My first marriage family introduced me to the New Year’s Eve tradition of Italian bagna cauda with cream and fresh raw vegetables and Italian bread. A great dip or fondue for any celebration.

This dip is a fun party appetizer. You will find the classic oil version of  Italian Bagna Cauda served at the Wine Garden during the annual Labor Day weekend Little Italy Festival in Clinton, Indiana. The best Italian bread & breadsticks are at Clinton, Indiana, IGA.

Also, my Fried Zucchini would make a great dip accompaniment.

I recommend you fix both oil and my cream version at your next event.

Bagna Cauda with Cream

Bagna cauda with oil originated in 16th century Italy. However, I prefer a creamy version. I have served it hot as a dipping sauce with cut-up fresh vegetables and Italian bread.

Also, I like to add tuna to the bagna cauda for more body.

  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 sticks butter
  • 10 cloves garlic (minced)
  • 2 tins anchovies in oil (small)
  • 1 5 oz can tuna-drained (optional)
  • 1-pint heavy cream

Used for dipping

  • celery
  • cabbage
  • lettuce
  • Italian Bread
  • any other vegetable cut up will work
  1. Melt butter with the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
  2. Stir in the minced garlic and cook until tender. Add the anchovies to the butter mixture. I use a potato masher and mash the anchovies. Cook a few minutes.
  3. Add the tuna to the mixture. Stir until well combined.
  4. Reduce heat to low.
  5. Add the heavy cream to the skillet and heat until the mixture comes to a boil.
  6. Serve in small hot bowls for use with the dipping ingredients. Almost any fresh raw vegetable goes well with bagna cauda.

Bagna Cauda with oil:

If you prefer your bagna cauda without the cream, substitute the following amounts of olive oil and butter and omit the cream. Tuna is optional.

1 cup of olive oil & 1 stick of butter

Italian Bagna Cauda