When you need a last-minute appetizer, this pizza-inspired bread dipping oil is the answer. Ready in about five minutes, it uses pantry staples and always impresses. Bright olive oil meets concentrated tomato, garlic, Parmesan, fresh basil and a touch of chili for a dipping oil that tastes like pizza in a bowl. Serve with warm bread, focaccia, naan or alongside pizza crusts.
Pizza-Inspired Bread Dipping Oil, at a Glance
Total time: 5 minutes
Servings: 4–6
Key ingredients: Olive oil, tomato paste, garlic, Parmesan, basil
Skill level: Super easy
Method: No-cook
Serve with: Soft focaccia, rosemary Parmesan bread, garlic naan, or pizza crust
Perfect for: Last-minute appetizers, casual entertaining, game day, pizza night
Why you’ll love it: All the flavors of pizza converted into the easiest, fastest appetizer you can make.
The easiest appetizer I always come back to
There really isn’t an easier appetizer than a good bread dipping oil. It takes minutes, looks elegant on a table, and most people love it. This pizza-inspired version is perfect year-round and can be prepared ahead. The base is simple and flexible, so you can scale it up for a crowd or tweak flavors — add oregano, swap basil for parsley, or reduce garlic to taste.
Beyond dipping bread, this oil is useful in lots of other ways: drizzle over grilled chicken or steak, toss with hot pasta for a quick no-cook sauce, spoon over roasted potatoes, or use as a flavorful topper for hummus or whipped feta. It’s a versatile little condiment that packs big flavor.
Ingredients you’ll need
- Olive oil: Use good-quality extra virgin olive oil if possible — it’s the main flavor carrier.
- Tomato paste: Adds concentrated tomato flavor; a high-quality paste gives the best results.
- Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated yields the best texture, but pre-grated is fine in a pinch.
- Basil: Fresh basil brightens the oil. Dried herbs can be used if needed.
- Garlic: Use crushed or finely minced garlic — reduce quantity if you prefer a milder garlic taste.
- Chili flakes, salt and black pepper: For heat and seasoning; adjust to taste.
How to make the dipping oil
Making this oil is simply a matter of combining the ingredients and tasting for seasoning. For convenience, mix it in the bowl or shallow plate you plan to serve from — that saves on washing up.
Pizza Dipping Oil FAQs
Can I make the dipping oil in advance?
Yes. Store it in a covered container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. The basil will lose some color over time, so if appearance matters, add fresh basil right before serving. If chilled, the oil may firm slightly; let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before serving so it softens.
Could I use dried herbs rather than fresh?
Yes. Substitute 1 teaspoon dried basil for the fresh basil in the recipe.
Four more easy dipping oil recipes to try
- Loaded festive bread dipping oil
- Greek-inspired bread dipping oil
- Jalapeño popper bread dipping oil
- Dill pickle bread dipping oil
If you try this recipe, leave a rating and a comment where you found it and tag the creator on social media to share your version — it’s always fun to see how people adapt recipes.
Pizza-Inspired Bread Dipping Oil — Recipe
Ingredients (makes about 8 servings / 2 tbsp each)
- ½ cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 3 garlic cloves, crushed
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- A handful of basil leaves, chopped
- 1 teaspoon chili flakes
- 1 teaspoon salt
- Black pepper, to taste
Method
- Mix the oil. Combine olive oil, tomato paste, crushed garlic, grated Parmesan, chopped basil, chili flakes, salt and a good grind of black pepper in a bowl or shallow serving plate. Stir thoroughly so the tomato paste and cheese are well distributed. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Serve. Offer with warm bread, focaccia, naan or pizza crust. The oil can also be drizzled over grilled proteins, tossed with pasta, spooned onto roasted potatoes, or used as a flavor boost for dips like hummus or whipped feta.
Pro tip: Mix the oil directly in the serving dish to minimize extra bowls to wash.
Nutrition (per 2 tbsp)
- Serving size: 2 tablespoons
- Calories: 185 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 3 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Fat: 19 g (Saturated fat: 4 g; Polyunsaturated: 2 g; Monounsaturated: 13 g)
- Cholesterol: 10 mg
- Sodium: 430 mg
- Potassium: 90 mg
- Fiber: 1 g
- Sugar: 1 g
- Vitamin A: 55 IU
- Vitamin C: 3 mg
- Calcium: 110 mg
- Iron: 0.5 mg
Notes
Storage: Keep refrigerated up to 5 days in a covered container. If chilled, bring to room temperature for a few minutes before serving so the oil softens. Add fresh basil right before serving if you want the brightest color.
Variations: Try swapping basil for pesto, adding chopped olives and oregano for a Greek twist, or stirring in jalapeño and cream cheese for a spicy “jalapeño popper” style dip.