Carrabba’s Olive Oil Bread Dip Recipe

Introduction

It is such a wonder to be seated in an Italian restaurant and inhale the aromas of garlic, herbs, and warm bread. 

And when you ever get to eat at Carrabba’s Italian Grill, you already know that whatever comes on the table first is not the pasta–but is that small bowl of golden olive oil and swirling it with all those sweet herbs and spices. 

And that is the Carrabba’s Olive Oil Bread Dip Recipe, the warm-up act that usually takes the entire performance.

I do recall the first time I tried it. A single bite of stale bread in that herby oil and I was addicted. It was also full of garlic, salty, a pinch of pepper and the organic warmth of red pepper flakes. I said to myself, I must have this magic at home.

And here we are – making that legendary Carrabba Olive Oil Bread Dip in your own kitchen. This recipe will make an ordinary bread memorable to both the guests and yourself, whether it is after a workday or just having a good day out.

What is the Olive Oil Bread Dip of Carrabba’s?

Carrabba’s Olive Oil Bread Dip Recipe is a tasty combination of spices and herbs in a mixture with high-quality extra virgin olive oil and served with a freshly baked bread – generally crusty Italian bread or a ciabatta. It is not a complex meal, but that is what makes it attractive.

The unique aspect of this dip is its balance: earthly oregano, sweet basil, sharp garlic, spicy crushed red pepper, and the depth of black pepper, all mixed in the smooth olive oil. The layers of flavor that are contained in each dip add the rustic simplicity of Italian food.

It’s not just “bread and oil.” It is the nature of what Italian food represents: genuine ingredients, large portions, and the type of food in which one cannot help but linger at the table.

The account of how I had discovered this.

I found this dip in one of my relaxing dates at dinner at Carrabba. The waiter carried that little saucer of olive oil and herbs, and my date was chattering–but I was in a religious trance over the bread.

The oil was absorbed by the bread, and the basil and garlic smells spread in the air. The entrée likewise was of no concern to me. I recall that I used to think that, had I only been able to put this in a bottle, I would never again have to cook.

Several days later, I was in my kitchen, where, as you see, I had a heap of herbs, and I was set on recreating it. In several attempts (and some too-garlicky failures), I discovered the right amount which tasted exactly the same as in the restaurant.

Equipment List

This Carrabba’s Olive Oil Bread Dip Recipe does not require much, which is one of the best things.

Here’s what you’ll need:

• Small mixing bowl – to mix the herbs and spices.
• Spoons – accuracy is needed to have the ideal balance.
• Garlic press or grater – to squeeze out that fresh magic of garlic.
• Small serving plate – to put your olive oil dip into.
• Whisk or spoon – to stir all up.
• A bread knife and a cutting board – to cut your bread.

And that is all: no state-of-the-art equipment, just kitchen essentials.

Ingredients

The following ingredients will be required to make this restaurant-style Carrabba Olive Oil Bread Dip Recipe:

For the Herb Blend:

• 1 tsp dried basil
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp dried parsley flakes
• 1 tsp ground red pepper (to taste)
• 1 tsp freshly ground black pepper.
• 1 tsp salt (use preferably kosher or sea salt)
• 1 tsp granulated garlic (or one clove of garlic, minced)
• 1/2 tsp dried rosemary, crushed
• 1/2 tsp dried thyme
• 1/2 tsp onion powder

To Serve:

• 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil (good quality is essential)
• Sliced fresh Italian or fresh French bread.

Optional:

• Some amount of Parmesan cheese sprinkled over it to add even more richness.
• A little balsamic vinegar to add tangy flavor.

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Dry Mix

Add all the dried herbs, salt and spices in a small bowl. Blend them together until well blended.

Step 2: Add Fresh Garlic

Peel and press one fresh clove of garlic and mix it with the herb mixture. This provides the dip with its characteristic smell and richness.

Step 3: Pour the Olive Oil

Pour the olive oil into your serving dish and add approximately a teaspoon of the herb mixture to the oil. Keep it to your liking, some more herby and some more subtle.

Step 4: Mix and Let It Bloom

Lightly stir it and allow it to rest approximately 10-15 minutes prior to serving. This enables the herbs to flower and impart the flavors of the herbs into the oil.

Step 5: Serve

Take your bread and cut it up, and then eat it warm or a little toasted. Dip and taste that herby, garlicky excellence!

Pro Tip: Use the remaining herb mixture in a small jar. This will take months, and you can make the dip at any time.

Flavor Profile: Why Is it So Good?

