Description
A flavorful and aromatic herby roasted garlic olive oil dip that’s perfect for serving with warm crusty bread. This simple dip combines slow-roasted garlic with a blend of dried Mediterranean herbs, red pepper flakes, and a touch of lemon juice for a fresh, savory spread that’s ideal for appetizers or snacks.
Ingredients
Roasted Garlic
- 1 whole garlic bulb
- Olive oil for drizzling (approximately 1 tablespoon)
- Pinch of fine sea salt
Dip Mixture
- ½ teaspoon dried rosemary
- ½ teaspoon dried basil
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon dried parsley
- ½ cup high-quality olive oil
- ⅛ teaspoon red pepper flakes (or to taste)
- ¼ teaspoon fine sea salt (or to taste)
- ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper (or to taste)
- Juice of half a lemon (about ½ – 1 tablespoon)
Instructions
- Roast the garlic: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Trim off the excess paper from the garlic bulb and slice off the top to expose the tops of the cloves. Place the bulb in the center of a large piece of foil. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle a pinch of salt over it. Wrap the foil around the bulb tightly and roast in the oven for 20-25 minutes until the cloves are soft and golden brown. Remove from oven and let it cool slightly until safe to handle.
- Prepare the herb mixture: While the garlic roasts, combine the dried rosemary, basil, thyme, oregano, parsley, ½ cup olive oil, red pepper flakes, salt, and freshly ground black pepper in a small bowl. Add the juice from half a lemon and stir gently to combine all the flavors.
- Combine roasted garlic with herb mixture: Once the garlic is cool enough to handle, invert the bulb and gently squeeze out the soft roasted garlic cloves into the herb and olive oil mixture. Stir to combine well, ensuring the roasted garlic blends fully with the oils and herbs. Let the dip sit for about 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Serve: Scoop the herby roasted garlic olive oil dip into a serving dish and offer it alongside warm crusty bread for dipping. Enjoy as an appetizer or snack.
Notes
- Use high-quality extra virgin olive oil for the best flavor.
- Adjust red pepper flakes to your preferred spice level.
- Letting the dip rest for 30 minutes enhances the herbaceous infusion.
- This dip can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; bring to room temperature before serving.
- Great accompaniment to bread, crackers, or as a spread on sandwiches.
