Homemade Basil Dipping Oil
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A good dipping oil pairs perfectly with warm, fresh bread, and this homemade basil dipping oil delivers on flavor without being complicated. It’s fresh, fragrant, and an easy way to add something extra to everyday meals or casual gatherings.
Made with just a handful of ingredients, it’s naturally vegan, gluten-free, soy-free, and nut-free, making it a simple option for sharing. It comes together quickly and is easy to make at home—here’s how to do it.
Ingredients
- 1 cup packed fresh basil leaves
- ½ cup olive oil
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 2 garlic cloves
- 1 teaspoon salt, divided
Makes: about ½ cup
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Rest Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Directions
Bring about 4 to 6 cups of water to a boil in a medium or large pot. Prepare a medium bowl with ice and cold water.
Once the water is boiling, stir in ½ teaspoon of salt until dissolved. Add the basil leaves and boil for about 10 seconds, just until they turn bright green.
Immediately drain and transfer the basil to an ice bath to stop the cooking.
Once cool, remove the basil and gently squeeze out most of the water. Lay the leaves on paper towels and press to remove as much moisture as possible. If any stems are still attached, remove them.
Peel and roughly chop the garlic.
Add the basil leaves to a blender, chopping them first if your blender isn’t very powerful. Add the chopped garlic, crushed red pepper flakes, the remaining ½ teaspoon of salt, and olive oil.
Blend on medium speed until the basil starts to break down, then increase the speed and blend until the mixture is mostly smooth.
Let the oil sit for about 1 hour to allow the flavors to develop.
Storage
Store in a sealed glass container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. Bring to room temperature before using.
Serving Suggestions
Here are some tasty ways to enjoy this dipping sauce.
- Cheese Boards: Serve in a small dish alongside soft cheeses like burrata, mozzarella, or goat cheese as part of a charcuterie or cheese board.
- Bread Dipping: Serve with warm, crusty bread like a baguette, ciabatta, or sourdough for an easy appetizer or side.
- Drizzle for Proteins: Spoon over grilled chicken, steak, fish, or shrimp to add a fresh, herbaceous finish.
- Pasta: Toss with warm pasta for a quick and easy herb oil sauce—especially good with angel hair or penne.
- Roasted Vegetables: Drizzle over roasted or grilled vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or potatoes.
- Salad Dressing: Mix with a bit of vinegar or lemon juice for a simple, flavorful dressing for leafy greens or pasta salad.
Homemade Basil Dipping Oil
Ingredients
- 1 cup packed fresh basil leaves
- ½ cup olive oil
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 2 garlic cloves
- 1 teaspoon salt divided
Instructions
- Bring about 4 to 6 cups of water to a boil in a medium or large pot. Prepare a medium bowl with ice and cold water.
- Once the water is boiling, stir in ½ teaspoon of salt until dissolved. Add the basil leaves and boil for about 10 seconds, just until they turn bright green.
- Immediately drain and transfer the basil to an ice bath to stop the cooking.
- Once cool, remove the basil and gently squeeze out most of the water. Lay the leaves on paper towels and press to remove as much moisture as possible. If any stems are still attached, remove them.
- Peel and roughly chop the garlic.
- Blend on medium speed until the basil starts to break down, then increase the speed and blend until the mixture is mostly smooth.
- Let the oil sit for about 1 hour to allow the flavors to develop.
Notes
Storage
Store in a sealed glass container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. Bring to room temperature before using.