This dip hits every note:

• Stinging and hot with the fresh garlic.
• Herbal Oregano, thyme, and basil.
• Some spicy courtesy of red pepper flakes.
• Creamy and buttery due to the good olive oil.
• Salty and herbal, and the optional addition of Parmesan.
• It is easy, sure–but it is magic how these flavors get to mingle with each other.

The Secret: Quality Olive Oil

To tell the truth, the key ingredient of the Carrabba’s Olive Oil Bread Dip Recipe is the oil, naturally.

Select an excellent extra virgin olive oil – cold-pressed, fruity, and not excessively bitter. Seek the ones that are of low acidity in Italy, Spain, or California. The oil must not be merely a salad drizzle; it must be something that has to be drizzed on bread or fresh mozzarella.

When your oil is either too bitter or dull, however nice your herbs, the dip is going to fail.

Pairing Suggestions

• It is not simply a bread dip! Try it with:
• Grilled vegetables – the oil is also used as a dressing.
• Served with pasta – especially plain spaghetti or linguine.
• Served with roasted potatoes or shrimp to lighten things.
• As a marinade for chicken or fish, it is full of flavor.
• On charcuterie boards – serve with cheeses, olives, and crackers.

Once you begin to use it like that, you will not get out.

Home-Prepared vs. Restaurant-Purchased.

Be honest, the restaurant version is sensational, homemade? It is the kind of satisfaction that is on another level.

To make Carrabba’s Olive Oil Bread Dip Recipe at home:

• You have the choice of the quality of ingredients (the oil in particular).
• You can add and remove the flavors until you are satisfied, more spicy, less salt, more garlic, etc.
• It is cold, smelly, and tailor-made.

The restaurant could be the same, yet your homemade dip has a soul. It’s uniquely yours.

Storage Tips

In case you prepared more herb blends, you can save them in a closed jar or spice jar and use them within 3 months. Keep it in a cool, dark place.

Do not keep the mixed olive oil for long intervals–the garlic may become rancid in the oil. Always keep it fresh and serve it.

Serving Ideas for Parties

Hosting a dinner? Turn this dip into your star!

Here’s how to elevate it:

• Present in small dipping bowls to each guest.
• Combine with a basket of warm types of bread: ciabatta, focaccia, sourdough, or baguette.
• Include a touch of charcuterie – prosciutto that has been sliced, cheeses, and olives.
• It would go well with fresh herbs and lemon zest to make it look like in a restaurant.

It is beautiful, plain, and at all times, it is amazing.

FAQs

Step 1: Will I be able to prepare this dip in advance?

Yes! One can make the mixture of dry herbs in advance and only add olive oil and garlic just before eating.

Step 2: What kind of bread works best?

The crusty breads, such as Italian, Ciabatta, or sourdough, are ideal since they retain the oil.

Step 3: Is it possible to substitute dried herbs with fresh ones?

Absolutely! They will have a stronger source, just bear in mind fresh herbs have a stronger source, three times more than dried herbs.

Step 4: What if I don’t like garlic?

You may skip it, but garlic is what makes Carrabba’s what it is. Roasted garlic, however, is so milder and should be tried.

Step 5: Can I store leftover dip?

You can keep it in the fridge not longer than 24 hours. Allow to come to room temperature and mix thoroughly.

Chef’s Notes & Tips

• Warm bread should be used, not hot, as hot bread will cause the oil to become too thin.
• Do not hold back on quality olive oil. It makes or breaks the flavor.
• Add fresh-grated Parmesan or lemon zest right before serving it to add flavor.
• To add some spice, add smoked paprika to lovers.

A Little Twist: Balsamic Olive Oil Dip

Feeling fancy? Add 1 teaspoon of balsamic vinegar. It is sweet, tangy, and it makes your dip look more like a dressing, more of a gourmet one. Not Carrabba’s original–but it is tasty in its own right.

Final Thoughts

It is no wonder this Carrabba’s Olive Oil Bread Dip Recipe is so popular. It is rustic, warm, and exceptionally simple to prepare. All you need are some pantry food and a bottle of excellent olive oil, and you can bring the warmth and hospitality of the Italian Grill in Carrabba directly to your dining table.

The next time you are lying around with a loaf of bread in your possession, forego the butter–get your olive oil, herbs, and garlic and make it something to remember.

It is what good food is all about, after all, because that is the truth about it. Mundane ingredients, lovingly shared.

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• Cheesecake Factory Stuffed Mushrooms Recipe
• 54th Street Gringo Dip Recipe
• Aunt Myrna’s Party Cheese Salad Recipe