Garlic confit is a game-changer in the kitchen, transforming simple garlic bulbs into soft, spreadable, and deeply flavorful bites of pure magic. If you’ve ever craved the rich, buttery taste of slow-cooked garlic infused with aromatic herbs and extra virgin olive oil, you’re in for a treat!
With just a few ingredients and an oven, you can create a versatile staple that elevates everything from crusty bread to pasta, meats, and even roasted vegetables. Plus, the infused oil left behind is a liquid gold that enhances any dish. Ready to unlock the secrets of this French-inspired technique? Let’s dive in!
Table of Contents
Key Benefits of Making Garlic Confit in the Oven
If you love garlic but want a milder, richer flavor with a soft, buttery texture, oven-baked garlic confit is the perfect solution. This simple yet transformative cooking method brings out the natural sweetness of garlic while preserving its versatility. Here’s why you’ll love making it:
1. Unmatched Flavor & Aroma
Slow-cooking garlic in extra virgin olive oil enhances its natural sweetness, creating a deep, caramelized richness that adds complexity to any dish. The infused oil carries an aromatic essence, making it a flavorful base for dressings, marinades, and sautéing.
2. Versatile Culinary Staple
Garlic confit isn’t just a spread for crusty bread—it’s a secret ingredient that can elevate:
- Pasta sauces for a mellow garlic depth
- Roasted meats and seafood for extra tenderness
- Mashed potatoes for a creamy, umami-packed boost
- Salad dressings and dips with infused oil for bold flavor
3. Easy to Make & Store
With minimal effort, you can prepare a batch that lasts for weeks when properly stored. Refrigerating garlic confit in a sealed jar keeps it fresh, ensuring you always have a ready-to-use, flavor-packed ingredient on hand.
4. Gentle on Digestion
Unlike raw garlic, which can be sharp and pungent, slow-cooked garlic is mild and easy on the stomach, making it a great option for those who find fresh garlic too overpowering.
5. A Touch of French Culinary Elegance
Inspired by traditional French cooking techniques, garlic confit is a timeless way to add sophistication to everyday meals without requiring professional chef skills.
By making garlic confit in the oven, you’re unlocking a world of flavors that can take your home cooking to the next level. Ready to get started? Let’s go over the ingredients you’ll need!
Ingredients for Oven-Baked Garlic Confit
Before we dive into the step-by-step process, let’s gather everything you need to make the perfect garlic confit. With just a few simple ingredients, you’ll create a rich, flavorful staple that enhances countless dishes.
Essential Ingredients:
- 2 cups fresh garlic cloves (peeled and whole) – The star of the recipe, providing a soft, caramelized texture and deep, mellow flavor.
- 1 ½ cups extra virgin olive oil – A high-quality oil infuses the garlic while doubling as a delicious cooking or finishing oil.
- 2–3 sprigs fresh thyme – Adds a subtle earthiness that complements the sweet, slow-cooked garlic.
- 1–2 sprigs fresh rosemary – Enhances the infusion with a fragrant, slightly piney aroma.
- 1–2 bay leaves – A classic aromatic that deepens the overall flavor profile.
- ½ teaspoon sea salt – Enhances the natural sweetness of the garlic.
- ¼ teaspoon black peppercorns – Provides a hint of warmth without overpowering the delicate garlic taste.
Optional Additions for Extra Depth:
- Red pepper flakes – For a mild, spicy kick.
- Lemon zest – Brightens the oil with a hint of citrus.
- Whole cloves or star anise – Adds a warm, slightly sweet complexity.
With these ingredients, you’re ready to transform simple garlic into a luxurious, flavor-packed spread. Next, let’s go step by step through the cooking process!
Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Garlic Confit in the Oven
Now that you have your ingredients ready, it’s time to transform simple garlic cloves into a soft, flavorful confit. This method is effortless and requires minimal hands-on time—your oven does most of the work!
