and dipping oil recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
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The Best bread and dipping oil recipe

I’ve always been a fan of simple yet delicious recipes, and this bread and dipping oil recipe is one of my absolute favorites. It’s a classic Italian dish that never fails to impress, and I’m excited to share it with you today.

I first discovered this recipe while on vacation in Italy, where I fell in love with the flavors and aromas of the local cuisine. This particular recipe has been passed down through generations of Italian cooks, and its simplicity is what makes it so special.

The combination of freshly baked bread, fragrant herbs, and rich olive oil is a match made in heaven. My family loves it when we have dinner parties or gatherings, as it’s easy to make in large quantities and everyone can enjoy it together.

We often serve it as an appetizer or snack, but it’s also perfect for a light lunch or dinner. As a bonus, this recipe is incredibly healthy, using only the finest ingredients to create a dish that’s not only delicious but also nutritious.

Crusty Bread with Herbed Dipping Oil

4.9 from 1345 votes

A simple, crusty artisan bread paired with a fragrant dipping oil infused with herbs and garlic. This easy recipe yields a chewy loaf with a golden crust, perfect for tearing and dipping.

Prep Time15 mins
Cook Time30 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time3 hours 45 mins
Servings: 8Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 320 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Bread

3 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
1/2 teaspoon active dry yeast
1 1/2 cups warm water (110°F)

For the Dipping Oil

1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried basil
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper

👨‍🍳Directions

1In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, salt, and yeast.
2Add the warm water and stir with a wooden spoon until a shaggy dough forms, about 1 minute.
3The dough should be sticky and not too dry.
4Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap and let the dough rest at room temperature for 3 hours.
5The dough should double in size and have a bubbly surface when ready.
6Preheat your oven to 450°F.
7Place a Dutch oven with its lid inside the oven and heat for 30 minutes.
8Meanwhile, lightly flour a work surface and turn the dough out onto it, shaping it into a round loaf by folding the edges toward the center.
9Carefully remove the hot Dutch oven from the oven and place the dough on a piece of parchment paper.
10Lower the dough into the pot, cover with the lid, and bake for 30 minutes.
11Then remove the lid and bake for another 10 to 15 minutes, until the crust is deep golden brown and the loaf sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
12While the bread bakes, prepare the dipping oil.
13In a small saucepan over low heat, warm the olive oil with the minced garlic for 2 minutes until fragrant but not sizzling.
14Remove from heat and stir in the oregano, basil, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper.
15Let the oil cool to warm, then pour into a small serving bowl.
16Slice the bread into thick pieces and serve immediately with the dipping oil.

🔧Equipment

Large mixing bowl
Wooden spoon
Plastic wrap
Dutch oven or heavy pot with lid
Parchment paper
Small saucepan
Small serving bowl

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 320 kcal🧈Total Fat: 16g💛Saturated Fat: 2g❤️Cholesterol: 0mg🧂Sodium: 590mg🌾Total Carbs: 38g🥦Dietary Fiber: 2g🍬Sugars: 0g🥩Protein: 6g

📝Notes

For a more intense flavor, let the dough rest in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. The dipping oil can be made ahead and stored at room temperature for up to 2 days.

Watch Video Of How Crusty Bread with Herbed Dipping Oil Works

This bread and dipping oil recipe is perfect for any occasion – whether you’re hosting dinner parties or just need a quick weeknight meal.

Its simplicity makes it accessible to everyone, while its rich flavors will transport you straight to Italy.

My family loves helping me make this dish together; we often have fun experimenting with different herbs and spices to create new variations.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Crusty Bread with Herbed Dipping Oil

1. What type of bread works best for dipping oil?

A crusty bread like a baguette, ciabatta, or sourdough works best. The firm crust helps the bread hold up to the oil without falling apart. Soft bread like sandwich bread can get too soggy.

2. Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh?

Yes, dried herbs work great for this recipe. They actually blend into the oil better than fresh herbs. Use dried oregano, basil, and thyme for the best flavor.

3. How long can I store leftover dipping oil?

You can store leftover dipping oil in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. Let it come to room temperature before using again. The flavors will continue to meld.

4. Can I add other ingredients to the oil?

Absolutely. You can add minced garlic, balsamic vinegar, or grated Parmesan cheese. Just keep the olive oil as the base. Adjust the amounts to your taste.

5. Is this recipe suitable for a gluten free diet?

The oil itself is gluten free. You just need to serve it with gluten free bread. Many stores carry gluten free baguettes or ciabatta that work well.

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