There’s something undeniably nostalgic about that first dip into Carrabba’s bread dip.
But you don’t need to wait for your next restaurant reservation to relive that moment. This copycat recipe is so easy to recreate at home!
With simple, pantry-friendly ingredients, you can whisk up a batch quickly. All you need to do is mix, stir, and let the flavors meld together.
And don’t forget the most crucial part: grabbing crusty bread for that first flavorful dip. It’s pure magic!
Keep reading and discover the secret behind Carrabba’s addictive bread dip.
Carrabba’s Bread Dip
The essence of Carrabba’s can be captured right in your kitchen.
The magic lies in the symphony of ingredients. It boasts a medley of dried herbs, fiery red pepper flakes, and aromatic notes of garlic.
Combine these with the velvety embrace of quality olive oil, and voila! The beloved dip is reborn.
Crafting this dip at home will surely make your Italian-themed dinner feel more authentic.
Choosing the Best Olive Oil
Olive oil sets the foundation for the dip, so investing in a good bottle is a must. When shopping for it, here’s what you should keep in mind:
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil (EVOO) – Always opt for extra virgin olive oil. It’s the highest quality olive oil, offering the purest flavor and aroma.
- Harvest Date – Unlike wine, olive oil doesn’t improve with age. Look for a recent harvest date on the label.
- Packaging – Choose oils in dark glass bottles, which protect the oil from light and prevent degradation.
Ingredients
Ever wonder what makes this dip so irresistibly good? Let’s break it down with a peek into its flavor-packed lineup:
- Crushed Red Pepper Flakes – These add a spicy kick to the dip, lending a bit of heat.
- Black Pepper – It gives a sharp, slightly spicy taste that complements the overall flavor.
- Dried Herbs – This recipe includes oregano, rosemary, basil, and parsley. When combined, they bring a rich, aromatic taste.
- Garlic – I used both garlic powder and a freshly minced garlic clove. It provides a strong, pungent aromatic taste that adds flavor depth.
- Salt – It enhances the flavors of the other ingredients, making them more pronounced.
- Extra virgin olive oil – It serves as a rich, flavorful base for the aromatic ingredients.
How to Make Carrabba’s Bread Dip
Transform everyday ingredients into your very own Carrabba’s-inspired masterpiece with these simple steps:
- Gather all the ingredients and grind. Grind all the ingredients together using a mortar and pestle or a spice grinder.
- Add olive oil. Put one tablespoon of the mixture together on a plate. Pour extra virgin olive oil over the spice mixture until the oil covers the spices.
- Dip fresh, crusty bread, and enjoy!
Tips for the Best Bread Dip
For the best homemade Carrabba’s-style bread dip experience, follow these tips:
- Don’t skimp on the olive oil. The foundation of this dip is olive oil, so invest in high-quality extra virgin olive oil. It will have a richer and more authentic flavor.
- Adjust to Taste Everyone’s spice tolerance and flavor preferences are different. Always start with less strong ingredients like red pepper flakes and garlic. You can always add more later, according to your preference.
- Let it relax. After mixing the herbs and spices with the olive oil, let the mixture rest before serving. This step will allow the flavors to meld and infuse the oil.
- Get creative with garnishes. You can garnish the dip with a sprig of fresh rosemary for an aesthetic touch and fresh taste. Or sprinkle it with grated Parmesan cheese for added flavor.
Best Breads for Oil Dipping
The key to a mouthwatering oil-dipping experience is using the right bread. Here are some of the best types of bread for oil dipping:
- Baguette – This classic French bread has a crispy crust and soft interior, perfect for soaking up flavored oil.
- Ciabatta – An Italian bread with a chewy crust and open crumb structure, ciabatta can hold a lot of oil, allowing for maximum flavor absorption.
- Focaccia – This flat Italian bread is usually seasoned with olive oil, rosemary, and salt on its own. When used for dipping, it brings an additional layer of flavor.
- Sourdough – With its tangy taste, sourdough bread can contrast the flavors in the dipping oil.
- Rustic Country Loaf – Any rustic-style artisan bread with a hard crust and soft interior will work wonderfully.
When selecting bread for oil dipping:
- Always opt for fresh bread. Stale bread won’t have the same texture or ability to soak up the oil.
- Choose bread with a more open crumb structure. Having large air pockets is ideal. They can absorb and hold onto the oil better than dense bread.
Whatever bread you choose, serving it slightly warm or toasted can elevate the experience.
How to Store
Properly storing your homemade Carrabba’s bread dip will help maintain its freshness and flavor. Here’s how to keep it:
- Transfer the dip. Put it in a clean glass jar or a container with a tight-sealing lid.
- Store it in the refrigerator. The olive oil may solidify in the cold but will return to its liquid state.
- Allow the mixture to come to room temperature. Give it a good stir to mix the spices that may have settled at the bottom. Serve, and enjoy!
Note:
The flavors of the spices in the dip may intensify over time.
Always give it a quick taste test before serving to ensure the flavor is still to your liking. Adjust with additional olive oil or spices if needed.
Carrabba’s Bread Dip (Copycat Recipe)
10
minutesThis Carrabba’s bread dip copycat is just as good as the real deal! The mixture of olive oil and herbs is the ultimate dunking experience!
Ingredients
1 tablespoon crushed red pepper flakes
1 tablespoon black pepper
1 tablespoon dried oregano
1 tablespoon dried rosemary
1 tablespoon dried basil
1 tablespoon dried parsley
1 tablespoon garlic powder
1 tablespoon minced garlic clove
1 teaspoon salt
Extra virgin olive oil
Instructions
- Grind all the ingredients together using a mortar and pestle or a spice grinder.
- Put 1 tablespoon of the mixture together on a plate. Pour extra virgin olive oil over the spice mixture until the oil covers the spices.
- Dip fresh, crusty bread into the oil and spice mixture, and enjoy!
Notes
- Mix the herbs and spices with the olive oil and let it sit, allowing the flavors to infuse before serving.
