Italian Herb and Spice Dip Mix
Elevate your appetizer game with this flavorful Italian Herb and Spice Dip Mix, perfect for pairing with warm French bread. Inspired by Carrabba's famous dip, this delightful blend features a robust combination of crushed red pepper flakes, black pepper, oregano, rosemary, basil, parsley, garlic powder, and fresh minced garlic. It’s simple to make and can be prepared in advance, making it a great addition to any gathering. Enjoy the rich Italian flavors that will have your guests reaching for more!
N/A
Servings
35
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
Crushed red pepper flakes
1 tablespoon (none)
Black pepper
1 tablespoon (none)
Dried oregano
1 tablespoon (none)
Dried rosemary
1 tablespoon (none)
Dried basil
1 tablespoon (none)
Dried parsley
1 tablespoon (none)
Garlic powder
1 tablespoon (none)
Minced garlic clove
1 tablespoon (minced)
Salt
1 teaspoon (none)
Instructions
1
In a spice grinder or blender, combine the crushed red pepper flakes, black pepper, dried oregano, dried rosemary, dried basil, dried parsley, garlic powder, minced garlic, and salt.
2
Pulse the mixture until it reaches a fine consistency, but be careful not to turn it into a powder.
3
Transfer the mixture to a small bowl or jar for storage.
4
When ready to serve, take 1 tablespoon of the dip mix and place it on a shallow plate.
5
Drizzle extra virgin olive oil over the top, ensuring it sufficiently coats the spice mixture.
6
Use a small spoon to mix the oil and spice blend until well combined.
7
Warm slices of French bread and serve for dipping into the flavorful oil blend.
Nutrition Information
2.5g
Fat
2.25g
Carbs
0.625g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Italian Herb and Spice Dip Mix?
It is a robust blend of dried herbs and spices designed to be mixed with olive oil for dipping bread, inspired by the popular appetizer at Carrabba's Italian Grill.
What are the primary ingredients in this dip mix?
The mix includes crushed red pepper flakes, black pepper, dried oregano, rosemary, basil, parsley, garlic powder, minced garlic, and salt.
How do I prepare the spice mixture?
Combine all dry ingredients and the minced garlic in a spice grinder or blender and pulse until the mixture reaches a fine consistency without becoming a powder.
How should I serve the Italian Herb and Spice Dip?
Place 1 tablespoon of the prepared spice mix on a shallow plate, drizzle with extra virgin olive oil, and stir to combine.
What is the best bread to pair with this dip?
Warm slices of French bread are highly recommended for dipping into this flavorful oil and herb blend.
Can I make this dip mix in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the dry mixture ahead of time and store it in a small jar until you are ready to serve.
How many calories are in a serving of this dip mix?
A serving of this dip mix contains approximately 35 calories.
Is this recipe low in cholesterol?
Yes, this recipe is tagged as low cholesterol, making it a heart-healthier appetizer option.
What type of garlic does this recipe use?
This recipe uses a combination of both garlic powder and fresh minced garlic for a layered savory flavor.
Is the Italian Herb and Spice Dip Mix spicy?
It has a mild kick due to the inclusion of crushed red pepper flakes and black pepper.
How much fat is in one serving?
One serving contains approximately 2.5g of fat.
How many carbohydrates are in this dip?
There are approximately 2.25g of carbohydrates per serving.
How much protein is in the dip mix?
The dip contains about 0.625g of protein per serving.
How many ingredients are required for this recipe?
There are 9 ingredients in total: 8 spices/herbs and salt.
Can I use a blender if I don't have a spice grinder?
Yes, a blender works perfectly to pulse the herbs into the correct consistency.
Should I grind the spices into a fine powder?
No, you should pulse until the consistency is fine, but avoid turning it into a complete powder to maintain some texture.
What kind of olive oil should I use?
Extra virgin olive oil is recommended for the best flavor profile when serving.
Is this recipe considered easy to make?
Yes, it is tagged as an easy recipe and involves simple steps like measuring, pulsing, and mixing.
What tags are associated with this recipe?
The tags include dip, italian, appetizer, herbs, spices, low cholesterol, easy recipe, bread dip, and carrabba's inspired.
Does this recipe contain sugar?
Based on the ingredient list, there is no sugar added to this dip mix.
What is the recommended serving size for the spice mix?
One tablespoon of the dry spice mix is the standard amount used when preparing a serving with olive oil.
Does the recipe include salt?
Yes, the recipe includes 1 teaspoon of salt to enhance the herbal flavors.
Can this be used as a dry rub?
While intended as a dip, the flavorful herb and spice combination could also serve as an excellent dry rub for meats.
Is the minced garlic fresh or dried?
The recipe calls for a tablespoon of minced garlic clove, which provides a fresh, pungent flavor compared to dried garlic.
How do I ensure the oil and spices are well combined?
Use a small spoon to stir the oil and the tablespoon of spice blend on the plate until they are thoroughly mixed.
Is this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, all ingredients used in this spice mix are plant-based and vegetarian-friendly.
Can I substitute fresh herbs for the dried ones?
This specific recipe is designed for dried herbs to ensure the correct consistency when pulsed, but fresh could be used for immediate consumption only.
How should I store leftover dry mix?
Store any remaining dry mixture in an airtight container or small jar in a cool, dark place.
What is the serving suggestion for the bread?
The bread should be sliced and warmed before serving for the most authentic experience.
What is the origin of the inspiration for this dip?
The recipe is inspired by the famous herbal oil dip served at Carrabba's Italian Grill.