1. Preheat the Oven
Set your oven to 250°F (120°C). This low temperature ensures the garlic slowly softens without browning too quickly, allowing it to develop a rich, buttery texture.
2. Prepare the Garlic
- Peel the garlic cloves if you haven’t already.
- If you’re using pre-peeled garlic, give it a quick rinse and pat dry to remove any excess moisture.
3. Assemble in a Baking Dish
- Arrange the garlic cloves in a small oven-safe dish or a shallow baking pan to ensure even cooking.
- Pour the extra virgin olive oil over the garlic until fully submerged.
- Add the fresh thyme, rosemary, bay leaves, salt, and peppercorns for extra depth of flavor.
4. Slow-Roast to Perfection
- Cover the dish tightly with foil or use an ovenproof lid to trap the moisture.
- Place it in the preheated oven and bake for 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the garlic cloves are completely soft and easily mashed with a fork.
- Check occasionally to ensure the oil is gently bubbling, not frying. If it’s sizzling too much, lower the oven temperature slightly.
5. Cool and Store
- Once the garlic is soft and fragrant, remove the dish from the oven and let it cool completely.
- Transfer the garlic and infused oil into a sterilized glass jar, ensuring the cloves are fully submerged in oil for preservation.
- Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 weeks and always use a clean spoon to prevent contamination.
With your homemade garlic confit ready, you now have a secret ingredient that can elevate countless dishes. Next, let’s explore pro tips and creative variations to make this recipe truly your own!
Pro Tips and Variations for Garlic Confit Oven
Garlic confit is incredibly versatile, and once you’ve mastered the basic recipe, the possibilities are endless. Here are some pro tips to ensure perfect results and a few creative variations to take your garlic confit to the next level.
1. Pro Tips for Perfect Garlic Confit
- Use Fresh Garlic: Always opt for fresh, firm garlic cloves. Avoid any cloves that are sprouting or soft, as they won’t yield the best results.
- Low and Slow: Keep the temperature low (around 250°F). Cooking at a higher temperature can cause the garlic to brown too quickly, compromising its delicate sweetness.
- Submerge the Garlic Completely: Ensure the garlic cloves are fully submerged in the olive oil to avoid any burning. This helps create that creamy, rich texture you’re after.
- Don’t Rush the Process: Be patient! The slow-roasting method may take 1.5 to 2 hours, but it’s well worth the wait for that melt-in-your-mouth garlic.
2. Creative Variations to Try
- Spicy Garlic Confit: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the oil for a gentle kick of heat. This variation is perfect for those who enjoy a little spice in their dishes.
- Citrusy Twist: For a fresh, zesty twist, try adding lemon zest to the oil before roasting. The citrusy flavor pairs beautifully with the sweet garlic.
- Herb-Infused Garlic Confit: In addition to thyme and rosemary, you can experiment with other herbs like oregano, sage, or basil for different flavor profiles.
- Garlic Confit with Balsamic Vinegar: After roasting, drizzle a little balsamic vinegar over the confit for an extra layer of sweetness and acidity. This pairs wonderfully with roasted vegetables or grilled meats.
- Garlic Confit with Truffle Oil: For a luxurious touch, swap out regular olive oil for truffle oil to infuse the garlic with an earthy, gourmet flavor.
These tips and variations allow you to make garlic confit your own, adapting it to whatever you’re in the mood for. Now, let’s talk about how to serve it to truly shine in your meals!
Serving Suggestions for Garlic Confit Oven
Garlic confit is a flavor powerhouse that can easily elevate any meal. Whether you’re spreading it on bread, stirring it into pasta, or drizzling it over roasted vegetables, this rich, buttery garlic is sure to impress. Here are some creative and delicious ways to serve your garlic confit:
1. Spread on Fresh Bread
One of the simplest and most satisfying ways to enjoy garlic confit is by spreading it on warm, crusty bread. The soft, creamy texture of the garlic makes it an ideal spread. Try pairing it with a drizzle of the infused oil for an irresistible treat.
