Carrabba’s Italian Grill is a popular Italian-American restaurant chain known for its pasta, pizza, and signature bread dip appetizer. The bread dip at Carrabba’s is a warm, cheesy blend served with slices of freshly baked bread that is perfect for dipping. But what exactly goes into this addictive appetizer? Let’s take a closer look at the key ingredients and find out how to recreate this recipe at home.
The Main Ingredients
According to Carrabba’s official website and recipes shared by former employees, the main ingredients in Carrabba’s bread dip are:
- Olive oil
- Garlic
- Onions
- Tomatoes
- Parsley
- Oregano
- Basil
- Mozzarella cheese
- Parmesan cheese
These ingredients form the flavorful tomatoey basil base of the dip. Olive oil, garlic, and onions provide aroma and depth of flavor. Diced tomatoes add freshness and moisture. And the parsley, oregano, and basil infuse the dip with aromatic Italian herb flavor.
The star ingredients, though, are the melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. These give Carrabba’s dip its irresistibly rich, creamy texture and cheesy indulgence. The gooey cheese binds all the ingredients together into the ideal dipping consistency.
The Secret Ingredients
In addition to the core ingredients listed above, former Carrabba’s cooks have revealed a few “secret” extras that take the bread dip to the next level:
- Chicken base
- White wine
- Sugar
- Spices like garlic powder, oregano, basil, and black pepper
The chicken base adds savory, meaty flavor and depth to the dip, while the white wine contributes a subtle complexity. A touch of sugar balances out the acidity from the tomatoes. And augmenting the fresh herbs with extra dried spices intensifies the classic Italian profile.
The Complete Recipe
Combining all the ingredients above, the full recipe for Carrabba’s bread dip is:
| Ingredients | Amount |
|---|---|
| Olive Oil | 1/4 cup |
| Onions, diced | 1/2 cup |
| Garlic, minced | 2 cloves |
| Parsley, chopped | 2 Tbsp |
| Chicken base | 1 tsp |
| White wine | 2 Tbsp |
| Diced tomatoes | 14 oz can |
| Sugar | 1/2 tsp |
| Dried oregano | 1 tsp |
| Dried basil | 1/2 tsp |
| Garlic powder | 1/4 tsp |
| Black pepper | 1/4 tsp |
| Mozzarella cheese | 1 cup |
| Parmesan cheese | 1/4 cup |
Steps to Make the Bread Dip
To make Carrabba’s bread dip at home, follow these simple steps:
- Heat the olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Add the onions and garlic and cook for 2-3 minutes until fragrant and soft.
- Stir in the parsley, chicken base, white wine, tomatoes, sugar, oregano, basil, garlic powder and black pepper. Let the mixture simmer for 5-10 minutes.
- Reduce heat to low. Slowly add the mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses while stirring continuously until melted and fully incorporated.
- Transfer the cheesy dip to a crockpot or oven-safe dish to keep warm for serving.
- Serve immediately with slices of warm bread for dipping.
The dip can also be made in a slow cooker on low for 2-3 hours if you want the flavors to meld together even more over time.
Tips for the Best Homemade Bread Dip
To nail the perfect copycat Carrabba’s bread dip, keep these tips in mind:
- Use high-quality extra virgin olive oil for the most flavor.
- Don’t skimp on the garlic and onions – they provide a savory base.
- Go heavy on the fresh basil, oregano, and Italian parsley.
- Splurge on real Parmesan cheese rather than powdered Parmesan.
- Whole milk mozzarella gives the creamiest, richest texture.
- Add the cheese slowly while stirring to prevent clumping.
- If the dip seems too thick, thin it out with a splash of milk or cream.
- Serve warm rather than piping hot to avoid burning your mouth.
- Offer both Italian and French bread for dipping.
What to Serve with the Dip
At Carrabba’s, the bread dip is served as an appetizer before meals. But this versatile dip pairs well with a variety of dishes beyond bread and makes a great party food too. Here are some serving suggestions:
- Bread sticks – Delicious for dipping with a crispy, garlicky crunch.
