This Easy Homemade Garlic Confit is a tasty treat! Slow-cooked garlic cloves become soft, sweet, and oh-so-delicious in olive oil. Perfect for spreading on bread or adding to dishes!
Making this confit feels like a little kitchen magic. I love using it in pasta or simply on toast. Honestly, what’s better than that? Plus, your kitchen will smell amazing! 🧄✨
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Garlic Cloves: Fresh garlic is key! Look for firm heads without any soft or sprouted cloves. If you can’t find fresh garlic, you might use jarred roasted garlic, though the flavor won’t be as bold.
Olive Oil: Extra virgin olive oil is preferred for its rich flavor. If you’re looking for lighter oil, grapeseed or avocado oil can work, but be aware they will change the taste slightly.
Herbs: Fresh thyme or rosemary add a lovely aroma, but dried herbs will work too. Just use less, about 1 teaspoon, since dried herbs are more potent. You can also skip them for pure garlic flavor!
Salt: While optional, I recommend adding salt. It enhances the garlic’s sweetness and helps in preserving the confit. If you’re watching sodium, feel free to omit it.
How Do You Make Sure the Garlic Doesn’t Burn?
To keep your garlic from burning, cooking it low and slow is essential. The low temperature allows the garlic to soften and sweeten without browning. Follow these tips:
- Keep the oven at 200°F (95°C) or lower to avoid cooking too fast.
- Cover your dish with foil or a lid to trap moisture and help the garlic steam slightly, creating a softer texture.
- Check the garlic around the 1.5-hour mark. It should be soft and tender, ready for use!
Easy Homemade Garlic Confit
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 cups peeled garlic cloves (about 3–4 heads of garlic)
- 2 cups olive oil (enough to completely cover the garlic cloves)
- Optional: 1-2 sprigs fresh thyme or rosemary
- Optional: 1/2 teaspoon salt
How Much Time Will You Need?
This garlic confit takes about 15 minutes of prep time and 1.5 to 2 hours of cooking time. Plus, it’s super easy, and you’ll have delicious garlic confit ready to go!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 200°F (95°C). This low temperature is perfect for slowly softening the garlic without burning it.
2. Prepare the Garlic:
Carefully peel the garlic cloves, making sure to remove any green sprouts in the middle for a smoother flavor. Place all the peeled garlic cloves in an oven-safe dish or a small baking dish.
3. Add the Olive Oil:
Pour enough olive oil over the garlic cloves until they are completely covered. This will keep them moist and help them cook evenly.
4. Add Herbs and Salt (Optional):
If you’d like to enhance the flavor, add the sprigs of fresh thyme or rosemary. You can also sprinkle some salt on top if you want to season it a little.
5. Cover and Cook:
Cover your dish with foil or a lid to prevent the oil from evaporating. Place it in the preheated oven and bake it for 1.5 to 2 hours. The garlic should be soft, tender, and a lovely golden color, but not browned.
6. Cool Down:
Once your garlic confit is done cooking, take it out of the oven and let it cool to room temperature. The garlic should have transformed into sweet, mellow little cloves.
7. Store Your Garlic Confit:
Transfer the cooled garlic cloves and the infused oil to a clean jar or container. You can store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
8. Enjoy!
Your garlic confit is now ready to use. Spread it on bread, mix it into your pasta, or use it to add flavor to your favorite dishes. The oil makes a fantastic dressing too!
Enjoy your homemade garlic confit! The garlic cloves will be sweet and spreadable, and the olive oil will be rich with garlic flavor.
FAQ about Easy Homemade Garlic Confit
Can I Use Whole Garlic Heads Instead of Peeled Cloves?
Using whole garlic heads is not recommended since they won’t soften evenly. Peeled garlic cloves are essential for achieving that tender, sweet flavor that makes confit special.
How Long Does Garlic Confit Last in the Fridge?
Garlic confit can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. Make sure to keep it in an airtight container to maintain freshness!
Can I Freeze Garlic Confit?
Yes! Garlic confit freezes well. Just ensure it’s in a freezer-safe container, and it can last for up to 3 months. Thaw it in the fridge overnight before using.
What Can I Do with the Infused Olive Oil?
The infused olive oil is a fantastic addition to dressings, marinades, or drizzled over vegetables, bread, or pasta dishes. It’s packed with a beautiful garlic flavor!
