Have you ever tried the olive oil dipping sauce at Carrabba’s? It’s one of those things that makes the meal even better.
It’s simple, packed with flavor, and perfect for pairing with a slice of your favorite crusty bread. The good news? You can easily bring that taste home with just a handful of ingredients. Let’s dive into how to make it!
What so Special About Carrabba’s Olive Oil Dipping Sauce?
Carrabba’s Olive Oil Dip Sauce is special because it combines simplicity with rich, authentic flavors. The blend of freshly minced garlic, a medley of Italian herbs like thyme, basil, and oregano, and a touch of red pepper flakes creates a vibrant, aromatic sauce that perfectly complements crusty bread.
The key lies in gently heating the garlic and herbs in high-quality olive oil, allowing their flavors to meld and intensify. This sauce transforms a simple appetizer into a delightful, restaurant-quality experience, making it a beloved part of the Carrabba’s dining experience.
Ingredients for Carrabba’s Olive Oil Dipping Sauce Recipe
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried minced onion
- ½ teaspoon thyme
- ½ teaspoon basil
- ½ teaspoon parsley
- Dash of oregano and marjoram
- Dash of red pepper flakes
- Fresh ground pepper, to taste
Equipment & Tools Required
- Small saucepan
- Garlic mincer or knife
- Measuring spoons
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Serving plate
Preparation Time: 5 minutes
Cooking Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes
How to Make Carrabba’s Olive Oil Dipping Sauce
Step-01: Prepare the Garlic
Start by mincing the garlic. If you don’t have a garlic mincer, finely chop the garlic cloves using a sharp knife. This will ensure the garlic releases all its aromatic oils.
Step-02: Heat the Olive Oil
Pour the olive oil into a small saucepan and heat it over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook until it becomes slightly golden. Be careful not to overcook, as burnt garlic can turn bitter.
Step-03: Add the Herbs
Once the garlic is golden, stir in the dried minced onion, thyme, basil, parsley, oregano, marjoram, and a dash of red pepper flakes. Allow the herbs to warm up in the oil for about 2 minutes, releasing their flavors into the mixture.
Step-04: Finish and Serve
Remove the saucepan from the heat. Pour the mixture onto a serving plate, creating a small pile of herbs in the center. Surround the herbs with a generous drizzle of olive oil. Season with freshly ground pepper to taste.
Serve the dipping sauce with your favorite crusty bread. Simply dip the bread into the herb-infused olive oil for a taste of Italy right at your table.
Creative Serving Ideas for Carrabba’s Olive Oil Dipping Sauce
1. Classic Antipasto Platter
Serve the dipping sauce alongside a traditional antipasto platter filled with cured meats like prosciutto, salami, a variety of cheeses, olives, and marinated vegetables. The sauce pairs perfectly with the robust flavors of Italian antipasto.
2. Grilled Vegetables
Drizzle the olive oil dipping sauce over grilled vegetables like zucchini, eggplant, and bell peppers. The herbs and garlic add a burst of flavor that enhances the natural sweetness of the veggies.
3. Seafood Delight
Pair the dipping sauce with a seafood boil dish, such as grilled shrimp, calamari, or a simple white fish. The olive oil and herbs complement the delicate flavors of the seafood.
4. Pasta Companion
Use the dipping sauce as a topping for a light pasta dish. Toss cooked pasta with the olive oil, garlic, and herbs, then add a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for a simple yet flavorful meal.
5. Roasted Potatoes
Serve the dipping sauce with roasted potatoes. The garlic and herb-infused oil adds a delicious coating to crispy roasted potatoes, making it a perfect side dish.
6. Pizza Crust Dip
Enjoy the dipping sauce as a flavorful dip for pizza crusts. It’s a great way to add extra flavor to the crust after finishing the main slices.
7. Bruschetta Topping
Spoon the olive oil dipping sauce over toasted bruschetta. Add a slice of fresh tomato and a drizzle of balsamic glaze for a simple and delicious appetizer.
8. Caprese Salad
Pair the dipping sauce with a classic Caprese salad. The combination of fresh mozzarella, ripe tomatoes, and basil drizzled with the herb-infused olive oil is simply divine.
9. Cheese Board
Include the dipping sauce on a cheese board featuring a variety of cheeses, dried fruits, nuts, and honey. The sauce adds an herby, garlicky contrast to the creamy and salty cheeses.
10. Grilled Chicken
Serve the dipping sauce as a marinade or drizzle over grilled chicken. The robust flavors of the garlic and herbs enhance the taste of the grilled meat, making it a flavorful main dish.
URRecipe Community Tips on Carrabba’s Olive Oil Dipping Sauce Recipe
1. Use Fresh Herbs
While dried herbs are convenient, using fresh herbs can elevate the flavor profile of the dipping sauce. Just remember to adjust the quantities since fresh herbs have a milder taste.
2. Infuse the Olive Oil
For a deeper flavor, allow the garlic and herbs to infuse in the olive oil for a longer period at a low temperature. This will create a more aromatic and rich dipping sauce.
3. Experiment with Different Breads
While a crusty Italian bread is traditional, don’t be afraid to experiment with other types of bread like ciabatta, sourdough, or even focaccia for a different texture and taste.
