Garlic Confit Recipe: Tender, Buttery, and a Must-Have for Homemade Condiment
There’s something special about garlic when it’s cooked slowly in olive oil. It turns soft, sweet, and spreadable, making it a must-have for anyone who loves homemade sauces and cooking staples. This garlic confit recipe uses simple ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen and bakes them low and slow for a rich, mellow flavor.
Once you try it, you’ll find yourself adding these creamy garlic cloves to everything from meatballs and pasta to butter-mashed potatoes. It’s a French cooking favorite that belongs in every kitchen.
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What Is Garlic Confit?
Garlic confit is whole garlic cloves gently cooked in oil at a low temperature until tender and golden. It’s not exactly a sauce or spread but more of a versatile condiment you can use to boost flavor in countless garlic recipes.
The garlic becomes buttery and rich, while the oil transforms into a flavorful herb oil recipe perfect for drizzling. Both the roasted garlic cloves and the garlic oil can be used in everything from homemade sauce recipes to savory herb butter and creamy salad dressings.
Why You’ll Love This Garlic Confit
- Creamy garlic flavor without the sharpness of raw garlic.
- Soft, roasted garlic cloves ready to use in spreads, sauces, and dips.
- Garlic olive oil that works beautifully in salad dressings, aioli recipes, and marinades.
- Easy way to preserve garlic cloves for everyday meals.
Ingredients
See the recipe card for the complete list of ingredients and quantities.
Step-by-step Instructions
Step 1: Cut and remove the top third of the garlic bulbs. Place the garlic in a loaf pan and add the olive oil to it. Make sure that the oil fully covers the garlic. Add the springs of thyme and spread them between the garlic.
Step 2: Preheat your oven to 275℉. Put the garlic in the oven for 1 hour and 15 minutes. Remove from the oven and let it cool off for 20 minutes.
Step 3: Squeeze out the garlic cloves out of each head. Store for up to 1 month in the refrigerator.
Tips for the Best Garlic Confit Recipes
- Use fresh, firm garlic bulbs. Avoid cloves that are sprouting.
- Keep the garlic fully submerged in the oil while baking and storing.
- Low, slow heat is key to achieving creamy garlic without browning too much.
- Always refrigerate garlic confit after cooling.
- If you want to change up the flavor, you can add rosemary, oregano, or even chili flakes for a spicier herb oil recipe.
How to Store Garlic Confit Safely
Garlic confit must be refrigerated to stay safe. Transfer the roasted garlic cloves and the garlic oil to an airtight container as soon as they cool. Keep the cloves fully covered with oil at all times.
Use within 2–3 weeks. Spoon out only what you need and avoid contaminating the oil with utensils that have touched other foods. Always use a clean and dry spoon when handling it. Preserving garlic cloves in oil is a simple way to extend their shelf life while adding a savory herb touch to your cooking.
Ways to Use Garlic Confit
Garlic confit and garlic oil are some of the best ways to boost flavor across a variety of dishes. Here are a few ideas to get started:
- Roasted Garlic Spread for Bread: Mash the cloves and spread them over warm baguette slices.
- Garlic Confit Butter: Blend soft cloves into compound butters for topping steaks, fish, or roasted vegetables.
- Creamy Garlic Aioli Recipe: Whip a few cloves into homemade mayonnaise for a creamy dip.
- Creamy Salad Dressing: Blend the infused oil into yogurt- or mayonnaise-based dressings.
- Garlic Butter Recipes: Add mashed cloves to butter and spread on warm bread or biscuits.
- Sides: Stir into mashed potatoes, roasted carrots, or sautéed greens.
- Hot Sauce Recipes: Add a roasted garlic clove or two to your favorite homemade hot sauce for extra depth.
- Appetizer or Snacks: Serve the cloves alongside cheese boards, crackers, and olives.
There’s no shortage of recipes that use garlic confit once you have a jar ready.
Garlic confit is one of those garlic recipes you’ll find endless ways to use once you make it. It brings a creamy, mellow flavor to every dish it touches. From roasted garlic spread for bread to garlic confit butter for meats and veggies, it’s a kitchen essential that’s simple to prepare and easy to love.
More Spreads And Dips
- This skinny Bang Bang Sauce has all the bold flavors you love—sweet, spicy, and creamy—with none of the mayo! It is quick to make and perfect for dipping, drizzling, or adding to your favorite dishes.
- Add a touch of spice to your appetizer spread with this Tandoori Chicken Dip packed with bold tandoori flavors. Serve it with chips, fresh veggie sticks, or naan for a quick and impressive snack.
- Creamy, smoky, and oh-so-delicious! This smoked salmon and egg dip is the perfect addition to your appetizer spread. Made with simple ingredients, it’s a quick recipe that delivers big on flavor. Perfect for brunch, a party, or just a snack, this dip will become a favorite!
- These homemade Greek Yogurt Dressings and Dips are all about fresh flavor and simple prep. Make a few at once and you’ll have salads, snacks, and dinner sides covered for the week.
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Equipment
- Baking dish small
Ingredients
- 10 garlic bulbs
- 2-3 cup olive oil
- 10 sprigs thyme
- Salt optional
- Black pepper optional
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 275℉.
- Cut and remove the top third of the garlic bulbs. Place the garlic in a loaf pan and add the olive oil to it. Make sure that the oil fully covers the garlic. Add the springs of thyme and spread them between the garlic.
- Add the springs of thyme and spread them between the garlic.
- Put the garlic in the oven for 1 hour and 15 minutes. Remove from the oven and let it cool off for 20 minutes.
- Squeeze out the garlic cloves out of each head. Store up to 1 month in the refrigerator.
Notes
- Use fresh, firm garlic bulbs. Avoid cloves that are sprouting.
- Keep the garlic fully submerged in the oil while baking and storing.
- Low, slow heat is key to achieving creamy garlic without browning too much.
- Always refrigerate garlic confit after cooling.
- If you want to change up the flavor, you can add rosemary, oregano, or even chili flakes for a spicier herb oil recipe.
