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The Recipe · No.798 · Bagna Càuda

Bagna Càuda, and where to source it

Bagna Càuda — 5best2buy.com 5BEST2BUY.COM Bagna Càuda Italian 5best2buy.com

Poach the sliced garlic in milk before it melts into the oil, which tames its raw burn and turns it sweet. Then cook it low with the anchovies until the fish dissolves completely into a smooth, savory dip.

By Vince Gonzalez · Published July 2026 · Sourcing verified 5 Jul 2026

Prep15 min
Cook20 min
Makes6 servings
CuisineItalian
Cost$
Gluten-free
Contains  dairy · fish
The Ingredients — and where to get them
Cook for 6 servings
Our ratio, your call. The amounts below are a tested starting point — a version, not the one and only. Anything tagged to taste is the knob you turn: start there, then make it yours.
Garlic
Sliced thin and poached soft in milk so it melts sweet. Fresh, firm heads.
20 clovesrecommended
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Anchovies
Salt-cured fillets, rinsed; they melt into the oil for the savory depth.
12 filletsrecommended
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Olive oil
The body of the dip; a fruity extra-virgin carries it.
1 cuprecommended
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Butter
Beaten in at the end to round and stabilize the dip. A good butter helps.
4 tbsprecommended
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Milk
Used only to poach the garlic; discarded after. Whole milk is best.
1 cuprecommended
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The Rundown
Greedometer ●●●●● Squeaky clean
About as virtuous as dinner gets.
EffortEasy
Cook it with
One-potNo-cook
The Method
  1. Poach the garlicSimmer the sliced garlic in milk until soft, then drain.
  2. Melt the anchovyWarm the oil with the garlic and minced anchovies over low heat.
  3. Cook it smoothCook gently, mashing, until the anchovy dissolves into a paste.
  4. Mount and serveBeat in the butter off the heat and keep warm over a tabletop flame for dipping.
The Toolkit

Small pot · Wooden spoon · Tabletop warmer

Straight Answers
Can you freeze Bagna Càuda? — Yes

Yes — it freezes well. Cool it fully, portion into airtight containers, and it keeps a few months; thaw in the fridge and reheat gently.

Can you make Bagna Càuda ahead of time? — Yes

Yes — it keeps in the fridge for several days; stir or shake it before serving.

Is Bagna Càuda gluten-free? — Yes

Yes — nothing in this recipe as written contains gluten. As always, glance at the labels on any packaged items (broth, sauces, chocolate), since brands vary.

Is Bagna Càuda vegan? — No

No — it contains seafood, so it isn’t vegetarian or vegan.

Community Notes

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© 2026 5best2buy.com · Recipe No.798

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