Tomato Olive Oil Bread Dip: The Ultimate Guide & Recipe

Tomato Olive Oil Bread Dip: Prepare to be transported to the sun-drenched shores of the Mediterranean with this incredibly simple, yet utterly irresistible appetizer! Imagine tearing off a piece of crusty bread, dipping it into a vibrant mixture of ripe tomatoes, fragrant herbs, and luscious olive oil, and experiencing an explosion of flavor with every bite. This isn’t just a dip; it’s a culinary journey.

While the exact origins of this delightful concoction are debated, similar bread dips have been enjoyed for centuries throughout the Mediterranean region. Olive oil, a staple of the Mediterranean diet, has always been paired with fresh, seasonal ingredients to create simple, satisfying meals. This tomato olive oil bread dip is a testament to that tradition, showcasing the beauty of fresh, high-quality ingredients.

What makes this dip so universally loved? It’s the perfect combination of flavors and textures. The sweetness of ripe tomatoes, the herbaceous notes of basil and oregano, and the richness of extra virgin olive oil create a symphony of taste that dances on your palate. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to make! With just a few simple ingredients and minimal effort, you can whip up a crowd-pleasing appetizer that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or simply looking for a delicious snack, this dip is sure to impress. I know it’s one of my go-to recipes when I want something quick, easy, and bursting with flavor!

Ingredients:

• 1 large, ripe tomato (about 1 pound), such as Roma or Beefsteak
• 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and roughly chopped
• 1/4 cup green olives, pitted and roughly chopped
• 1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes, oil-packed, drained and chopped
• 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil, plus more for drizzling
• 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
• 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• 1 loaf crusty bread, such as baguette or ciabatta, sliced

Preparing the Tomato Olive Mixture

1. Prepare the Tomato: Begin by preparing your tomato. There are a couple of ways to do this, depending on your preference. You can either peel and seed the tomato, or leave the skin on. For a smoother texture, I recommend peeling and seeding. To peel, score an “X” on the bottom of the tomato with a sharp knife. Briefly plunge the tomato into boiling water for about 30 seconds, then immediately transfer it to an ice bath. The skin should easily peel off. Once peeled, cut the tomato in half and remove the seeds. Dice the tomato into small, even pieces. If you prefer to leave the skin on, simply dice the tomato into small pieces, removing the core.
2. Combine the Olives and Sun-Dried Tomatoes: In a medium-sized bowl, combine the chopped Kalamata olives, green olives, and sun-dried tomatoes. Make sure the sun-dried tomatoes are well-drained of their oil before chopping. The combination of these olives provides a wonderful salty and briny flavor that complements the sweetness of the tomatoes.
3. Add the Basil and Garlic: Add the chopped fresh basil and minced garlic to the bowl with the olives and sun-dried tomatoes. The fresh basil adds a bright, herbaceous note, while the garlic provides a pungent and savory element. Make sure the garlic is finely minced to ensure it distributes evenly throughout the mixture.
4. Incorporate the Tomato: Gently fold in the diced tomato into the bowl with the other ingredients. Be careful not to mash the tomato too much, as you want to maintain its texture.
5. Dress the Mixture: Now it’s time to dress the tomato olive mixture. Pour in the 1/4 cup of extra virgin olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and red wine vinegar. The olive oil adds richness and helps to bind the ingredients together, while the balsamic and red wine vinegars provide a tangy and acidic balance.
6. Season with Spices: Sprinkle in the dried oregano and red pepper flakes (if using). The oregano adds a classic Mediterranean flavor, while the red pepper flakes provide a touch of heat. Season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Remember to taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. You might find that you need a little more salt, depending on the saltiness of your olives.
7. Mix Well and Let it Rest: Thoroughly mix all the ingredients together, ensuring that everything is well combined. Once mixed, cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let it rest at room temperature for at least 30 minutes, or even better, for an hour or two. This allows the flavors to meld together and intensify. The longer it sits, the more flavorful it becomes! If you’re preparing this ahead of time, you can store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Just be sure to bring it back to room temperature before serving.

Preparing the Bread

1. Slice the Bread: While the tomato olive mixture is resting, prepare the bread. Using a serrated knife, slice the crusty bread into 1/2-inch to 3/4-inch thick slices. You want the slices to be thick enough to hold the dip without falling apart, but not so thick that they are difficult to bite into.
2. Toast the Bread (Optional): Toasting the bread is optional, but I highly recommend it. Toasting adds a nice crunch and warmth to the bread, which complements the cool and refreshing tomato olive mixture. You can toast the bread in a toaster, under the broiler, or in a skillet.
   • Toaster: Simply place the bread slices in the toaster and toast until golden brown.
   • Broiler: Preheat your broiler to high. Arrange the bread slices on a baking sheet and broil for 1-2 minutes per side, or until golden brown. Watch carefully, as the bread can burn quickly under the broiler.
   • Skillet: Heat a skillet over medium heat. Add a drizzle of olive oil to the skillet. Place the bread slices in the skillet and cook for 1-2 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy.
3. Garlic Rub (Optional): For an extra layer of flavor, you can rub the toasted bread slices with a clove of garlic. Simply cut a clove of garlic in half and rub the cut side over the surface of the toasted bread. This will infuse the bread with a subtle garlic flavor.

