Carrabbas Bread Dipping Oil Recipe

Homemade Carrabbas Bread Dipping Oil Recipe: Irresistibly Zesty!

The rustic charm of carrabbas bread dipping oil wafting through your kitchen, instantly transporting you to a cozy Italian trattoria.

Aromatic herbs and rich olive oil blend into a sensational dunking experience that feels like a culinary adventure.

Each ingredient whispers stories of Mediterranean traditions and home-style comfort.

The magic happens when simple pantry staples come together with unexpected depth and personality.

bread becomes more than a side dish—it transforms into a canvas for delicious exploration.

Warm, crusty slices await their luxurious olive oil bath, promising a moment of pure gustatory bliss.

You won’t believe how effortlessly this recipe can elevate your next meal from ordinary to extraordinary.

Why Carrabbas Bread Dipping Oil Adds Flavor To Any Meal

  • Craft Authentic Italian Flavors: This homemade Carrabba's bread dipping oil brings restaurant-quality taste right to your kitchen with a perfect blend of classic Mediterranean herbs.
  • Customize Your Spice Level: Easily adjust the red pepper flakes to make the oil mild or fiery, giving you complete control over the heat and personalization of your dipping experience.
  • Quick Gourmet Appetizer: Prepare this delicious oil in just minutes, transforming simple bread into an impressive starter that looks and tastes like a professional chef created it.
  • Versatile Pantry Staple: The herb blend can be stored for months, allowing you to whip up this delectable dipping oil whenever unexpected guests arrive or you crave a tasty snack.

What Goes In Carrabbas Bread Dipping Oil

Herb Blend:
  • Oregano, Basil, Rosemary, Parsley, Thyme: Classic Mediterranean herbs that provide a robust and aromatic flavor profile to the dipping oil.
  • Red Pepper Flakes: Adds a subtle heat and spicy kick to the herb blend.
  • Black Pepper: Provides a mild, sharp warmth and depth to the seasoning.
  • Salt: Enhances the overall flavor and balances the herbs.
  • Garlic Powder, Onion Powder: Offers concentrated savory and aromatic notes.
  • Parmesan Cheese: Optional ingredient that adds a rich, salty, and nutty dimension.
Oil Base:
  • Extra Virgin Olive Oil: The primary liquid base with a smooth, fruity flavor that complements the herbs.
  • Garlic: Fresh minced garlic introduces a pungent and intense flavor to the oil.
Serving Accompaniment:
  • Crusty Bread: Perfect for dipping and soaking up the flavorful herbed olive oil.

How To Make Carrabbas Bread Dipping Oil At Home

Step 1: Create Magical Herb Mixture

Grab your favorite small mixing bowl and let’s craft a flavor explosion:
  • Dried oregano
  • Fresh basil
  • Rosemary
  • Parsley
  • Dried thyme
  • Red pepper flakes
  • Black pepper
  • Sea salt
  • Garlic powder
  • Onion powder

Mix these incredible herbs together until they’re perfectly blended. Optional magic touch: Sprinkle in some grated Parmesan cheese for extra pizzazz.

Step 2: Craft Irresistible Dipping Oil

Choose a beautiful serving bowl and prepare for deliciousness:
  • Extra virgin olive oil
  • Fresh minced garlic

Pour the silky olive oil into your bowl. Toss in the zesty minced garlic and whisk gently. Sprinkle your herb mixture into the oil, stirring until everything dances together beautifully.

Step 3: Elevate Your Bread Experience

Grab a warm, crusty bread and dive right in! The oil transforms ordinary bread into a gourmet experience. Pro tip: This flavor bomb keeps its magic for weeks when stored in an airtight container in a cool, dark spot. Enjoy your culinary masterpiece with friends or savor it solo!

