Elevate Your Cooking: Unlock the Flavors of Infused Olive Oils in 10 Unique Recipes

Olive oil is a staple in many kitchens around the world, and for good reason. Its rich, buttery flavor and numerous health benefits make it an ideal choice for cooking and finishing dishes. But did you know that infused olive oils can take your cooking to the next level? By adding unique flavors and aromas to your olive oil, you can create a world of possibilities in the kitchen.

From savory to sweet, and from classic to innovative, infused olive oils can add a new dimension to your favorite recipes. In this blog, we'll explore 10 unique recipes that showcase the versatility of infused olive oils and provide you with new ideas and advice to elevate your cooking.

Roasted Garlic and Rosemary Chicken

Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). Season a whole chicken with salt, pepper, and your favorite herbs. Drizzle with infused olive oil (we recommend a roasted garlic and rosemary oil) and place in a roasting pan. Roast for 45-50 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through. Serve with roasted vegetables and a side of quinoa.

Tip: To enhance the flavor of the chicken, massage the infused olive oil into the skin before roasting.

Spicy Shrimp and Pineapple Skewers

Thread shrimp, pineapple chunks, and bell peppers onto skewers. Drizzle with a spicy infused olive oil (like chili-infused or jalapeño-infused) and sprinkle with salt, pepper, and a pinch of cumin. Grill or broil for 8-10 minutes or until the shrimp are pink and cooked through. Serve with a side of coconut rice and steamed vegetables.

Tip: To add an extra kick, drizzle the skewers with a little bit of sriracha sauce before serving.

Lemon-Herb Quiche

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Whisk together eggs, heavy cream, grated cheese, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper. Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice and a drizzle of infused olive oil (like lemon-herb or garlic-herb) to the egg mixture. Pour into a pre-baked pie crust and bake for 35-40 minutes or until the quiche is set. Serve with a side salad and a sprinkle of chopped fresh herbs.

Tip: To add extra flavor to the quiche, sauté the herbs (like thyme or rosemary) in a little bit of butter before adding them to the egg mixture.

Balsamic Glazed Pork Chops

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Season pork chops with salt, pepper, and your favorite herbs. Drizzle with infused olive oil (like balsamic-infused) and place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the pork chops are cooked through.

Glaze with a balsamic reduction (made by reducing balsamic vinegar on the stovetop) and serve with a side of roasted Brussels sprouts and sweet potatoes.

Tip: To add extra flavor to the pork chops, marinate them in the infused olive oil and herbs for at least 30 minutes before baking.

Cilantro-Lime Rice

Cook white or brown rice according to package instructions. Mix in chopped cilantro, lime juice, and a drizzle of infused olive oil (like cilantro-lime or garlic-cilantro). Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve as a side dish or use as a base for burritos or bowls.

Tip: To add extra flavor to the rice, sauté the cilantro in a little bit of butter before mixing it with the cooked rice.

Sun-Dried Tomato and Basil Pasta

Cook pasta according to package instructions. Mix with sun-dried tomatoes, chopped fresh basil, and a drizzle of infused olive oil (like sun-dried tomato or basil-garlic). Season with salt, pepper, and a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese. Serve as a main dish or use as a side dish.

Tip: To add extra flavor to the pasta, sauté the sun-dried tomatoes in a little bit of olive oil before mixing them with the cooked pasta.

Crispy Brussels Sprouts with Balsamic Glaze

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss Brussels sprouts with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Roast in the oven for 20-25 minutes or until crispy. Drizzle with a balsamic reduction (made by reducing balsamic vinegar on the stovetop) and sprinkle with crumbled goat cheese. Serve as a side dish.

Tip: To add extra flavor to the Brussels sprouts, toss them with a little bit of balsamic vinegar before roasting.

Garlic and Herb Roasted Broccoli

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss broccoli florets with olive oil, minced garlic, chopped fresh herbs (like parsley or thyme), salt, and pepper. Roast in the oven for 20-25 minutes or until tender. Serve as a side dish.

Tip: To add extra flavor to the broccoli, drizzle it with a little bit of lemon juice before roasting.

Spicy Roasted Sweet Potato Fries

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Cut sweet potatoes into fry shapes and toss with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Roast in the oven for 20-25 minutes or until crispy. Drizzle with a spicy infused olive oil (like chili-infused or jalapeño-infused) and sprinkle with crumbled bacon. Serve as a side dish.

Tip: To add extra flavor to the sweet potato fries, toss them with a little bit of chili powder or cumin before roasting.

Lemon-Herb Quinoa Salad

Cook quinoa according to package instructions. Mix with chopped fresh herbs (like parsley or dill), lemon juice, and a drizzle of infused olive oil (like lemon-herb or garlic-herb). Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve as a side dish or use as a base for salads or bowls.

Conclusion: Infused olive oils can add a new dimension to your cooking, from savory to sweet and from classic to innovative. Whether you're looking to elevate your favorite recipes or try something new, these 10 unique recipes showcase the versatility of infused olive oils.

From roasted garlic and rosemary chicken to spicy shrimp and pineapple skewers, and from crispy Brussels sprouts with balsamic glaze to spicy roasted sweet potato fries, infused olive oils can add flavor, aroma, and excitement to any dish. So next time you're cooking, don't be afraid to get creative and try something new with infused olive oils. Your taste buds will thank you!