Name: Sun-Dried Tomato Garlic Olive Oil Dip Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 1 jar (8 ounce) oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes; 1-2 cloves garlic, grated; 1 small shallot, finely chopped; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; 1 teaspoon dried thyme; 1 teaspoon smoked or regular paprika; 1-2 teaspoons chili flakes; 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese; fresh basil, for serving

Jump to Recipe· 4.2 from 8 reviews

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If you’re looking to elevate your appetizer game with a dip that bursts with vibrant flavors and comforting warmth, then this Sun-Dried Tomato Garlic Olive Oil Dip Recipe is your new best friend. Imagine the richness of oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes mingling with the aromatic garlic, fresh herbs, and a touch of smoky paprika, all brought together with luscious olive oil and savory parmesan. It’s a dip that feels both rustic and elegant, perfect for sharing with friends or treating yourself to a cozy snack. Every spoonful is a celebration of bold, layered tastes that will have everyone reaching for more.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a worn wooden cutting board on a white marbled surface, with shredded dark brown meat placed in small clumps near the center-right. A silver fork rests on the board with its prongs touching the meat. On the left side of the board, there is a clear glass cup partially filled with a light amber liquid. At the top edge, a green leaf is partially visible. The setup is simple and natural, focusing on the textures of the shredded meat and the wooden board. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The beauty of this dip lies in its simplicity – each ingredient plays a vital role in crafting its irresistible flavor and smooth texture. From the sun-dried tomatoes’ tangy depth to the subtle heat from chili flakes, every component works in harmony to create a dip that’s as flavorful as it is easy to make.

Oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes (1 jar, 8 ounces): Offers intense, concentrated tomato flavor and beautiful color, plus the infused oil adds richness.
Garlic (1-2 cloves, grated): Adds a bold, aromatic punch that wakes up the palate instantly.
Shallot (1 small, finely chopped): Brings a mild sweetness and subtle oniony undertone that balances the acidity.
Dried oregano (1 teaspoon): Infuses an earthy, Mediterranean herbiness to complement the tomatoes.
Dried thyme (1 teaspoon): Adds a delicate herbal note that enhances the overall flavor complexity.
Smoked or regular paprika (1 teaspoon): Introduces warmth and a slight smokiness for extra depth.
Chili flakes (1-2 teaspoons): Provides a gentle heat that livens up the dip without overpowering it.
Grated parmesan (1/2 cup): Delivers a salty, nutty richness that melts beautifully into the warm oil.
Fresh basil (for serving): Adds a bright, fragrant finish that elevates the presentation and flavor.

How to Make Sun-Dried Tomato Garlic Olive Oil Dip Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Tomato Oil Base

Begin by draining the oil from your jar of sun-dried tomatoes into a small pot – aim for about half a cup of that flavorful oil. Chop roughly one-third of the sun-dried tomatoes to add texture, then stir them right into the oil. This step sets the stage, creating a luscious, tomato-infused oil that will gently carry all your herbs and spices.

Step 2: Infuse with Aromatics and Herbs

Next, mix in the grated garlic, finely chopped shallot, dried oregano, thyme, paprika, and chili flakes right into the pot. Turn the heat to low and let this mixture slowly warm for about five minutes. This gentle simmer allows the flavors to marry perfectly without burning the garlic — patience here ensures the dip has that signature robust aroma and deep flavor.

Step 3: Combine with Parmesan Cheese

Once your tomato and herb-infused oil smells heavenly and is pleasantly warm, pour it over the grated parmesan in a serving bowl. The heat will start to melt the cheese slightly, bringing a creamy, savory balance to the tangy and spicy tomato base. Give it a gentle stir to encourage melding but keep some texture for that satisfying bite. Finish by scattering fresh basil leaves on top for a pop of color and freshness.

How to Serve Sun-Dried Tomato Garlic Olive Oil Dip Recipe

A close-up of a white bowl filled with a dark olive oil sauce mixed with finely chopped herbs, red chili flakes, and small bits of sun-dried tomatoes. Inside the bowl, there are pieces of torn toasted bread with a golden-brown crust and soft, airy white inside, partly soaked in the sauce. A spoon lies in the bowl, also covered with the herb and tomato mixture. Around the bowl, there are more pieces of torn toasted bread scattered on a white marbled surface. The overall color palette shows deep reds, greens, golden browns, and dark oils, with a rustic and textured look photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Fresh basil is the classic and easiest garnish that adds a lovely herbal brightness. For a touch of elegance and extra texture, consider sprinkling some toasted pine nuts or a drizzle of balsamic glaze. These garnishes will not only enhance the visual appeal but complement the dip’s rich flavor layers beautifully.

Side Dishes

This dip pairs wonderfully with crusty artisan bread, perfect for soaking up all that flavorful oil. You can also serve it alongside warm pita wedges, crunchy vegetable sticks like cucumbers and bell peppers, or even as an accompaniment to grilled meats and cheeses for a Mediterranean-style platter.

Creative Ways to Present

For a delightful entertaining idea, serve this dip in a mini terra cotta pot or rustic bowl surrounded by various dippers arranged artfully. Layer it atop crostini with a sprinkle of extra parmesan and a basil leaf for individual servings, or drizzle it over roasted vegetables as a finishing touch. The possibilities are endless and invite your creativity to shine.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

This Sun-Dried Tomato Garlic Olive Oil Dip Recipe stores beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Keep it chilled to preserve freshness, and ideally consume within 3 to 4 days for the best flavor and texture.

Freezing

While you can freeze the dip, it’s best enjoyed fresh as freezing may alter the texture, especially with the parmesan and oil. If you do choose to freeze, transfer to a freezer-safe container and thaw slowly in the refrigerator overnight before reheating gently.

Reheating

To bring your dip back to life, warm it gently over low heat on the stove, stirring occasionally until everything is well combined and heated through. Avoid overheating to prevent the garlic from becoming bitter or the oil from separating. This careful reheating preserves that fresh, vibrant flavor you enjoyed the first time.

FAQs

Can I use dried sun-dried tomatoes instead of oil-packed?

You can, but you’ll need to rehydrate dried sun-dried tomatoes in warm water first, and then use a good quality olive oil to replicate the rich tomato oil base. The flavor may be slightly different, but still delicious.

Is this dip spicy? How can I adjust the heat?

The level of spiciness depends on how many chili flakes you add. For a milder version, start with just one teaspoon or omit them completely. For more kick, increase to two teaspoons or more according to your taste.

Can I make this dip vegan?

To make it vegan, simply skip the parmesan cheese or substitute with a nut-based vegan cheese alternative. The dip will still be flavorful due to the herbs and sun-dried tomatoes.

What’s the best bread to serve with this dip?

Crusty breads like a baguette, ciabatta, or sourdough work wonderfully since they hold up well when dipped and soak up the oil without becoming soggy.

Can this recipe be doubled for parties?

Absolutely! This dip scales nicely. Just double all ingredients and use a larger pot for warming the oil and herbs to ensure everything infuses evenly.

Final Thoughts

I promise once you try this Sun-Dried Tomato Garlic Olive Oil Dip Recipe, it will quickly become a go-to for your gatherings, snacks, or cozy nights in. Its simplicity coupled with bold, layered flavors makes it a crowd-pleaser that’s both comforting and vibrant. So grab your favorite bread or vegetable dippers and dive in – your taste buds are in for a genuine treat!

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Sun-Dried Tomato Garlic Olive Oil Dip Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need