2. Stir into Pasta
Garlic confit is a perfect addition to pasta dishes. Stir it into your favorite pasta sauce or toss it with pasta for a quick, flavorful meal. The mellow, sweet garlic pairs beautifully with ingredients like parmesan, cherry tomatoes, or spinach.
3. Use in Roasted Vegetables
Roasted vegetables, like potatoes, carrots, or brussels sprouts, are elevated by the addition of garlic confit. Toss the vegetables in the garlic and oil mixture before roasting to infuse them with rich, aromatic flavor.
4. Drizzle Over Grilled Meats
Garlic confit can be the perfect finishing touch for grilled meats, like chicken, steak, or lamb. The soft garlic and flavorful oil add a gourmet touch without overpowering the dish. Try pairing it with a side of fresh herbs to create a mouthwatering combination.
5. Mix into Mashed Potatoes
For an extra creamy, flavorful twist on classic mashed potatoes, mix in some garlic confit. The soft, sweet garlic melts into the potatoes, adding richness and depth. A little of the infused oil helps create a velvety texture.
6. Add to Salad Dressings
For a garlic-infused dressing, combine a spoonful of garlic confit with vinegar, mustard, and a bit of the infused olive oil. This makes for a tangy, flavorful dressing that pairs perfectly with fresh salads or roasted vegetables.
7. Enjoy with Cheese and Charcuterie
Garlic confit pairs wonderfully with a variety of cheeses, such as brie, goat cheese, or sharp cheddar. It also makes an excellent addition to a charcuterie board, where it complements cured meats like prosciutto or salami.
These serving suggestions show just how versatile garlic confit can be in your kitchen. It’s a simple yet elegant way to enhance a wide range of dishes, adding a touch of luxury to everyday meals. Now that you know how to use it, let’s wrap things up with a quick conclusion!
Conclusion
Garlic confit is more than just a simple ingredient—it’s a kitchen game-changer that brings incredible depth of flavor to almost any dish. By slow-roasting garlic in olive oil, you unlock a whole new world of taste, turning garlic’s sharpness into a sweet, mellow richness. Whether you use it to elevate a simple pasta dish, drizzle it over roasted veggies, or spread it on bread, garlic confit offers endless possibilities.
Key Takeaways:
- Easy to Make: With minimal effort and just a few ingredients, you can create a flavorful staple that lasts for weeks.
- Versatile: Garlic confit can be used in a wide range of dishes, from savory spreads to pasta sauces and everything in between.
- Long-Lasting: It keeps well in the fridge for up to 3 weeks, meaning you can enjoy the fruits of your labor for a long time.
- Customizable: The recipe is simple, and there are countless ways to infuse the garlic with different herbs and spices to make it uniquely yours.
With these benefits, garlic confit quickly becomes a staple that will elevate your meals in ways you never thought possible. Now that you have all the tips and tricks for creating this delicious confit, get ready to add a burst of flavor to your next meal! Whether you’re a novice cook or an experienced chef, garlic confit is an easy and impressive recipe that will always leave you coming back for more.
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Garlic Confit Oven
Ingredients
Essential Ingredients:
- 2 cups fresh garlic cloves peeled and whole – The star of the recipe, providing a soft, caramelized texture and deep, mellow flavor.
- 1 ½ cups extra virgin olive oil – A high-quality oil infuses the garlic while doubling as a delicious cooking or finishing oil.
- 2 –3 sprigs fresh thyme – Adds a subtle earthiness that complements the sweet slow-cooked garlic.
- 1 –2 sprigs fresh rosemary – Enhances the infusion with a fragrant slightly piney aroma.
- 1 –2 bay leaves – A classic aromatic that deepens the overall flavor profile.
- ½ teaspoon sea salt – Enhances the natural sweetness of the garlic.
- ¼ teaspoon black peppercorns – Provides a hint of warmth without overpowering the delicate garlic taste.
