Using Bread Dipping Oil

Who can resist the gorgeous combination of rich luscious oil and rustic whole herbs packed in a beautiful bottle?  This ‘new’ food sensation is alive and well all across our nation.  You can enjoy fresh country bread dipped in a profusion of oil and herbs from your neighborhood trattoria to many fine dining establishments.  Once enjoyed, you may never go back to eating ordinary bread and butter again.      

Bread dipping oil or bread dippers are an oil based blend of an oil, such as olive oil or grapeseed oil, usually an acid (vinegar or citrus), and finally flavoring (herbs, spices, garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, etc.).  Look for bread dippers that have base oils that are low in saturated fats and high in the ‘healthy’ fats.  Olive Oil and Grapeseed Oil are the best choice for overall quality, flavor, and health benefits.  Canola oil is another good choice.   

To use your new bread dipping oil, simply fill a basket full with chunks of fresh, warm, crusty bread.  Shake up the bread dipper to combine all ingredients and pour into small saucers or dipping bowls.  Serve and enjoy!

Although generally thought of as a replacement for ordinary butter, bread dipping oils are so full of flavor that they can be used for so much more.  Bread dippers are also wonderful as a base for salad dressings and marinades.  Drizzle over grilled veggies for a flavor pick-me-up, drizzle on homemade pizza or bruschetta for a gourmet finish.  Toss bread dipping oils into pasta or use for sautéing meats, chicken, or veggies.  Brush your favorite bread dipping oil on meat, fish, or chicken while grilling.  The list of uses just goes on and on.

Links to Products:   Bread Dipping Oils  |  Gourmet Olive Oils  |  Flavored Gourmet Oils   

Serving Suggestions

Toss your favorite bread dipper with cold cooked pasta and vegetables for a quick pasta salad. Add chopped fresh Italian parsley and freshly shaved parmesan cheese.

Brush baby red potatoes or root vegetables with herb based bread dipping oil and roast in a hot oven until tender.

Make a hearty vinaigrette for stronger greens such as romaine or arugula using bread dipping oil as a base. 

Mix bread dippers with mayonnaise or plain yogurt and use as a dip for crisp, cold vegetables. 

Marinate asparagus, mushrooms, and green beans in herb based bread dipping oil.

Drizzle your favorite herb based bread dipping oil over sliced tomatoes.  Top with fresh mozzarella cheese and chiffonade of basil.

Marinate pork, chicken, beef or lamb in bread dipping oil for a quick and flavorful marinade. 

Use a bread dipper alone or in combination with grapeseed oil or extra virgin olive oil for a fabulous sauté seasoning.

For homemade crostini, slice a baguette into ½ inch slices.  Brush one side of each piece of bread with bread dipping oil and heat in a hot oven until just crisp and lightly golden in color.  Use as a crouton for thick soups, gumbos, crisp green salads or top with your favorite pesto or tapenade for a fast appetizer. 

Wake up your morning – use a spicy bread dipper to fry your eggs in.

Drizzle bread dipping oil on a deli sandwich in place of mayonnaise

View Recipes Using Bread Dipping Oil

Links to Products:  Gourmet Olive Oils  |  Flavored Gourmet Oils