Viral Bread Dip with Calabrian Chili & Olives
If there’s one appetizer guaranteed to disappear within minutes this summer, it’s this viral bread dip. It’s bold, salty, spicy, and packed with layers of flavor—all made with a handful of pantry staples.
This dip became popular for good reason. It transforms simple olive oil and condiments into the most flavorful dip for fresh, toasted bread. Briny olives, fragrant herbs, and spicy Calabrian chili come together to create the perfect balance of heat and richness. Pair it with warm crusty bread, and you’ve got the kind of appetizer that will be on repeat weekly.
What I love most about this recipe is how effortless it is. No cooking, no complicated prep—just chop, mix, and serve. It feels elevated enough for entertaining but easy enough to throw together on a weeknight. Tomer and I enjoyed it as a snack with a glass of wine and a toasted sesame baguette on a Sunday afternoon.
Ingredient you’ll need to make spicy olive bread dip
- Olive oil– good quality, extra virgin olive oil is best
- Balsamic vinegar
- Green olives– I used castelvetrano
- Herbs– I added basil and parsley
- Lemon zest
- Calabrian chili peppers– or sub harissa. If you’re not a fan of spice, you can leave this out completely and add crushed garlic
- Feta cheese
- Salt & pepper
The Calabrian chili adds a smoky, subtle heat that doesn’t overpower the dip, while the olives and feta cheese bring that salty bite that keeps you coming back for more.
Serve this with toasted sourdough, focaccia, or even pita for dipping. There’s really no going wrong.
This is the kind of recipe that reminds you simple ingredients can make the best dishes—especially when good bread is involved. I can’t wait for you guys to try it! You can tag me on Instagram if you do.
Other simple side dishes-
Beet Whipped Feta
Watermelon Feta Salad
Roasted Beet Hummus with Za’atar Pita Chips
Spicy Olive Bread Dip
Ingredients
- 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1 1/2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
- 1/4 cup pitted green olives sliced. I used castelvetrano
- 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- 2 tbsp fresh chopped basil
- 2 tbsp fresh chopped parsley
- 1 tbsp chopped calabrian chili peppers or substitute harissa
- Salt & pepper
Directions
- Add the oil and vinegar to a shallow serving platter.
- Mix in the sliced olives, lemon zest, herbs, calabrian chili peppers, feta cheese and salt & pepper.
- Serve with toasted bread or crackers.
- This dip is best enjoyed the same day. If preparing a few hours in advance, add the feta cheese right before serving and let the rest of the ingredients sit at room temperature.
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