Take your cooking to the next level with the rich, complex flavors of infused olive oil! With just a few simple ingredients and some creative combinations, you can elevate your dishes from ordinary to extraordinary. In this article, we’ll dive into 20 flavorful infused olive oil recipes that will add a new dimension to your gourmet cooking.
From savory and herby to sweet and spicy, these unique blends of herbs, spices, citrus, and more will transform your cooking routine forever. Whether you’re looking to add depth to roasted vegetables, brighten up a salad, or simply give your bread a flavorful boost, we’ve got you covered with our diverse selection of infused olive oils.
Let’s start with some classic combinations that never go out of style…
Garlic and Rosemary Infused Olive Oil
This aromatic oil combines the pungency of garlic with the herbaceousness of rosemary, perfect for enhancing the flavor of meats, vegetables, and breads. With just a few simple steps, you can create your own infused olive oil to add a new dimension to your cooking.
Ingredients:
– 1/2 cup high-quality extra virgin olive oil
– 4-6 cloves garlic, peeled and thinly sliced
– 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary leaves
– Salt (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a small saucepan, combine the olive oil, garlic slices, and rosemary leaves.
2. Heat the mixture over low heat for 5-7 minutes, or until the flavors have melded together and the garlic is lightly golden.
3. Remove from heat and let steep for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to infuse.
4. Strain the oil through a fine-mesh sieve into a clean glass bottle. Discard the solids.
5. Store the infused oil in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 6 months.
Cooking Time: 5-7 minutes
Lemon and Thyme Infused Olive Oil
Elevate your culinary creations with this bright and citrusy infused olive oil, perfect for adding a burst of flavor to salads, vegetables, meats, and more.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup extra virgin olive oil
– 2 lemons, sliced into thin wedges
– 2 tablespoons fresh thyme leaves
– Salt (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a clean glass jar with a tight-fitting lid, combine the olive oil, lemon slices, and thyme leaves.
2. Stir gently to distribute the ingredients evenly.
3. Cover the jar and let it sit at room temperature for 7-10 days, shaking the jar daily.
4. After the infusion period, strain the oil through a cheesecloth or fine-mesh sieve into another container. Discard the solids.
5. Store the infused olive oil in an airtight container at room temperature.
Cooking Time:
– Infusion time: 7-10 days
– Preparation time: 5 minutes
Chili and Basil Infused Olive Oil
Elevate your culinary creations with this flavorful infused oil, perfect for finishing dishes or using as a marinade. This recipe combines the richness of olive oil with the spicy kick of chili peppers and the bright, herbaceous flavor of basil.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup high-quality extra virgin olive oil
– 1/2 cup fresh chili peppers (such as jalapeño or Anaheim), sliced
– 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves
– Salt (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a clean glass jar, combine the olive oil, sliced chilies, and fresh basil leaves.
2. Stir gently to combine, making sure all ingredients are well coated with oil.
3. Cover the jar with a lid or plastic wrap and let it sit at room temperature for 24-48 hours to allow flavors to meld.
4. Strain the infused oil through a cheesecloth or fine-mesh sieve into another container, discarding solids.
5. Store the infused oil in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 6 months.
Cooking Time: None, as this is a preparation step rather than a cooking method.
Truffle and Sage Infused Olive Oil
Elevate your cooking with this luxurious truffle and sage infused olive oil, perfect for finishing dishes or using as a flavorful addition to recipes. This simple process yields a rich, aromatic oil with deep flavors of earthy truffles and savory sage.
Ingredients:
– 1/2 cup high-quality extra virgin olive oil
– 2 tablespoons fresh sage leaves
– 1/4 teaspoon black truffle powder (or 1-2 grams shaved fresh truffle)
– Glass jar or infuser with a tight-fitting lid
Instructions:
1. In a glass jar, combine the olive oil and fresh sage leaves.
2. Add the truffle powder (or shaved fresh truffle) to the oil mixture.
3. Stir gently to combine.
4. Seal the jar and let it sit at room temperature for 2-3 days to allow the flavors to meld.
5. Strain the oil through a cheesecloth or fine-mesh sieve into another container, discarding the solids.
6. Store the infused olive oil in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 month.
Cooking Time: None
Orange and Cinnamon Infused Olive Oil
Transform your olive oil into a flavorful and aromatic infusion with the warmth of cinnamon and the brightness of orange zest. Perfect for adding a unique twist to salads, roasted vegetables, or as a finishing touch for soups and breads.
Ingredients:
– 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
– 1/4 cup sliced fresh orange peel (remove any white pith)
– 2 cinnamon sticks (about 6 inches long each)
Instructions:
1. In a clean glass jar with a tight-fitting lid, combine the olive oil and sliced orange peel.
2. Add the cinnamon sticks to the jar, making sure they are fully submerged in the oil.
3. Seal the jar and store it at room temperature for 2-4 weeks, shaking the jar every few days to allow the flavors to meld.
