When you’re invited to a holiday party and asked to bring an appetizer, it can be tricky to decide what to make. This Pomegranate Molasses Bread Dipping Oil is a perfect go-to recipe that’s both easy to prepare and full of fresh, vibrant flavors and festive colors.
This bread dipper recipe combines good-quality olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and pomegranate molasses to create a rich base, with fresh herbs and minced garlic and parmesan added for lots of flavor.
Finished with a sprinkle of pomegranate arils, this dip has a festive green-and-red color scheme that’s perfect for the holiday season. Serve it with fresh bread, and enjoy!
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Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Festive look: Red pomegranate arils and green herbs give it a holiday feel.
- Quick to make: Minimal prep for a flavorful appetizer.
- Fresh ingredients: Uses fresh herbs, garlic, and parmesan for vibrant flavors.
- Great for parties: An easy go-to when you need a crowd-pleasing dish.
Ingredients
- If you can't find pomegranate molasses to purchase you can make your own or swap it for balsamic reduction.
- If you don't like garlic you can omit it from this recipe.
- Use freshly grated parmesan for this recipe
See the recipe card below for a full list of ingredients and measurements.
How To Make Holiday Bread Dipping Oil
Here are the step-by-step instructions to make this recipe.
Step 1: Prep the ingredients.
Prep all ingredients: grate the parmesan, chop the fresh herbs, mince the garlic, and gather the pomegranate arils.
In a shallow dish, combine olive oil, balsamic vinegar, pomegranate molasses, minced garlic, fresh herbs, and grated parmesan.
Step 2: Whisk everything together.
Whisk everything together until well blended.
Step 3: Add the pomegranate arils.
Sprinkle pomegranate arils on top. Taste some of the dipping oil and add salt and pepper to taste.
Serve with fresh bread for dipping.
Expert Tips
- Use high-quality olive oil: The flavor of the olive oil stands out in this recipe, so choose an extra virgin variety with a robust taste.
- Fresh herbs make a difference: Freshly chopped herbs add brightness and color they can't be subbed for dried herbs in this particular recipe.
- Prepare ahead: You can mix the oil, vinegar, molasses, garlic, and herbs a few hours in advance to let the flavors meld. Add the parmesan and pomegranate arils just before serving.
- Customize with spices: Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or sumac or orange zest for an extra layer of flavor.
Recipe FAQs
Yes! You can prepare the oil, balsamic vinegar, pomegranate molasses, garlic, and herbs a few hours in advance. Add the parmesan and pomegranate arils right before serving for the freshest flavor and texture.
Crusty artisan breads like ciabatta, sourdough, or baguettes are perfect for dipping. You can also serve it with soft focaccia or whole grain bread.
If you don’t have pomegranate molasses, you can use a mix of balsamic reduction and some freshly grated orange juice to replicate the sweet-tart fruity flavor.
If you tried this Holiday Bread Dipping Oil or any other recipe on my website, please leave a 🌟 star rating and let me know how it went in the 📝 comments below. I love hearing from you!
Recipe
Pomegranate Molasses Bread Dipping Oil
Ingredients
- ½ cup olive oil
- 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
- 1 ½ tbsp pomegranate molasses
- ½ clove garlic finely minced
- ¼ cup fresh parsley chopped
- 1 tbsp fresh mint chopped
- ⅓ cup freshly grated parmesan
- ¼ cup pomegranate arils
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prep all ingredients: grate the parmesan, chop the fresh herbs, mince the garlic, and gather the pomegranate arils.
- In a shallow dish, combine olive oil, balsamic vinegar, pomegranate molasses, minced garlic, fresh herbs, and grated parmesan. Whisk everything together until well blended.
- Sprinkle pomegranate arils on top. Taste some of the dipping oil and add salt and pepper to taste. Serve with fresh bread for dipping.
Notes
- Use high-quality olive oil: The flavor of the olive oil stands out in this recipe, so opt for an extra virgin variety with a robust taste.
- Fresh herbs make a difference: Freshly chopped herbs, like parsley or basil, add brightness and color they can't be subbed for dried herbs in this particular recipe.
- Prepare ahead: You can mix the oil, vinegar, molasses, garlic, and herbs a few hours in advance to let the flavors meld. Add the parmesan and pomegranate arils just before serving.
- Customize with spices: Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or sumac or orange zest for an extra layer of flavor.
Nutrition
If you make this recipe please leave a comment and give this recipe a rating! I aim to respond to every single comment. I am so grateful when you trust me and try one of my recipe creations in your own kitchen. I love to hear how it went! Let’s connect on Instagram and tag me in your food pics!
‘Til next time,
Christy
Emma says
This dip is absolutely incredible! The flavour of every ingredient shines and is the perfect holiday appetizer!!!
Meg says
This is DELIGHTFUL! The pop of pomegranate and the herbs are just delicious. I took it to a neighbourhood gathering and it was greatly enjoyed! I just put fresh toasted baguette around it like a wreath. It looked beautiful and I will definitely make it for another party!