Pa amb oli: which olive oil works best?

Pa amb oli has only a few ingredients: bread, olive oil and salt. That is exactly why the oil decides the taste. So which one works best? That depends on whether you prefer it mild or strong.

Mild and fruity for beginners

If you are making pa amb oli for the first time, a mild, fruity oil is a good choice. It does not dominate and lets the bread and salt shine. The Oli Caimarí Extra Virgin Olive Oil (250 ml) is a good place to start, also because the 250 ml bottle is ideal for trying.

Stronger for more character

If you like it more intense, choose a coupage with some pungency in the finish, for example the Antoni Mateu Olive Oil Coupage (250 ml). It goes well with robust bread and hearty toppings.

The bread makes the difference

Traditionally you use a rustic bread with a firm crust, lightly toasted. It absorbs the oil well without falling apart.

Do not forget the salt

A pinch of salt lifts the aroma of the oil. Sea salt with herbs works especially well, for example the Caimarí Sea Salt with Spices.

Sides for the aperitif

In Mallorca pa amb oli is often served with pâtés, olives or cheese. You will find matching pâtés from Munar, La Luna and Antoni Mateu in our pâtés category.

The recipe

The full recipe with ingredients and method is in our article Pa amb oli: Mallorca's national dish. You will find all the oils to reorder under olive oil from Mallorca.

Mild or strong: a quick guide

• Mild and fruity: goes with fresh bread, ripe tomatoes and delicate sides such as olive pâtés.
• Stronger with some pungency: goes with robust bread, sobrasada or mature cheese.

Matching oil and sides

The stronger the side, the more character the oil can have. A mild olive paste goes with a gentle oil; with sobrasada it can be a bit more intense.

How much oil?

Generous, but not dripping: the bread should absorb the oil without getting soggy. One to two tablespoons per slice is a good guide.

And the bread?

Rustic bread with a firm crust, lightly toasted. Soft sandwich bread goes soggy quickly and tolerates less oil.

🫒 Want to make it at home? The Pa amb Oli Set contains extra virgin olive oil, sea salt with aromatic herbs and classic MUNAR pâté at a set price; you only need bread and a ripe tomato. We ship to Germany and across the EU.