Thyme and Garlic Infused Olive Oil Dip with Rustic Bread
A fragrant olive oil dip infused with fresh thyme and garlic, perfect for dipping warm rustic bread. This Mediterranean-inspired recipe, ready in about 10 minutes, turns extra virgin olive oil, fresh thyme leaves, garlic cloves into a satisfying snack for between meals, packed lunches, or game-day spreads — minimal active time and easy to scale up for a crowd. Each serving lands at about 180 calories and feeds 4, so it fits into lunchboxes, road trips, or an afternoon-energy gap without derailing the day. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves
- 2, thinly sliced garlic cloves
- 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
- 1/2 tsp sea salt
- 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper
- 1 loaf, sliced and toasted rustic country bread
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Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: In a small saucepan over low heat, gently warm 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil with 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves and 2 thinly sliced garlic cloves for 5 minutes until the oil is fragrant but not hot enough to fry.
- Step 2: Remove from heat and stir in 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes, 1/2 tsp sea salt, and 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper.
- Step 3: Pour the infused olive oil into a shallow serving dish and allow to cool slightly.
- Step 4: Serve immediately with warm slices of toasted rustic country bread for dipping into the flavorful oil.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Thyme and Garlic Infused Olive Oil Dip with Rustic Bread take to make?
Total time is about 10 minutes (5 min prep + 5 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Thyme and Garlic Infused Olive Oil Dip with Rustic Bread?
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for crisp items, or in the fridge for anything dairy- or produce-based, for up to 3–5 days. Re-crisp baked snacks in a 300°F oven for 5 minutes if they soften.
Can I substitute ingredients in Thyme and Garlic Infused Olive Oil Dip with Rustic Bread?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Thyme and Garlic Infused Olive Oil Dip with Rustic Bread for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Thyme and Garlic Infused Olive Oil Dip with Rustic Bread?
Mediterranean snacks like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
