Name: Garlic Confit Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 2 h 30 min
Total time: 2 h 45 min
Cuisine: French
Ingredients: 2 cups extra-virgin olive oil or preferred fat like avocado oil; Fresh garlic cloves, peeled (approximately 20-30 cloves); Fresh thyme and rosemary (a few sprigs each); 2 bay leaves; 1 tsp peppercorns; Optional: red pepper flakes or dried chiles for heat (to taste)

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Introduction

Garlic confit is a simple yet transformative condiment that brings a rich, sweet, and mellow garlic flavor to any dish. Slow-cooked in olive oil with herbs and spices, it’s perfect for enhancing pastas, vegetables, or spreading on crusty bread. This easy French-inspired recipe will elevate your cooking with minimal effort.

A clear glass jar filled with layers of golden yellow olive oil, whole garlic cloves with pale yellow and deep pink colors, and green sprigs of rosemary, all mixed inside the jar. The jar is placed on a white marbled surface scattered with whole garlic bulbs, some garlic cloves, green rosemary sprigs, and small peppercorns. The lighting is soft and natural, making the oil appear shiny and the garlic cloves smooth and fresh. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

2 cups extra-virgin olive oil or preferred fat like avocado oil
Fresh garlic cloves, peeled (about 20-25 cloves)

Fresh thyme and rosemary (a few sprigs each)
2 bay leaves

1 tsp peppercorns
Optional: Red pepper flakes or dried chiles for heat

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 250°F (120°C).
Step 2: Place the peeled garlic cloves into an ovenproof saucepan or small baking dish. Submerge them completely in the olive oil and add the fresh thyme, rosemary sprigs, bay leaves, and peppercorns. If using, sprinkle in red pepper flakes or dried chiles.
Step 3: Bake in the oven for 2 to 2.5 hours, checking occasionally to ensure the garlic softens but does not fall apart. The garlic should be tender and easily pierced with a fork.

Step 4: Remove the dish from the oven and allow it to cool to room temperature.
Step 5: Transfer the garlic cloves along with the infused oil into a clean glass jar for storage.

Tips & Variations

Use a mild oil like avocado oil if you prefer a lighter taste than olive oil.

Add a sprig of fresh herbs like thyme and rosemary to complement the garlic’s sweetness.
For a spicy kick, include red pepper flakes or dried chiles before baking.
Make sure the garlic cloves are completely submerged in oil to prevent burning and to ensure even cooking.

Storage

Store garlic confit in a clean, airtight glass jar in the refrigerator. It will keep well for 2 to 3 weeks. To use, scoop out garlic cloves or drizzle the infused oil over your favorite dishes. Reheat gently if needed, but avoid overheating to preserve flavor and texture.

How to Serve

A glass jar sits on a white marbled surface, filled with layers of yellow garlic cloves, pinkish garlic pieces, and green rosemary sprigs, all submerged in golden olive oil. Around the jar, whole garlic bulbs and loose garlic cloves are scattered, blending with sprigs of fresh rosemary, creating a fresh and natural look. The jar top view shows the herbs and garlic floating gently under the oil’s shiny, smooth surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use garlic confit for cooking or just as a condiment?

Garlic confit is very versatile. You can spread it directly on bread, mix it into sauces, or use the infused oil for sautéing or roasting vegetables and meats. Its mild sweetness enhances many dishes.

How do I know when the garlic is done confiting?

The garlic is ready when it is soft and tender but still holds its shape. It should easily pierce with a fork without falling apart. Cooking times may vary slightly depending on your oven, so check towards the end of baking.