February 25, 2025 at 3:36 PM PST
Cooking Kitchen Best Olive Oils
These Are the Only Olive Oils You’ll Ever Need in Your Kitchen
For cooking, finishing, and everything in between.
For cooking, finishing, and everything in between.
Despite its robust flavor profile, olive oil is something most home cooks take for granted. It’s true that we frequently use it to cook with or as the base for homemade salad dressings, but the best olive oils have the potential to do so much more. Admittedly, I used to be one of those people who’d purchase an affordable bottle to use for cooking, baking, drizzling, and everything in between. However, I quickly changed my tune after realizing how diverse the profile of olive oil can be.
Delicate, fruity, vibrant, nutty, peppery, or subtly sweet, olive oil has a range of flavors and aromas to consider. Each variation lends itself to different things, making it one of the most diverse (not to mention flavorful) kitchen oils. Still, finding a good olive oil in the sea of bottles at the supermarket isn’t always easy. The key is understanding the basics. Like wine, olive oil develops different flavors depending on where the fruit is grown and how it’s made. For example, California oils often have a milder taste than Italian styles, while Grecian oils are much more robust.
Diving into the wide world of olive oil doesn’t have to be challenging. Below, we’ve gathered the best bottles for cooking, finishing, and tasting to keep on hand in your home.
Grown and made in the mountains of Crete, Greece, this EVOO is bursting with smooth and fresh aromas like green apples and avocado. It's bright and acidic but has a creamy texture that uplifts simple veggies and delicate leafy greens. Use it for roasting to give spring vegetables a touch of richness or as the base of a salad dressing for a zingy flavor.
Sure, this bottle doubles as decor, but inside it, you'll find a delicious oil that's rich in flavor yet subtle enough to be used every day. Think of it as the olive oil you'd reach for on Tuesday pasta night to give your dish a velvety texture and taste, but also the one you'd put out for display when you have guests over.
The olives for this oil are grown on centuries-old trees in Ojai, California, before being harvested and cold-pressed by hand to ensure the freshest taste. The blend brings together several stellar varieties to give the oil a vibrant and peppery taste that's well-balanced by ripe fruit. It's the perfect style for cooking and tasting, making it one of the most versatile high-quality bottles on the list.
The delicate flavor of this oil is uplifted by subtle sweet flavors that make it ideal for finishing dishes and desserts and for baking. It's smooth, yet gentle, and brings a hint of nutty and fruity aromas to whatever it's drizzled on. Pro tip: Pour a bit on top of vanilla ice cream for an interesting, tangy kick or a sharp cheese to mellow intensity.
The cool packaging is only part of what makes Graza's olive oils so beloved. Beyond the cool labels, the brand delivers tasty olive oils to be enjoyed in various ways. Drizzle is their finishing oil and is packed with delicate flavors to enhance salads, meats, and even savory or sweet desserts. It's fresh and bright without being too overwhelming, and the squeeze bottle makes it a no-brainer for quick use.
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