For those of us who can’t get enough garlic, this garlic confit recipe feels like pure kitchen magic. The slow cooking process transforms raw garlic cloves into soft, buttery bites with a sweet, mellow garlic flavor that’s impossible to resist. And the best part? You also get a jar of fragrant garlic oil that’s just as versatile as the garlic itself.
This technique comes from the French culinary tradition of cooking foods gently at a low temperature in their own fat.
Think duck confit or pork confit. With garlic, we mimic that cooking method by using extra virgin olive oil or another good quality cooking oil to slowly simmer the cloves until tender and lightly golden brown.
The end result is a spreadable, savory ingredient that’s a great addition to everything from pasta sauces to garlic bread.
Why We Love This Recipe
- Perfect for garlic lovers. The confit garlic cloves are rich and creamy, while the garlic-infused oil adds instant depth to dishes.
- Versatile use. Spread on crusty bread, stir into salad dressings, or drizzle the oil over roasted vegetables.
- Simple ingredients. All you need are heads of garlic, oil, and a few fresh herbs or whole spices.
- Homemade flavor. This is the best way to elevate everyday meals with something that feels gourmet but is incredibly simple.
Garlic Confit Recipe: Perfect for Garlic Lovers
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Kitchen Essentials
Ingredients
- 3 Heads Garlic separated into peeled cloves
- 1 ½ Cups Extra Virgin Olive Oil or neutral oil like canola oil, avocado oil, or grapeseed oil, just enough olive oil to cover the garlic
- 2 Sprigs Fresh Thyme or a sprig of rosemary
- 1 Bay Leaf
- ½ Teaspoon Black Peppercorns
- Optional: a pinch of red chili flakes for subtle heat
Instructions
- Separate the heads of garlic into cloves. Peel each one. You can also use pre-peeled garlic cloves for convenience.3 Heads Garlic
- Place the garlic cloves in a small saucepan along with the herbs, bay leaf, and peppercorns. Pour in enough oil to completely cover the garlic.1 ½ Cups Extra Virgin Olive Oil, 2 Sprigs Fresh Thyme, 1 Bay Leaf, ½ Teaspoon Black Peppercorns, Optional: a pinch of red chili flakes for subtle heat
- Cook low and slow. Heat over low heat until the oil reaches a gentle bare simmer (around 200–225 degrees F). Cook for 45–60 minutes until the cloves are soft and lightly golden brown.
- Remove from the heat and let cool to room temperature. Transfer garlic and oil into a clean mason jar or airtight container.
Your Own Private Notes
Notes
⚠️ A Note on Food Safety: Garlic and Oil
One of the most important things to know about making garlic confit is that it must be stored properly. When garlic is submerged in oil, it creates a low-oxygen environment. That environment is exactly where Clostridium botulinum, the bacteria that causes botulism, can grow. Botulism is rare, but it’s a serious food-borne illness that can happen if garlic in oil is left at room temperature for a long period of time. The best way to keep your garlic confit safe is simple: ✅ Always refrigerate or freeze garlic confit in a clean, sterilized glass jar or other airtight container. ✅ Use within a reasonable timeframe (2 weeks refrigerated, 3 months frozen). ✅ Never store garlic confit at room temperature. ✅ Always use clean utensils when scooping out garlic cloves or oil, to avoid introducing bacteria. These steps keep your homemade garlic confit delicious, safe, and ready to enjoy in your favorite recipes.Nutrition
Favorite Ways to Use Garlic Confit
- Spread the cooked garlic on crusty bread or toast.
- Stir the garlic oil into pasta sauces for rich flavor.
- Use in salad dressings or homemade marinades.
- Mash the confit garlic cloves into butter for the ultimate garlic bread.
- Drizzle the oil over grilled meats, roasted vegetables, or even a fresh salad.
Easy Garlic Confit
The best thing about this homemade garlic confit is how much it elevates simple meals. With just a handful of simple ingredients and a little time, you’ll have both spreadable garlic cloves and flavorful garlic oil ready to go.
Make it for dinner on a weeknight or prepare a special meal. This is one recipe every garlic lover should try at least once.
Great recipe for rich garlicky flavors.
This worked exactly as written, thanks!