Are you craving that incredible bread dipping oil from Carrabba's Italian Grill? That warm, herby, garlicky goodness that elevates a simple breadstick to a culinary experience? You don't need a reservation to enjoy it anymore! This recipe will guide you through making a delicious homemade version, perfect for a quick weeknight meal or a sophisticated dinner party. It's one of those easy recipes that delivers big on flavor, proving that sometimes the best dishes are the simplest.
Ingredients: A Symphony of Flavor
This recipe relies on fresh, high-quality ingredients to achieve that authentic Carrabba's taste. Gathering your ingredients is the first step towards a delicious meal.
- 1 cup extra virgin olive oil (the best you can afford!)
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh oregano
- 2 cloves garlic, minced (or more, if you love garlic!)
- 1 teaspoon dried red pepper flakes (adjust to your spice preference)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Crusty bread, for dipping (Italian bread, baguette, or focaccia all work wonderfully)
Instructions: Simple Steps to Deliciousness
This recipe is a breeze, even for beginner cooks. Follow these easy steps, and you'll be dipping your bread into flavor heaven in minutes. This is one of those healthy meals that doesn't compromise on taste.
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Combine the Ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, minced garlic, chopped basil, and oregano. Make sure you're using a good quality olive oil, as it will significantly impact the taste of the final product.
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Season to Perfection: Add the red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Give everything another good whisk to ensure the spices are evenly distributed. Taste and adjust the seasonings according to your preference. You can always add more garlic or red pepper flakes for a bolder flavor.
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Let it Infuse: This is crucial! Allow the oil to sit at room temperature for at least 30 minutes, or even better, for a couple of hours. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully, creating a much more complex and delicious dipping oil. Cover the bowl to prevent the oil from absorbing any unwanted odors.
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Serve & Enjoy: Once the oil has infused, serve it immediately with your favorite crusty bread. You can also gently warm the oil over low heat before serving, but be careful not to let it get too hot. This homemade bread dipping oil is excellent as a quick appetizer or a delightful addition to any pasta or salad.
Tips & Variations: Elevate Your Dipping Game
- Herbs: Feel free to experiment with other herbs like rosemary, thyme, or parsley.
- Citrus: A squeeze of lemon or lime juice adds a bright, refreshing note.
- Spice it Up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper for extra heat.
- Cheese: Crumble some Parmesan cheese into the oil for an extra layer of flavor. Pecorino Romano also works well.
- Make it Ahead: You can prepare this bread dipping oil a day or two in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Bring it to room temperature before serving.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate)
This nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.
- Calories: Approximately 150-200 calories (depending on serving size)
- Fat: Primarily unsaturated fat from olive oil
- Protein: Minimal
- Carbohydrates: Minimal (unless adding bread)
This copycat Carrabba's bread dipping oil recipe is a fantastic addition to your repertoire of quick dinner ideas. It's easy to make, incredibly flavorful, and perfect for sharing with friends and family. Enjoy!