Assembling and Serving

1. Arrange the Bread: Arrange the toasted bread slices on a serving platter or in a basket.
2. Spoon the Tomato Olive Mixture: Spoon the tomato olive mixture generously over the toasted bread slices. Make sure each slice gets a good amount of the mixture.
3. Drizzle with Olive Oil: Drizzle the bread slices with a little extra virgin olive oil. This adds a final touch of richness and flavor.
4. Garnish (Optional): If desired, garnish the bread slices with a few extra fresh basil leaves or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes.
5. Serve Immediately: Serve the tomato olive oil bread dip immediately. It’s best enjoyed fresh, while the bread is still warm and crispy and the tomato olive mixture is at its peak flavor.

Tips and Variations:

• Type of Tomato: While Roma or Beefsteak tomatoes are great choices, you can use any type of ripe tomato you like. Cherry tomatoes or grape tomatoes, halved or quartered, would also work well.
• Type of Olives: Feel free to experiment with different types of olives. Castelvetrano olives, with their bright green color and buttery flavor, would be a delicious addition.
• Cheese: For an extra layer of flavor, you can add some crumbled feta cheese or goat cheese to the tomato olive mixture.
• Herbs: In addition to basil, you can add other fresh herbs, such as parsley, oregano, or thyme.
• Spicy: If you like a lot of heat, add more red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
• Lemon: For a brighter flavor, add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice to the tomato olive mixture.
• Grilled Bread: Instead of toasting the bread, you can grill it for a smoky flavor.
• Make it a Bruschetta: For a more substantial appetizer, you can use larger slices of bread and top them with the tomato olive mixture to make bruschetta.

Serving Suggestions:

• Serve as an appetizer at a party or gathering.
• Serve as a side dish with grilled meats or fish.
• Serve as a light lunch with a salad.
• Serve as a snack with a glass of wine.

This Tomato Olive Oil Bread Dip is a simple yet incredibly flavorful appetizer that is perfect for any occasion. The combination of ripe tomatoes, briny olives, fragrant basil, and garlic-infused olive oil is simply irresistible. I hope you enjoy making and sharing this recipe as much as I do!

Conclusion:

This Tomato Olive Oil Bread Dip isn’t just another appetizer; it’s a vibrant explosion of Mediterranean flavors that will elevate any gathering, or even a simple weeknight meal. The simplicity of the ingredients belies the depth of taste – the sweetness of ripe tomatoes, the fruity richness of olive oil, the pungent garlic, and the herbaceous basil all come together in perfect harmony. It’s a dip that’s both comforting and sophisticated, making it a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

But why is this recipe a must-try? Because it’s incredibly easy to make, requiring minimal effort and readily available ingredients. You can whip it up in minutes, leaving you more time to enjoy your company or relax before dinner. It’s also incredibly versatile. While crusty bread is the classic accompaniment, don’t limit yourself!

Think about serving it with grilled pita bread for a warmer, softer option. Or, for a gluten-free alternative, try dipping crisp vegetable sticks like carrots, celery, and bell peppers. The dip also works beautifully as a topping for bruschetta, adding a burst of fresh flavor to toasted baguette slices.

And the variations are endless! Want to add a little heat? A pinch of red pepper flakes will do the trick. Craving a more complex flavor profile? A drizzle of balsamic glaze adds a touch of sweetness and acidity. For a creamier texture, stir in a spoonful of ricotta cheese. You could even add some chopped Kalamata olives for an extra briny kick.

Consider adding a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese just before serving for a salty, savory note. Another fantastic variation is to roast the tomatoes before blending them into the dip. Roasting intensifies their sweetness and adds a smoky depth that’s simply irresistible. You can also experiment with different types of olive oil. A robust, peppery olive oil will add a bolder flavor, while a milder olive oil will allow the other ingredients to shine through.

This Tomato Olive Oil Bread Dip is more than just a recipe; it’s an invitation to experiment and create your own signature version. It’s a celebration of fresh, simple ingredients and the joy of sharing good food with loved ones.

I truly believe you’ll love this recipe as much as I do. It’s become a staple in my kitchen, and I’m confident it will become one in yours too. So, gather your ingredients, follow the simple steps, and prepare to be amazed by the incredible flavor of this easy-to-make dip.

I’m so excited for you to try it! And I’d absolutely love to hear about your experience. Did you make any variations? What did you serve it with? What did your family and friends think? Please, share your photos and stories in the comments below. Your feedback is invaluable, and it helps me continue to create and share recipes that you’ll love. Happy dipping! Let me know what you think of this Tomato Olive Oil Bread Dip!

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