4. After the infusion period, strain the oil through a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth into another clean container. Discard the solids.
Cooking Time:
– Infusion time: 2-4 weeks
– No cooking required!
Sun-Dried Tomato and Oregano Infused Olive Oil
Elevate your culinary creations with this flavorful infused olive oil. Perfect as a finishing touch for pasta dishes, salads, or as a marinade for grilled meats.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup high-quality extra virgin olive oil
– 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes (packed in oil and drained)
– 2 tablespoons dried oregano leaves
– 1 clove garlic (peeled and minced)
Instructions:
1. In a small saucepan, combine the olive oil, sun-dried tomatoes, oregano leaves, and garlic.
2. Heat the mixture over low heat for 5-7 minutes or until the flavors have melded together and the oil has reached a warm temperature (around 160°F).
3. Remove from heat and let it steep for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to infuse fully.
4. Strain the infused olive oil through a fine-mesh sieve into a clean glass bottle.
5. Store in a cool, dark place for up to 6 months.
Cooking Time: 30-40 minutes (including infusion time)
Lavender and Honey Infused Olive Oil
Elevate your cooking with this unique infused olive oil, perfect for dressing salads, finishing dishes, or using as a marinade. This recipe combines the floral sweetness of lavender with the warmth of honey to create a one-of-a-kind flavor profile.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup extra virgin olive oil
– 2 tablespoons dried lavender buds
– 1 tablespoon pure honey
– Optional: 1/4 teaspoon lemon zest (for added brightness)
Instructions:
1. In a small saucepan, combine olive oil and lavender buds.
2. Heat over low heat for 10-15 minutes, or until the mixture reaches a gentle simmer.
3. Remove from heat and let steep for at least 2 hours or overnight.
4. Strain the infused oil through a cheesecloth or fine-mesh sieve into a clean glass bottle. Discard the lavender buds.
5. Add honey to the infused oil and whisk until dissolved.
6. Taste and adjust the sweetness level to your liking.
Cooking Time: 10-15 minutes (steeping time)
Jalapeño and Lime Infused Olive Oil
Transform your cooking experience by infusing olive oil with the bold flavors of jalapeños and lime. This recipe is perfect for adding a spicy kick to your favorite dishes.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup high-quality extra virgin olive oil
– 2-3 jalapeño peppers, sliced
– Juice of 1 fresh lime (about 2 tablespoons)
– Optional: garlic cloves, thyme sprigs, or other herbs for added depth
Instructions:
1. In a clean glass jar with a tight-fitting lid, combine the olive oil and sliced jalapeños.
2. Place the jar in a cool, dark place (such as a pantry) for 7-10 days to allow the flavors to meld.
3. After the infusion period, strain the oil through a cheesecloth or fine-mesh sieve into another clean container. Discard the solids.
4. Add the lime juice and stir well.
5. Store the infused olive oil in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 6 months.
Cooking Time:
– Infusion period: 7-10 days
– Straining and preparation time: 15 minutes
Rosemary and Black Pepper Infused Olive Oil
Elevate your cooking with a flavorful and aromatic infused olive oil that combines the earthy notes of rosemary with the sharpness of black pepper. This simple recipe yields a delicious condiment perfect for finishing dishes, making sauces, or using as a marinade.
Ingredients:
– 1/2 cup high-quality extra virgin olive oil
– 4 sprigs of fresh rosemary (about 2 tablespoons)
– 1 teaspoon whole black peppercorns
Instructions:
1. In a small saucepan, heat the olive oil over low heat.
2. Add the rosemary sprigs and whole black peppercorns to the oil.
3. Simmer the mixture for 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and infuse into the oil.
4. Remove from heat and let it cool to room temperature.
5. Strain the oil through a cheesecloth or fine-mesh sieve into an airtight container.
Cooking Time: 10-15 minutes
Notes:
– Store the infused olive oil in the refrigerator for up to 6 months.
– Use as needed, and adjust the amount of rosemary and black pepper to taste.
Vanilla and Cardamom Infused Olive Oil
Elevate your culinary creations with the warm, aromatic flavors of vanilla and cardamom infused into rich olive oil. This simple recipe yields a delicious condiment perfect for finishing dishes or using as a marinade.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup extra virgin olive oil
– 2 whole vanilla beans, split lengthwise
– 6-8 green cardamom pods, crushed
– 1/4 teaspoon pink Himalayan salt (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a clean glass jar with a tight-fitting lid, combine the olive oil, vanilla beans, and crushed cardamom pods.
2. Seal the jar and let it sit at room temperature for 2-3 weeks, shaking the mixture daily to infuse the flavors.
3. After the infusion period, strain the oil through a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth into another container. Discard the solids.
