Silky, mellow, and irresistibly aromatic, garlic confit transforms simple garlic cloves into golden gems that enrich any dish they touch. Slowly poached in olive oil with herbs, the cloves become spreadably soft and sweet, while the infused oil becomes a luxurious ingredient that elevates everything from vegetables to pasta.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Garlic confit is one of those magical kitchen staples that takes almost no effort but delivers incredible flavor. With just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep, you’ll create a versatile condiment that works as a spread, a cooking base, or a finishing touch. It keeps well, freezes beautifully, and brings richness and depth to countless dishes. Once you make it, you’ll never want to be without a jar in your fridge.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

2 cups (12 ounces) whole garlic cloves
1 cup extra virgin olive oil
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon whole black peppercorns
2 sprigs fresh thyme (optional)
1 sprig fresh rosemary (optional)

Directions

Prep the garlic: Trim the stem end of each garlic clove. Peel the cloves using the shaking-bowl method or a silicone garlic peeler. You may also start with pre-peeled garlic measuring 12 ounces.

Get ready: Preheat your oven to 250°F (120°C). Place the peeled garlic into an 8×8-inch baking dish or loaf pan. Add the olive oil, salt, and peppercorns. If using herbs, tuck them into the oil so they’re submerged. The garlic may float, which is perfectly fine.

Confit the garlic: Bake uncovered for 2 hours. Little will appear to happen in the first hour, but during the second hour, the oil will bubble gently. The garlic is ready when the cloves are lightly golden and completely tender. Let cool fully, then transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate.

Slow cooker method: Add garlic, olive oil, herbs, salt, and peppercorns to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 3 to 4 hours until the garlic is soft and spreadable.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields approximately 2 cups of garlic confit and infused oil combined.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 2 hours (oven) or 3–4 hours (slow cooker)
Total time: about 2 hours 10 minutes

Variations

• Herb swap: Use dried thyme or rosemary (1/2 teaspoon each) if fresh isn’t available.
• Spice it up: Add a pinch of chili flakes for gentle heat.
• Citrus scent: Add a thin strip of lemon peel for a bright aromatic note.
• Extra-deep flavor: Add a single bay leaf for earthy complexity.
• Neutral version: Skip the herbs entirely for a pure garlic-forward confit.

Storage/Reheating

Store garlic confit in the refrigerator in a clean airtight container for up to 1 week. The oil will thicken slightly; allow it to come to room temperature before using so it liquefies again.
For longer storage, freeze in small portions and thaw in the refrigerator.
Do not store at room temperature.

FAQs

What is garlic confit?

Garlic confit is garlic gently cooked in oil until soft, sweet, and spreadable.

Can I use pre-peeled garlic?

Yes, pre-peeled garlic works just as well as fresh, making the process faster.

Does the garlic need to be fully submerged in oil?

No, it may float slightly, but ensure most of the cloves are covered.

Can I reuse the garlic-infused oil?

Absolutely—use it for sautéing, dressings, or drizzling on vegetables and bread.

How do I know when the garlic is done?

The cloves should be golden, soft, and easily mashed with a spoon.

Can I cook it at a higher temperature to save time?

No, low and slow ensures proper texture and prevents over-browning.

Is garlic confit safe to store?

Yes, as long as it is stored in the refrigerator and never left at room temperature.

Can I freeze garlic confit?

Yes, it freezes beautifully and can be portioned for convenience.

What dishes pair best with garlic confit?

It’s delicious on bread, in mashed potatoes, with pasta, or added to marinades and dressings.

How long does the infused oil last?

Use within 1 week if refrigerated, or freeze it for longer preservation.

Conclusion

Garlic confit is an elegant yet simple recipe that brings incredible depth and sweetness to your cooking. With minimal ingredients and effortless preparation, you’ll create a versatile staple that enhances sauces, spreads, pastas, vegetables, and more. Keep a jar on hand, and you’ll always have a delicious way to elevate everyday meals.

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