Olive Oil and Cheese Pairing: Creating Perfect Combinations

Cheese is likely a staple in your household. Whether it comes to sprinkling it on top of your latest culinary creation or eating it by the slice, cheese is perfect for every occasion. But have you ever thought of pairing it with olive oil?

Whether you enjoy mild or sharp cheeses, olive oil is the perfect ingredient to pair with your cheese to bring out a new layer of flavor. Let’s take a look at some of the best olive oil and cheese pairings and how you can use olive oil to level up your next charcuterie board.

Olive Oil Drizzle

Start by slicing up your favorite cheese for your charcuterie board. Arrange your crackers and meats around the plate as well. Then, to finish off your plate, drizzle a bit of olive oil over the cheese slices. 

This is a simple way to enhance the flavor of the cheese and provide an even smoother tasting experience. To bring out even more flavor, add a sprinkle of sea salt or ground pepper.

Dip Your Feta Cheese

Take a couple of tablespoons of olive oil and mix in some light herbs and spices. Then, use the olive oil as a dip for your favorite feta cheese. This is one of our favorite pairings because this tangy, salty cheese pairs perfectly with the smooth, savory olive oil dip. 

Grilled Cheese And Olive Oil

Olive oil can be more than a dip or drizzle, you can use it to elevate your next grilled cheese sandwich. Instead of using butter to grill your bread, lightly brush some olive oil on the bread. Then, fill the sandwich with your favorite cheese and warm it over the stove until browned.

If you’re not keen on brushing olive oil onto your sandwich before cooking it, give the sandwich a drizzle of olive oil once it’s cooked to provide an extra layer of richness.

Create A New Dip

A great way to pair olive oil and cheese is by mixing them to create a dip! There are tons of great olive oil and cheese dip recipes you can experiment with, but here are some of our favorites.

Garlic Olive Oil Dip

• Freshly minced garlic
• Red pepper flakes
• Dried oregano
• Salt & pepper
• Olive Oil
• Parmesan Cheese

Add a pinch of each of the spices to a shallow bowl or plate. Pour the olive oil over the spices. Add just enough so the spices are covered. Sprinkle parmesan cheese over the top to create the perfect appetizer dip to dip pieces of bread in.

Olive Oil Bread Dip

• Double-concentrated tomato paste
• Olive oil
• Dried basil
• Dried oregano
• Rosemary
• Garlic powder
• Salt
• Cheese of your choice
• Balsamic vinegar

In a shallow, flat-bottomed bowl, whisk together the tomato paste and olive oil to break up the paste. Then, add the basil, oregano, rosemary, garlic powder, and salt to taste. Whisk everything together and add more olive oil if needed. 

Sprinkle your favorite cheese over the top. Then, directly before serving, drizzle the balsamic vinegar over the top. Use a piece of your favorite bread to dip and enjoy!

Loaded Bread Dipping Oil

• Balsamic vinegar
• Sun-dried tomatoes
• Garlic
• Sage
• Rosemary
• Dried apricots
• Dried cranberries
• Pistachios
• Salt
• Orange zest
• Parmesan cheese
• Olive oil

Gather and combine all the ingredients in a small bowl or dish. Add herbs and spices to taste. Use your favorite bread to dip and enjoy!

Each of these dips gives an insight into the different ways you can combine cheese and olive oil to create the perfect dip for your next party or get-together. Feel free to experiment with different spices and serving sizes to find the perfect olive oil and cheese pairing for you.

Find Your Favorite Olive Oil At The Olive Branch

Stop in to ask our experts at The Olive Branch to recommend the best oil for your recipes. You can even schedule a tasting with us to find the best olive oil for you!

The Olive Branch is dedicated to providing premium extra virgin olive oils, balsamic, and wine vinegars at our storefront in The Village at Winona in Winona Lake, Indiana, and through our online shop.