Your crusty baguette needs a little somethin’-somethin’ and this Garlic Parmesan Bread Dipping Oil is IT. Whip it up for that fancy Italian restaurant experience at home.

Bowl of Italian bread dipping oil with spoon


The best Italian restaurants are the ones where the server starts your meal by mixing up a little plate of dipping oil for your bread. 

“Would you like to me add some freshly grated Parmesan to that?”

OF COURSE. 

Now, if it’s that easy to make at a restaurant, why are you not making it for yourself at home? It’s time to start and I’ve got just the recipe!

This garlic Parmesan bread dipping oil is savory and herbaceous, livened up with freshly cracked black pepper and red pepper, and it’s got all that freshly grated Parm that sticks to the bread and makes it deliciously cheesy. (Better add some more!) It’s perfect for dipping your garlic bread and garlic knots.

Making your own bread dipping oil will make you feel like you’re eating dinner at a restaurant. Just add some Fettuccine Alfredo or Pasta Carbonara for your main course and buon appetito!

Overhead view of Italian bread dipping oil ingredients

Ingredients for Garlic Parmesan Bread Dipping Oil

Here’s a quick rundown of what you’ll need for this recipe. For the full measurements, scroll down to the recipe card.

  • Pepper – I use a combination of crushed red pepper and freshly cracked black pepper for lots of pop.
  • Italian Seasoning – An easy way to add a bunch of herbs all at once.
  • Dried Parsley – If you happen to have some fresh parsley on hand, you can mince that very finely and add that instead.
  • Garlic Powder and Onion Powder – For some savory depth.
  • Kosher Salt – Or a flaky sea salt.
  • Garlic – Fresh garlic is sharp and pungent in the best kind of way.
  • Parmesan Cheese – Freshly grated is best!
  • Extra-Virgin Olive Oil – When you’re making a bread dipping oil, a high-quality EVOO is your friend. Choose one that’s aromatic and has a good flavor.

How to Make Garlic Parmesan Bread Dipping Oil

Scroll to the recipe card at the bottom of the page for full printable instructions.

  1. Combine the dry ingredients. Whisk the red pepper, black pepper, Italian seasoning, parsley, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt in a small bowl.
  2. Add the garlic and cheese. Transfer the herbs and spices to a shallow plate, then stir in the garlic and cheese. 
  3. Serve. Drizzle olive oil onto the plate and serve with bread.
Hand dipping bread into garlic Parmesan oil

Tips and Variations

Here’s how to make sure your bread dipping oil turns out perfect!

  • Adjust it to your tastes. For less heat, you can leave out the red pepper flakes or reduce the amount.
  • Use fresh garlic. Freshly minced garlic will have a stronger, more assertive flavor than pre-minced garlic from a jar.
  • Use infused oils. Try using infused olive oils, like lemon oil or rosemary oil, for an extra kick of flavor.
  • Elevate it with Balsamic Vinegar. I love to drizzle with an aged balsamic vinegar for an extra pop of flavor. Try it, it’s sweet, tangy notes balance the richness of the oil perfectly.

How to Store Leftovers

Garlic Parmesan bread dipping oil is best enjoyed fresh, but if you have leftovers, you can store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep in mind that the olive oil may solidify when chilled—this is totally fine and it will return to its liquid state once brought to room temperature.

Hand holding bread dipped in garlic Parmesan bread dipping oil

What to Serve With Garlic Parmesan Bread Dipping Oil

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Bowl of Italian bread dipping oil with spoon

Get the Recipe: Bread Dipping Oil

Your crusty baguette needs a little somethin’-somethin’ and this Garlic Parmesan Bread Dipping Oil is IT. So easy to make too!
5 from 1 vote

Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon crushed red pepper
  • ½ tablespoon fresh cracked black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons Italian seasoning
  • 1 tablespoon dried parsley
  • 2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 ½ teaspoon kosher salt
  • 2 garlic cloves, finely minced
  • 3 tablespoons finely grated parmesan cheese
  • extra virgin olive oil

Equipment

  • 1 shallow serving dish

Instructions 

  • In a small bowl, whisk together the red pepper, black pepper, Italian seasoning, parsley, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt.
  • Place the mixture in a shallow plate then stir in the garlic and cheese.
  • Drizzle enough extra virgin olive oil to cover and serve immediately. (Do not combine the garlic, cheese, extra virgin olive oil and dry spices until right before serving.)

Notes

Nutritional information is calculated for using 1/4 cup of olive oil.
Calories: 163kcal, Carbohydrates: 5g, Protein: 2g, Fat: 15g, Saturated Fat: 3g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g, Monounsaturated Fat: 11g, Cholesterol: 3mg, Sodium: 970mg, Potassium: 121mg, Fiber: 2g, Sugar: 0.4g, Vitamin A: 675IU, Vitamin C: 1mg, Calcium: 105mg, Iron: 2mg