Spicy Italian Chili Oil

Oil I want for Christmas is this Spicy Italian Chili Oil! This stuff is an essential item in my kitchen. I use it everywhere I can on whatever I can, both in recipes and on its own as a condiment. It’s truly an MVP.

Spicy Italian Chili Oil also happens to be super easy to make and a perfect gift to give to your friends this Christmas! And just like all good things Italian, it only gets spicier over time!

Watch me make this recipe on Instagram!

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Spicy Italian Chili Oil


  • Author: Dan Pelosi

What You’ll Need

Scale

Ingredient ratio:

  • 1 cup olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon red pepper flakes
  • 3 dried chili peppers

What You’ll Do

  1. This recipe is meant to be multiplied based on how much chili oil you want to make. So, my first step is to fill up the containers I will be storing the chili oil in with plain olive oil. Then I measure out how much oil that is, in cups. Now I know exactly how much oil I will need to make! From there, I can use the ratio amounts above to make my chili oil. Yes, it’s a little bit of a tedious back and forth process to measure, but well worth it in the end!
  2. Ok let’s make our oil! Take your cup(s) of olive oil and pour it in a pan. Place pan on the stove over medium for about five minutes. We want it to be warm to the touch, and that’s about it. No need to go any hotter here, I promise.
  3. Meanwhile, add your tablespoon(s) of red pepper flakes to an empty bowl or pitcher. Pour your warm over oil the flakes and stir. Let oil cool.
  4. You can totally add more or less chilis if you want it more or less spicy! I like a medium spice and that is what we are getting here!
  5. Using a funnel (ideal to have one on hand), carefully pour your cooled oil into your special oil bottle(s) or jar(s). Add any remaining chili flakes as well. Then add your three dried chili peppers. These are for decoration, but will add a little extra kick! If you don’t have them, don’t worry.
  6. Seal your bottle(s) or jar(s) and start using your oil! It will get stronger over time, and lasts about 3 months.
  7. Be sure to use fully dried chilis—store bought is best. Any moisture can grow bacteria, and you do not want that!

Make It Step By Step With Me:

1. This recipe is meant to be multiplied based on how much chili oil you want to make. So, my first step is to fill up the containers I will be storing the chili oil in with plain olive oil. Then I measure out how much oil that is, in cups. Now I know exactly how much oil I will need to make! From there, I can use the ratio amounts above to make my chili oil. Yes, it’s a little bit of a tedious back and forth process to measure, but well worth it in the end!

2. Ok let’s make our oil! Take your cup(s) of olive oil and pour it in a pan. Place pan on the stove over medium for about five minutes. We want it to be warm to the touch, and that’s about it. No need to go any hotter here, I promise.

3. Meanwhile, add your tablespoon(s) of red pepper flakes to a bowl or pitcher.

You can totally add more or less chilis if you want it more or less spicy! I like a medium spice and that is what we are getting here!

4. Pour your warm over oil the flakes.

5. Stir. Let oil cool.

6. Using a funnel (best way to do this), carefully pour your cooled oil into your bottle(s) or jar(s).

7. Like so.

8. Add any remaining chili flakes as well.

9. Then add your three dried chili peppers. These are for decoration, but will add a little extra kick! If you don’t have them, don’t worry.

10. Seal your bottle(s) or jar(s) and start using your oil! It will get stronger over time, and lasts about 3 months.

11. Spicy Italian Chili Oil is one of my favorite giftable food items! People don’t know how much they experience it—it’s truly the gift that keeps on giving. Enjoy!