Simple Tips For Carrabbas Bread Dipping Oil

  • Customize Your Herbs: Adjust the herb blend to suit your taste preferences or dietary needs by increasing or decreasing specific herbs.
  • Maximize Flavor Infusion: Let the herb blend sit in the olive oil for 10-15 minutes before serving to enhance the depth of flavors.
  • Create a Spice Gradient: Control the heat level by carefully measuring red pepper flakes, making the dip mild or zesty.
  • Preserve Herb Freshness: Store the dry herb mixture in a cool, dark place to maintain maximum flavor and potency for future use.
  • Elevate Dietary Options: Swap Parmesan cheese with nutritional yeast for a vegan-friendly version that still provides a rich, savory taste.

How To Store Carrabbas Bread Dipping Oil

  • Refrigerate Oil: Transfer dipping oil to an airtight glass container and store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Olive oil may solidify when chilled, so let it sit at room temperature for 15 minutes before serving.
  • Herb Blend Storage: Keep the dry herb mixture in a sealed spice jar or container at room temperature for maximum 3 months. Store away from direct sunlight and heat to preserve freshness and flavor.
  • Revive Cold Oil: Gently warm the refrigerated dipping oil by placing the container in warm water or microwaving in short 10-second intervals. Stir well to restore original consistency and blend flavors.
  • Quality Check: Always inspect oil and herb blend for any signs of spoilage like unusual odor or discoloration before reusing. Discard if quality seems compromised.

What To Dip In Carrabbas Bread Dipping Oil

  • Pair with Robust Red Wine: Select a bold Italian red like Chianti or Sangiovese to complement the herb-infused oil's rich, earthy flavors and enhance the Mediterranean-style appetizer experience.
  • Match with Crisp Salad Starter: Create a light arugula salad topped with shaved Parmesan and lemon vinaigrette to balance the oil's intense herbal notes and provide a refreshing contrast.
  • Serve alongside Grilled Protein: Accompany the dipping oil with grilled chicken or rosemary-seasoned lamb chops to elevate the herb blend's aromatic profile and create a cohesive flavor journey.
  • Complement with Rustic Bread Varieties: Choose artisan sourdough, focaccia, or ciabatta to maximize the oil's absorption and provide varying textures for a delightful dipping experience.

Tasty Variations On Carrabbas Bread Dipping Oil

  • Spicy Mediterranean Kick: Add chopped red chili peppers and a dash of smoked paprika to intensify the heat and create a bold, zesty flavor profile that tingles the taste buds.
  • Lemon Herb Infusion: Incorporate fresh lemon zest and a splash of lemon juice to brighten the oil, bringing a citrusy freshness that complements the herbal notes perfectly.
  • Roasted Garlic Fusion: Swap minced garlic with slow-roasted whole garlic cloves, which adds a mellow, caramelized sweetness and deeper complexity to the dipping oil.
  • Sun-Dried Tomato Blend: Mix in finely chopped sun-dried tomatoes and a sprinkle of dried oregano to introduce a rich, tangy dimension that elevates the traditional recipe.

Carrabbas Bread Dipping Oil FAQs

  • What makes this Carrabba's bread dipping oil special?

This homemade version captures the authentic restaurant-style flavor by combining a perfect blend of dried herbs and spices that create a bold, aromatic oil perfect for dipping bread.

  • Can I adjust the spice level in the herb blend?

Absolutely! You can increase or decrease the red pepper flakes to match your personal heat preference. Start with a small amount and add more if you want extra kick.

  • Is this dipping oil healthy?

While olive oil offers heart-healthy benefits and herbs provide antioxidants, it’s still an oil-based recipe, so enjoy in moderation as part of a balanced diet. The herbs add nutritional value and flavor without many calories.

  • Do I need fresh herbs or can I use dried herbs?

Dried herbs work perfectly in this recipe and are actually recommended. They blend better and provide a more concentrated flavor profile compared to fresh herbs, making your dipping oil more consistent and flavorful.

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Carrabbas Bread Dipping Oil Recipe

Carrabbas Bread Dipping Oil Recipe


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4.7 from 10 reviews

  • Total Time: 5 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x

Description

Carrabba’s bread dipping oil brings Mediterranean magic to home kitchens with its robust blend of herbs and olive oil. Fragrant rosemary, garlic, and red pepper flakes create a simple yet irresistible accompaniment you’ll crave with every crusty slice of bread.


