Finishing oils are a fun and flavorful addition to your table. Made with wholesome ingredients like olive oil, herbs, and garlic, they add a delicious layer of flavor to chicken, fish, potatoes, vegetables, salads, pasta, omelets — even sandwiches.
A little goes a long way, making them not only a healthy alternative to processed sauces but also an economical choice. Just a dash of one simple ingredient can transform an ordinary dish into something extraordinary.
Look for finishing oils at your grocery store, specialty shops, or in online stores like Yummy Bazaar or My Panier — there are so many choices. One brand that caught my attention in France is A L'Olivier. They've been producing quality oils since 1882 and offer a great example of what you can discover. Their infused olive oils come in flavors like lemon and thyme, basil, marjoram, lavender, herbes de Provence, rosemary, and more. You can also find them on Amazon, but other online stores often have better prices.
Keep your finishing oils on the dinner table, and you won't forget to use them — also, kids love these!
Due to their delicate nature, finishing oils should be added after cooking. When heated, they can break down and lose their flavor. For the best taste, drizzle them over a dish just before serving.
Try adding a drizzle to pasta, pizza, risotto, bruschetta, omelets, or steamed and roasted vegetables. Just a dash will effortlessly add flavor to something simple.
I often start the next day's dinner ahead of time. For example, I put vegetables and potatoes on to boil or steam while I’m in the kitchen anyway. The next day, they’re ready for dinner — just add a dash of flavored olive oil, and you have an easy, delicious dish.
Add some to salads and steamed carrots or potatoes.
In potatoes salads or slaws
Or sauteed vegetables — a fun way to clean out the fridge and use up what you have in hand
You may also enjoy reading about truffle oil. It's another fabulous finishing oil and it's divine on buttered popcorn or omelettes
