If you love Carrabba’s Italian Restaurant, you know the bread and dipping oil is legendary. Honestly, I could be perfectly happy with just a loaf of fresh bread, a glass of wine, and this olive oil dip!
This copycat recipe lets you bring that same savory, aromatic experience to your own table in just 5 minutes.

Ingredients You’ll Need
This dip combines a mix of dried and fresh spices for maximum flavor. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 tbsp crushed red pepper flakes
- 1 tbsp freshly cracked black pepper
- 1 tbsp dried oregano
- 1 tbsp dried basil
- 1 tbsp dried parsley
- 1 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp dried rosemary
- 1 1/2 tsp coarse sea salt
- 3 cloves fresh garlic, minced or crushed
- Extra virgin olive oil
Pro Tips:
- Olive Oil: Use a high-quality olive oil; it’s the star of the show. California olive oils are a great choice.
- Salt & Seasonings: Coarse salt brings out flavor without overpowering it. Mix fresh herbs with dried for extra depth. Add extras like thyme, a dash of balsamic, or grated parmesan if desired.
- Serving: For the best results, serve with hearty breads that soak up the oil—focaccia, Italian loaf, sourdough, French bread, naan, or pita are all excellent options.
How to Make It
- Combine all spices and garlic in a bowl and mix thoroughly.
- To serve immediately, place about 1 tbsp of the spice mixture into a shallow bowl and pour 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil over it.
- Serve with your favorite bread for dipping.
Storage Tip:
Store any leftover spice mixture in an airtight container for future use.
Fun Serving Ideas
- Bread Dipping: Tear or slice crusty bread and dip into the olive oil mixture.
- DIY Gifts: Spoon into small mason jars, tie with festive twine, and gift as a homemade, gourmet treat. Label it as “Bread Dipping Oil” for the perfect hostess gift.
Enjoy the warm, fragrant, and irresistible flavors of Carrabba’s right at home!
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes
Servings: 4