Optional Additions for Extra Depth:
- Red pepper flakes – For a mild spicy kick.
- Lemon zest – Brightens the oil with a hint of citrus.
- Whole cloves or star anise – Adds a warm slightly sweet complexity.
Instructions
Preheat the Oven
- Set your oven to 250°F (120°C). This low temperature ensures the garlic slowly softens without browning too quickly, allowing it to develop a rich, buttery texture.
Prepare the Garlic
- Peel the garlic cloves if you haven’t already.
- If you’re using pre-peeled garlic, give it a quick rinse and pat dry to remove any excess moisture.
Assemble in a Baking Dish
- Arrange the garlic cloves in a small oven-safe dish or a shallow baking pan to ensure even cooking.
- Pour the extra virgin olive oil over the garlic until fully submerged.
- Add the fresh thyme, rosemary, bay leaves, salt, and peppercorns for extra depth of flavor.
Slow-Roast to Perfection
- Cover the dish tightly with foil or use an ovenproof lid to trap the moisture.
- Place it in the preheated oven and bake for 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the garlic cloves are completely soft and easily mashed with a fork.
- Check occasionally to ensure the oil is gently bubbling, not frying. If it’s sizzling too much, lower the oven temperature slightly.
Cool and Store
- Once the garlic is soft and fragrant, remove the dish from the oven and let it cool completely.
- Transfer the garlic and infused oil into a sterilized glass jar, ensuring the cloves are fully submerged in oil for preservation.
- Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 weeks and always use a clean spoon to prevent contamination.
- With your homemade garlic confit ready, you now have a secret ingredient that can elevate countless dishes. Next, let’s explore pro tips and creative variations to make this recipe truly your own!
Notes
- Calories: 70 kcal
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 0mg
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fiber: 0g
- Sugars: 1g
- Protein: 1g
- Vitamin A: 1%
- Vitamin C: 2%
- Calcium: 1%
- Iron: 1%
FAQs
If you’re new to making garlic confit or have some lingering questions, don’t worry! We’ve gathered answers to the most common questions to help you make the most of this flavorful recipe.
1. How long does garlic confit last?
When stored properly in an airtight container in the fridge, garlic confit can last for up to 3 weeks. The oil will help preserve the garlic and keep it fresh. Just remember to keep the garlic submerged in the oil to prevent it from drying out.
2. Can I reuse the garlic-infused oil?
Absolutely! The garlic-infused oil is full of rich flavor and can be used in many dishes. You can drizzle it over vegetables, use it to sauté meats, or even toss it with pasta for extra flavor. Just be sure to strain out any leftover garlic pieces if you plan to store the oil.
3. Can I make garlic confit with other oils?
While olive oil is the classic choice for garlic confit, you can experiment with other oils like avocado oil, grapeseed oil, or coconut oil for different flavor profiles. However, keep in mind that these oils may change the taste and texture slightly.
4. Can I make garlic confit in a slow cooker?
Yes, a slow cooker works wonderfully for making garlic confit. Simply set it on low and cook for about 2 hours. This method is perfect for busy cooks, as you can set it and forget it while it slowly infuses with flavor.
5. Can I freeze garlic confit?
Yes, you can freeze garlic confit. If you plan to store it for a long period, freeze the garlic cloves in an airtight container or freezer-safe bag. When ready to use, simply thaw it out and enjoy the mellow, rich garlic flavor. The oil will solidify in the freezer but will return to its liquid state once thawed.
6. How do I know when my garlic confit is ready?
Your garlic confit is ready when the cloves are soft and golden, and the oil is fragrant. The garlic should be easily mashed with the back of a spoon, and the texture should be smooth and buttery. If it’s still firm, continue cooking it at a low temperature until it softens.
These FAQs should help guide you as you make garlic confit at home. Whether you’re storing it, reusing the oil, or experimenting with flavors, this versatile recipe is sure to become a staple in your kitchen!