4. Add a Splash of Balsamic Vinegar
For an extra tangy kick, drizzle a bit of balsamic vinegar over the dipping sauce just before serving. The acidity of the vinegar pairs wonderfully with the rich olive oil and herbs.
5. Make It Spicier
If you enjoy a bit more heat, increase the amount of red pepper flakes, or add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the herb mixture for an extra spicy dipping sauce.
6. Pair with Wine
This dipping sauce pairs beautifully with a glass of wine. A crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio or a light red like Chianti complements the flavors perfectly.
7. Prepare in Advance
If you’re hosting a gathering, make the dipping sauce ahead of time. The flavors will deepen as it sits, making it even more delicious. Just reheat it slightly before serving.
8. Garnish with Parmesan
For an added layer of flavor, sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan cheese over the sauce just before serving. The salty, nutty taste of the cheese complements the herbs and olive oil perfectly.
How to Store This Carrabba’s Olive Oil Sauce?
To store Carrabba’s Olive Oil Dipping Sauce, transfer any leftovers into an airtight container and refrigerate. The sauce will keep for up to one week.
Before serving, allow it to come to room temperature, or gently reheat it on the stove. The flavors may intensify over time, making it even more delicious.
Carrabba’s Olive Oil Dipping Sauce Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried minced onion
- ½ teaspoon thyme
- ½ teaspoon basil
- ½ teaspoon parsley
- Dash of oregano and marjoram
- Dash of red pepper flakes
- Fresh ground pepper to taste
Instructions
- Start by mincing the garlic. If you don’t have a garlic mincer, finely chop the garlic cloves using a sharp knife. This will ensure the garlic releases all its aromatic oils.
- Pour the olive oil into a small saucepan and heat it over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook until it becomes slightly golden. Be careful not to overcook, as burnt garlic can turn bitter.
- Once the garlic is golden, stir in the dried minced onion, thyme, basil, parsley, oregano, marjoram, and a dash of red pepper flakes. Allow the herbs to warm up in the oil for about 2 minutes, releasing their flavors into the mixture.
- Remove the saucepan from the heat. Pour the mixture onto a serving plate, creating a small pile of herbs in the center. Surround the herbs with a generous drizzle of olive oil. Season with freshly ground pepper to taste.
- Serve the dipping sauce with your favorite crusty bread. Simply dip the bread into the herb-infused olive oil for a taste of Italy right at your table.
Video
Notes
Common queries on Carrabba’s Olive Oil Dipping Sauce Recipe
These commonly asked questions and their short answers will give you an better understanding of this Carrabba’s Olive Oil Dipping Sauce Recipe
1. What is Carrabba’s bread dip made of?
Carrabba’s bread dip is made of a flavorful combination of minced garlic, olive oil, dried minced onion, herbs like thyme, basil, parsley, oregano, marjoram, and red pepper flakes, all seasoned with freshly ground black pepper.
2. Which olive oil to use for dipping?
It’s best to use a high-quality extra virgin olive oil for dipping. Extra virgin olive oil has a robust, fruity flavor and a rich, smooth texture that complements the herbs and garlic in the dipping sauce.
3. What type of bread is used for dipping in olive oil?
The most common types of bread used for dipping in olive oil are crusty Italian bread, ciabatta, or baguettes. These breads have a firm texture and porous crumb that absorbs the flavorful oil without becoming too soggy.
4. Can I use fresh herbs instead of dried herbs in this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute fresh herbs for dried herbs. Fresh herbs will provide a more vibrant flavor, but you may need to use a larger quantity, as dried herbs are more concentrated.
5. Can I make this dipping sauce ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dipping sauce ahead of time. The flavors will deepen as it sits, making it even more delicious. Store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a day or refrigerate for longer storage. Reheat slightly before serving.
6. How do I store leftover olive oil dipping sauce?
Store any leftover dipping sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The olive oil may solidify when chilled, so allow it to come to room temperature before serving again. You can also reheat it slightly to restore its liquid state.
7. Can I add cheese to the dipping sauce?
Absolutely! Adding freshly grated Parmesan cheese to the dipping sauce just before serving adds a nutty, savory flavor that pairs beautifully with the herbs and garlic.
8. Is this dipping sauce spicy?
The sauce has a mild heat from the red pepper flakes. If you prefer a spicier dip, you can increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
9. Can I use this dipping sauce as a marinade?
Yes, the dipping sauce can double as a marinade for grilled meats or vegetables. The olive oil and herb mixture adds a rich, savory flavor that enhances the taste of your dishes.
10. What other dishes can I pair with this dipping sauce?
In addition to bread, this dipping sauce pairs well with grilled vegetables, roasted potatoes, seafood, pasta, and even as a topping for bruschetta or pizza crusts. It’s a versatile sauce that complements many dishes.
This Carrabba’s Olive Oil Dipping Sauce recipe is not only quick and easy to prepare, but it also adds a burst of flavor to any meal.
Perfect as an appetizer or alongside a hearty pasta dish, this sauce will quickly become a staple in your kitchen. Enjoy!
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Dipping oil!!! looks healthy though..
yep, healthy
looks simple. is it healthy?
healthy and super delicious