4. If desired, add the pink Himalayan salt and stir to combine.
5. Store the infused olive oil in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 6 months.
Cooking Time: None
Garlic and Parsley Infused Olive Oil
Create a flavorful and aromatic oil by infusing garlic and parsley into olive oil, perfect for enhancing the taste of your favorite dishes. This simple recipe yields a delicious and versatile condiment that’s great as a finishing touch for pasta, pizza, vegetables, and more.
Ingredients:
– 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
– 3 cloves garlic, peeled and thinly sliced
– 1/4 cup fresh parsley leaves
– Salt (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a small saucepan, combine olive oil, garlic slices, and parsley leaves.
2. Heat the mixture over low heat for 5-7 minutes or until the flavors have melded together and the garlic is slightly caramelized.
3. Remove from heat and let it cool to room temperature.
4. Strain the oil through a fine-mesh sieve into a clean glass bottle. Discard the solids.
5. Store the infused oil in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks.
Cooking Time: 10-15 minutes
Enjoy your delicious Garlic and Parsley Infused Olive Oil!
Lemon Zest and Bay Leaf Infused Olive Oil
Elevate your cooking with this aromatic infused olive oil, perfect for dressing salads, marinades, or finishing dishes. This recipe combines the brightness of lemon zest with the subtle warmth of bay leaves.
Ingredients:
• 1 cup high-quality extra virgin olive oil
• 2 tablespoons freshly grated lemon zest (from about 1 lemon)
• 4-6 dried bay leaves
Instructions:
1. In a small saucepan, heat the olive oil over low heat.
2. Add the lemon zest and bay leaves to the oil. Stir gently to combine.
3. Continue heating for 5-7 minutes or until the mixture reaches a gentle simmer.
4. Remove from heat and let steep at room temperature for at least 30 minutes or overnight (8 hours).
5. Strain the infused oil through a fine-mesh sieve into a clean glass jar. Discard solids.
Cooking Time: 5-7 minutes plus infusion time
Chili Flake and Garlic Infused Olive Oil
Elevate your cooking with this simple yet flavorful infused oil recipe, perfect for adding a spicy kick to your dishes. This chili flake and garlic infused olive oil is great on pasta, pizza, salads, or as a finishing touch for roasted vegetables.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup high-quality extra virgin olive oil
– 2 cloves of garlic, thinly sliced
– 1/4 teaspoon chili flakes (adjust to desired level of heat)
– A pinch of salt
Instructions:
1. In a small saucepan, combine the olive oil, garlic slices, and chili flakes.
2. Heat the mixture over low heat for 5-7 minutes or until the garlic is lightly toasted and fragrant.
3. Remove from heat and let it infuse for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
4. Strain the infused oil through a fine-mesh sieve into a clean glass bottle, discarding the solids.
5. Store the infused oil in the refrigerator to slow down oxidation.
Cooking Time: 5-7 minutes
Basil and Lemon Infused Olive Oil
This simple recipe combines the brightness of lemon zest and the sweetness of fresh basil to create a fragrant and flavorful infused olive oil perfect for elevating your cooking.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup extra virgin olive oil
– 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves
– 2 lemons, zested
– Salt (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a clean glass jar with a tight-fitting lid, combine the olive oil and fresh basil leaves.
2. Add the lemon zest to the mixture, stirring gently to combine.
3. Seal the jar and let it infuse at room temperature for 24-48 hours, shaking occasionally.
4. After the infusion period, strain the oil through a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth into another container, discarding the solids.
5. If desired, add a pinch of salt to enhance the flavor.
6. Store the infused olive oil in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks.
Cooking Time: None
Thyme and Lemon Infused Olive Oil
Elevate your cooking with this simple yet flavorful infusion of thyme and lemon into olive oil. This versatile oil is perfect for dressings, marinades, or as a finishing touch for various dishes.
Ingredients:
– 1/2 cup good-quality extra virgin olive oil
– 1/4 cup fresh thyme leaves
– 2 lemons, zested and juiced (about 2 tablespoons)
Instructions:
1. In a small saucepan, heat the olive oil over low heat until it reaches a temperature of around 100°F to 110°F.
2. Add the thyme leaves and lemon zest to the oil. Stir gently to combine.
3. Remove from heat and let it infuse for at least 30 minutes or overnight in the refrigerator.
4. Strain the oil through a cheesecloth or fine-mesh sieve into a clean glass bottle. Discard the solids.
5. Add the lemon juice to the infused oil and stir gently.
Cooking Time: 30 minutes to overnight (depending on infusion time)
Tips:
– Use fresh thyme for the best flavor.
– Adjust the amount of thyme and lemon zest to your liking.
– Store the infused oil in an airtight container at room temperature or in the refrigerator for up to 6 months.