- Bruschetta – Top toasted bread with tomatoes, basil and mozzarella for an Italian-inspired bruschetta.
- Vegetables – Dip raw vegetables like carrots, cucumbers, zucchini and bell peppers.
- Crackers – Opt for sturdy crackers that won’t crumble in the dip.
- Chips – Potato and tortilla chips work nicely.
- Chicken tenders or wings – Use as a sauce for fried or grilled chicken.
- Meatballs – Skewer bite-sized meatballs and provide for dipping.
- Pasta – Toss with hot cooked penne or rigatoni pasta for a quick, hearty meal.
The uses for this versatile cheesy dip are endless! Adjust the serving vessels and pairing items to suit the occasion.
How to Store Leftover Dip
Like many cheese-based sauces and dips, Carrabba’s bread dip isn’t ideal for long term storage. For best results:
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Heat gently in a saucepan or microwave when ready to reuse.
- Add a splash of milk or cream if the dip seems too thick.
- Stir frequently to maintain a smooth, creamy texture.
- Avoid freezing, as this can cause the texture to become grainy or separated.
- Bring to room temperature before serving again.
For longer storage, the dip also freezes reasonably well for up to 3 months. Portion into freezer-safe bags or containers, leaving 1/2 inch room for expansion. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating on the stovetop or in the microwave.
Variations
Once you master the classic recipe, try these easy variations for new twists on Carrabba’s famous bread dip:
- Artichoke bread dip – Add a 14-oz can of drained chopped artichoke hearts.
- Spinach bread dip – Mix in a 10-oz package of thawed and drained frozen chopped spinach.
- Bacon bread dip – Cook 4 oz. chopped bacon until crispy and stir into the hot dip.
- Chorizo bread dip – Add 1/2 lb spicy cooked chorizo sausage crumbled into the sauce.
- Crab bread dip – Fold in 1 cup cooked lump crab meat just before serving.
- Buffalo chicken bread dip – Shred 2 cups cooked chicken in Buffalo wing sauce and add to the cheese sauce.
You can also experiment with different herb combinations like cilantro, rosemary and chives, or spice it up with red pepper flakes. The possibilities are endless for customizing this crowd-pleasing dip!
Make it Dairy-Free
To make a dairy-free version, omit the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Instead, use:
- 1 cup melted vegan mozzarella or other dairy-free cheese
- 1/4 cup nutritional yeast flakes
For even more creaminess, stir in 1/4 cup plain vegan yogurt or softened cream cheese. The rest of the ingredients remain the same for a flavorful plant-based take on this classic bread dip.
Common Questions
Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about Carrabba’s famous bread dip recipe:
What type of bread is served with the dip?
Carrabba’s serves their bread dip with fresh rolls baked in-house daily. Ciabatta and focaccia work well, but any bread with an airy interior that is absorbent enough to soak up the dip is a good choice.
Can I prepare the dip ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the dip 1-2 days in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge until ready to gently reheat and serve.
Is the bread dip spicy?
Carrabba’s bread dip has a mild level of spice from black pepper and crushed red pepper flakes. Omit the red pepper and go light on the black pepper for a kid-friendly version.
How long does leftover bread dip last?
Store leftovers in the fridge for 3-4 days. The texture may suffer over time but it will still taste good. You can also freeze the dip for up to 3 months.
Can I use mozzarella instead of Parmesan?
Yes, swapping in all mozzarella is fine. The Parmesan adds a sharper, tangier flavor but isn’t essential. Use any combination of melted Italian cheeses.
Conclusion
Carrabba’s famous bread dip consists of tomatoes, olive oil, garlic, onions, Italian herbs and a special blend of melted cheeses. A few secret ingredients like chicken base, white wine and spices elevate the flavor. While the exact quantities are a well-guarded company secret, anyone can now recreate this addictive appetizer at home with basic ingredients. Just don’t forget to serve it alongside hunks of crusty bread for dipping! With a few tweaks and creative pairings, this versatile recipe can be customized for any occasion.