This homemade chili garlic olive oil is flavourful, easy to make, and incredibly versatile. It’s perfect for drizzling on meals, dipping fresh bread, or gifting to friends and family this holiday season. Keep a jar on hand for a delicious and quick Christmas appetizer!

Homemade Chili and Garlic Flavoured Olive Oil in a Decorative Jar with Bamboo Spoon

At the Farmer’s market a couple summers ago, we picked up a jar of chili garlic olive oil. It seemed like a no brainer for dipping bread, but little did we know it would become a favourite addition to soup, salad, pizza, pasta, roasted veggies and more.

Unfortunately, we never made it back to pick up another jar. And because we were missing that little kick of heat at mealtime, I started playing around with ingredients until I came up with something that was very close. Woohoo!

Open Jar of Chili Garlic Olive Oil with Slice of Bread on Wood Board

This holiday season, I’ll be sharing jars of my homemade chili garlic olive oil with our loved ones. And, if you’re looking for other handmade gift ideas, continue reading to the bottom where my Seasonal Simplicity friends are sharing their creations too! (Be sure to check out my fringe napkins as part of the holiday DIY project from this series.)

Ready for this tasty recipe? Don’t blink! It’ll take you mere minutes to put together. And, when you compare it to store-bought flavoured oils, you’re going to save big by making your own.

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How to Make Chili Garlic Olive Oil

Ingredients

Always start with good quality 100% extra virgin olive oil that’s fresh.

You’ll also need:

crushed red pepper
garlic
granulated sugar
sea salt

Five whole ingredients. That’s it!

Keep reading! Full ingredient measurements and instructions are in the printable recipe card at the bottom of the post.

Chili and Garlic Olive Oil Holiday Gift Basket

Instructions

In a small saucepan over low heat on stove, add half the olive oil and full amount of crushed red chili, garlic, salt and sugar. Gently heat for about 4-5 minutes, stirring often. (Don’t brown garlic.)
Remove from heat, stir in remaining olive oil and allow to cool. Transfer to a clean jar and store in refrigerator (up to 4 days).

This recipe makes approximately 2, 125 mL jars.

How to Package Your Chili Garlic Olive Oil for Gifting

Of course, the jar is important if you’re planning on gifting this flavoured olive oil. I found these Weck or Le Parfait look-alikes at the Dollar Store. Clear glass shows off the beautiful mix of chili and garlic.

I also added a bamboo spoon, a bit of baker’s twine and a printable holiday cheer tag. It’s also a good idea to include “keep refrigerated” and “use by” labels.

Chili and Garlic Olive Oil Holiday Gift Basket with Decorative Jars and Bamboo Spoons

Create a Delicious Olive Oil and Bread Gift Basket

Need a gift for a foodie, holiday hostess, neighbour or someone else on your list? Create a bread and olive oil gift basket!

Simply grab a basket, line it with a tea towel and load it up with good quality bread (gluten-free works too), flatbread, olive tapenade, a small dipping bowl, mini spoons or spreaders and a wooden board. Pesto would be great addition, or even a nice wheel of cheese.

Of course, it’s best to put this olive oil gift idea together the day you’re presenting it. You may even want to wrap fresh bread in a bit of parchment.

Be sure to check out these gifts from the kitchen too!

Note: Always store this homemade flavoured olive oil in the refrigerator.

Chili and Garlic Olive Oil Holiday Gift Basket - DIY Handmade Gift Idea for The Foodie or Hostess by Satori Design for Living

Quick and Easy Holiday Appetizer Idea

Of course, you’ll want to make a jar of this chili garlic olive oil for yourself too. Having a jar ready in the fridge along with a artisanal loaf of bread in the freezer means you’re prepared for unexpected guests or hungry family members in no time.

I also suggest having a jar of this cranberry compote on hand too!

Wood Board with Jar of Homemade Chili Garlic Olive Oil and Slices of Bread

To serve, cut bread into slices and display on board along with a small bowl (or individual condiment dishes) of infused oil. We also enjoy it with homemade crostini and cornbread.

Dipping Bowl of Chili Garlic Olive Oil with Artisan Bread Slices

Other Ways to Use Garlic Chili Olive Oil

This versatile chili garlic olive oil isn’t just for gifting. It’s a little jar of culinary kick that can elevate so many dishes. Here are some ideas to get creative in the kitchen:

Drizzle on pizza and pasta
Add to soup or stew as a flavour booster
Spoon over freshly sliced tomatoes, roasted vegetables, or salads
Use as dip for pot stickers or dumplings
Place on a charcuterie board
Brush over roasted meats or seafood
Stir into grains or beans

My husband and son put it on almost anything!

More Edible Christmas Gift Ideas to Try

Be sure to pin this chili oil gift to your boards on Pinterest!