Rosemary and Garlic Infused Olive Oil
Create a flavorful and aromatic infused oil by combining the pungency of garlic with the herbaceousness of rosemary. This simple recipe is perfect for adding depth to pasta dishes, roasted vegetables, or as a finishing touch for breads and sauces.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup extra virgin olive oil
– 4-6 sprigs of fresh rosemary leaves
– 3-4 cloves of garlic, peeled and slightly crushed
Instructions:
1. In a small saucepan, combine the olive oil, rosemary sprigs, and crushed garlic.
2. Heat the mixture over low heat (around 150°F to 170°F) for 30 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
3. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
4. Strain the oil through a cheesecloth or fine-mesh sieve into a clean glass jar. Discard the solids.
5. Store the infused oil in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 6 months.
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Orange Peel and Clove Infused Olive Oil
Create a fragrant and flavorful infused olive oil by combining the warm spices of cloves with the bright, citrusy essence of orange peel. This unique blend is perfect for enhancing salads, roasted vegetables, or as a finishing touch for grilled meats.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup high-quality extra virgin olive oil
– 2-3 whole cloves
– 2-3 strips of dried orange peel (about 1/4 inch thick)
– A clean glass jar with a tight-fitting lid
Instructions:
1. In the glass jar, combine the olive oil, cloves, and orange peel.
2. Close the jar tightly and let it sit at room temperature for 7-10 days, shaking the jar daily to facilitate infusion.
3. After the infusion period, strain the oil through a cheesecloth or fine-mesh sieve into another container. Discard the solids.
4. Store the infused olive oil in an airtight container in a cool, dark place.
Cooking Time: None required. Simply use as needed to add flavor to your dishes.
Chipotle and Lime Infused Olive Oil
Elevate your cooking with this bold and tangy infused olive oil, perfect for adding a smoky kick to any dish. This recipe combines the richness of olive oil with the spicy warmth of chipotle peppers and the brightness of lime zest.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup high-quality extra virgin olive oil
– 2-3 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, seeded and chopped
– Juice of 1 lime (about 2 tablespoons)
– Salt (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a small bowl, combine the chopped chipotle peppers and lime juice.
2. Place the olive oil in a clean glass jar or airtight container with a tight-fitting lid.
3. Add the chipotle-lime mixture to the olive oil, stirring gently to combine.
4. Cover the jar or container and let it infuse at room temperature for at least 24 hours or up to 5 days.
5. Strain the infused oil through a fine-mesh sieve into another container, discarding the solids if desired.
Cooking Time: None
Herbes de Provence Infused Olive Oil
Elevate your cooking with this aromatic infused olive oil, perfect for adding a touch of the French Riviera to your dishes. This flavorful oil is ideal for salad dressings, marinades, and finishing touches.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup high-quality extra-virgin olive oil
– 2 tablespoons Herbes de Provence (a blend of thyme, rosemary, oregano, and lavender)
– 1 bay leaf
Instructions:
1. In a small saucepan, heat the olive oil over low heat.
2. Add the Herbes de Provence and bay leaf to the oil.
3. Simmer for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, allowing the herbs to infuse into the oil.
4. Remove from heat and let it cool to room temperature.
5. Strain the oil through a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth to remove solids.
Cooking Time: 10-15 minutes
Tips:
– Use this infused oil within 6 months for optimal flavor.
– Experiment with different herb blends and combinations to create unique flavors.
– Store in an airtight container at room temperature.
Saffron and Garlic Infused Olive Oil
Elevate your cooking with this aromatic infused olive oil, perfect for dressing salads, finishing dishes, or using as a marinade. This simple recipe combines the subtle earthy flavor of saffron with the pungency of garlic.
Ingredients:
– 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
– 1/4 teaspoon high-quality saffron threads
– 3 cloves garlic, peeled and minced
– 1 tablespoon white vinegar (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a small saucepan, heat the olive oil over low heat.
2. Add the saffron threads and let them steep for 10-15 minutes, or until the oil has taken on a subtle yellow hue.
3. Remove from heat and stir in the minced garlic.
4. Let the mixture cool to room temperature.
5. If desired, add the white vinegar and whisk until well combined.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Yield: 1/2 cup infused olive oil
Summary
Elevate your gourmet cooking with these 20 flavorful infused olive oil recipes! From classic combinations like garlic and rosemary to unique pairings such as truffle and sage, you’ll find inspiration for any dish. Infuse your olive oil with herbs like thyme, oregano, and basil, or add a twist of citrus with lemon and orange zest. Spice things up with chili flakes, jalapeño peppers, and chipotle peppers in adobo sauce. For dessert, try vanilla and cardamom or lavender and honey. These infused olive oils are perfect for finishing dishes like pasta, pizza, salads, and more. Get creative and take your cooking to the next level!