Ingredients

Scale

Herbs and Spices:

  • 2 teaspoons (10 milliliters) dried oregano
  • 2 teaspoons (10 milliliters) dried basil
  • 2 teaspoons (10 milliliters) dried rosemary (crushed)
  • 2 teaspoons (10 milliliters) dried parsley
  • 1 teaspoon (5 milliliters) dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon (5 milliliters) crushed red pepper flakes
  • 1 teaspoon (5 milliliters) black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon (2.5 milliliters) salt
  • ½ teaspoon (2.5 milliliters) garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon (2.5 milliliters) onion powder
  • ½ teaspoon (2.5 milliliters) ground black pepper

Cheese and Oil:

  • ¼ cup (59 milliliters) grated Parmesan cheese
  • ½ cup (118 milliliters) extra virgin olive oil

Additional Ingredients:

  • 2 cloves garlic, minced or grated
  • 1 loaf crusty Italian or French bread

Instructions

  1. Gather all dried herbs including oregano, basil, rosemary, parsley, thyme, and combine them in a small mixing vessel, creating a fragrant herbal foundation.
  2. Incorporate red pepper flakes, freshly cracked black pepper, kosher salt, garlic powder, and onion powder into the herbal mixture, ensuring even distribution of each aromatic component.
  3. Gently fold grated Parmesan cheese into the herb blend, allowing the cheese to integrate seamlessly with the dried seasonings.
  4. Select a shallow serving dish and generously pour extra virgin olive oil, creating a smooth, golden base for the dipping experience.
  5. Mince fresh garlic cloves finely, releasing their pungent essence, and gently disperse them throughout the olive oil.
  6. Sprinkle approximately one tablespoon of the prepared herb mixture directly into the olive oil, stirring carefully to marry the flavors and create a visually appealing infusion.
  7. Allow the herbal olive oil to rest momentarily, permitting the ingredients to meld and develop a rich, complex flavor profile.
  8. Present the dipping oil alongside warm, crusty artisan bread, inviting guests to immerse their bread and savor the aromatic blend.
  9. Store any remaining herb mixture in an airtight container, preserving its potency for future culinary adventures up to three months.

Notes

  • Customize the herb blend by adjusting spice levels to match personal taste preferences, ensuring a personalized flavor profile.
  • Experiment with fresh herbs instead of dried ones for a more vibrant and intense aromatic experience in the dipping oil.
  • Toast the dried herbs briefly in a dry skillet before mixing to enhance their essential oils and deepen the overall flavor complexity.
  • Create a low-sodium version by reducing salt and using salt-free herb alternatives while maintaining the robust taste of the original recipe.
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Category: Appetizer, Snacks
  • Method: Mixing
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 200
  • Sugar: 0 g
  • Sodium: 800 mg
  • Fat: 22 g
  • Saturated Fat: 3 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 19 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 2 g
  • Fiber: 0 g
  • Protein: 1 g
  • Cholesterol: 1 mg
James Mitchell

James Mitchell

Founder & Recipe Developer

Expertise

Recipe Creation and Testing​, Fusion Cuisine​, Food Styling and Photography​, Culinary Education​

Education

Kendall College, Chicago, IL

  • Degree: Bachelor of Arts in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Comprehensive training in classic and modern cooking techniques, with a specialization in international cuisines.​

The Culinary Institute of America, Hyde Park, NY

  • Program: Advanced Certificate in Gastronomy
  • Focus: In-depth studies of global food cultures, flavor profiling, and innovative recipe development.​

James Mitchell is the founder and fearless flavor explorer at Cooking Crusade. With a degree in Culinary Arts from Kendall College and advanced training in global gastronomy from The Culinary Institute of America, James has spent over a decade perfecting the art of recipe creation. 

His background includes fine dining, private cheffing, and food styling, but his true joy comes from turning big ideas into doable recipes for home cooks. Every dish he shares is a mix of creativity, culture, and a little kitchen magic, built to bring excitement back to everyday meals.

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