Mediterranean Sun-Dried Tomato Garlic Olive Oil Dip Recipe
This Mediterranean Sun Dried Tomato Garlic Olive Oil Dip is a flavorful and aromatic appetizer combining sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, savory herbs, and smoked paprika infused into olive oil, finished with grated parmesan cheese and fresh basil. Perfect for serving with crusty bread, this warm dipping oil brings a rich and vibrant Mediterranean flair to any snack or starter.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients
Scale
Sun-Dried Tomato Oil Base
- 1 jar (8 oz) sun-dried tomatoes in oil
- About 1/2 cup oil drained from sun-dried tomato jar
- 1/3 cup sun-dried tomatoes, roughly chopped
Aromatics and Spices
- 1 to 2 grated garlic cloves
- 1 small finely diced shallot
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp smoked or sweet paprika
- 1 to 2 tsp red chili flakes
Finishing Touches
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare Sun-Dried Tomato Oil Base: Drain the oil from the sun-dried tomato jar into a pot, measuring about 1/2 cup. Roughly chop 1/3 cup of the sun-dried tomatoes and add them to the oil, infusing the oil with extra tomato flavor right from the start.
- Simmer Aromatics and Spices: Add the grated garlic, diced shallot, dried oregano, dried thyme, smoked or sweet paprika, and red chili flakes to the pot with the oil and chopped sun-dried tomatoes. Set over low heat and simmer gently for about 5 minutes until the oil is warm and the aromatics release their flavors, creating a deeply flavored infused oil.
- Assemble the Dipping Oil: Place grated parmesan cheese in a serving bowl. Carefully pour the hot flavored oil mixture over the cheese, allowing it to melt slightly and infuse the dip. Garnish generously with fresh basil leaves for a bright, herbaceous finish. Serve immediately with your favorite bread for dipping.
Notes
- Adjust the quantity of garlic and red chili flakes according to your taste preference for heat and pungency.
- Smoked paprika adds a deeper, smokier flavor, but sweet paprika can be used for a milder taste.
- Serve warm for the best flavor experience as the cheese softens in the oil.
- Store any leftovers refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently before serving.
- This dip pairs well with crusty bread, toasted baguette slices, or vegetable crudités.
Keywords: Mediterranean dip, sun-dried tomato dip, garlic olive oil dip, parmesan dip, appetizer, savory dip, easy dip recipe
