Garlic confit is a simple but powerful way to bring deep, mellow garlic flavor into your cooking. It involves gently cooking garlic cloves in oil until they become soft, sweet, and spreadable. The oil becomes infused with garlic’s aroma, making it perfect for drizzling over bread, vegetables, meats, and more.
This method transforms garlic’s sharp bite into a buttery texture and rich flavor. You can store garlic confit in the fridge for weeks and use it in countless recipes.
In this guide, you’ll learn how to make garlic confit step-by-step, plus storage tips, recipe ideas, and important safety notes.
Key Takeaway:
- Garlic confit is garlic cooked slowly in oil until soft and sweet.
- Always refrigerate after cooling to prevent spoilage.
- Use it in bread spreads, pasta sauces, marinades, and more.
- The infused oil is just as valuable as the garlic cloves.
What Is Garlic Confit?
The word “confit” comes from French and means “to preserve.” In cooking, it usually refers to slow-cooking food in fat or oil at a low temperature. For garlic, this means submerging whole cloves in oil and heating them slowly until they turn soft and sweet.
Garlic confit is used in Mediterranean, Middle Eastern, and modern fusion cooking. It adds flavor to pasta, sauces, soups, and marinades. The infused oil can be used for salad dressings or for brushing on garlic bread.
For a visual guide and creative recipes, you can check out this garlic confit tutorial.
Why Make Garlic Confit?
- Milder Flavor – Cooking reduces garlic’s sharpness and enhances its sweetness.
- Versatility – Works in savory and even some sweet recipes.
- Long Shelf Life – Stored properly, it lasts for weeks in the refrigerator.
- Infused Oil Bonus – You get both flavorful garlic and aromatic oil.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You only need two basic ingredients:
- Fresh garlic cloves (peeled)
- Neutral or mild oil (such as olive oil, grapeseed, or sunflower oil)
You can also add optional ingredients for extra flavor:
- Fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary
- Whole peppercorns
- Chili flakes for heat
For inspiration, try flavor combinations from this garlic confit recipe collection.
How to Prepare Garlic for Confit
- Separate cloves from the bulb.
- Peel each clove. You can do this by peeling garlic quickly with the jar-shake method or by crushing lightly under a knife.
- Check for blemishes or green sprouts and remove them.
Use fresh, firm cloves. Avoid old or soft garlic, as it can affect both flavor and safety.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Garlic Confit
Step 1 – Arrange Garlic in a Pot
Place peeled cloves in a small saucepan or oven-safe dish. Spread them in a single layer.
Step 2 – Cover with Oil
Pour enough oil to fully submerge the cloves. This prevents uneven cooking and helps preserve them.
Step 3 – Cook Slowly
- Stovetop Method: Heat over the lowest setting. The oil should stay around 200°F (93°C). Simmer gently for 30–40 minutes until cloves are soft and golden.
- Oven Method: Place the dish in a preheated oven at 200°F (93°C). Bake for 45–60 minutes.
Do not let the oil boil. High heat can burn the garlic and ruin the flavor.
Step 4 – Cool and Store
Remove from heat and let cool to room temperature. Transfer the garlic and oil to a clean jar. Seal tightly and refrigerate immediately.
Storage and Safety Tips
Garlic confit must be stored properly to avoid bacterial growth.
- Always refrigerate after cooling.
- Use within 2–3 weeks.
- Do not store at room temperature.
- Use clean utensils to scoop garlic to avoid contamination.
Botulism risk is low if you refrigerate promptly, but proper storage is essential for safety.
For more storage tips and usage ideas, check this garlic confit cooking guide.
How to Use Garlic Confit
Garlic confit is incredibly versatile. Here are a few easy ways to enjoy it:
Spread on Bread
Mash soft cloves and spread on garlic toast or baguette. Drizzle with the infused oil for extra flavor.
Pasta Sauces
Blend cloves into tomato sauce or toss whole cloves with pasta and Parmesan. For a creamy twist, combine with garlic paste.
Mashed Potatoes
Mash roasted cloves into potatoes for a buttery, aromatic twist.
Roasted Vegetables
Toss vegetables with garlic oil before roasting. Add soft cloves after cooking for extra sweetness.
Marinades
Combine garlic oil with vinegar, herbs, and spices for meat or vegetable marinades.
Salad Dressings
Whisk garlic oil with lemon juice or vinegar for a quick dressing.
Flavor Variations
You can customize garlic confit by adding:
- Herbs – rosemary, thyme, oregano, sage.
- Spices – whole peppercorns, star anise, cumin seeds.
- Heat – fresh chili slices or dried chili flakes.
These additions infuse the oil and garlic with new layers of flavor.
Can You Freeze Garlic Confit?
Yes, you can freeze garlic confit for longer storage.
- Portion into ice cube trays.
- Freeze until solid, then store cubes in a freezer bag.
- Use directly in cooking without thawing.
If you’re interested in more preservation methods, you might also explore how to freeze garlic or how to cure garlic after harvest.
Nutritional Benefits
Garlic retains many of its beneficial compounds even when cooked gently. It contains antioxidants, vitamins, and compounds that support heart health and immune function. The oil also adds healthy fats to your diet.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using High Heat – Burns garlic and creates a bitter taste.
- Storing at Room Temperature – Increases risk of bacterial growth.
- Not Fully Covering with Oil – Leads to uneven cooking.
- Using Old Garlic – Results in off-flavors.
Garlic Confit Recipe (Quick Reference)
Ingredients:
- 2 cups peeled garlic cloves
- 2 cups olive oil (or enough to cover)
- Optional: herbs, spices
Method:
- Place garlic in a small pot.
- Add enough oil to submerge cloves.
- Heat on low at 200°F (93°C) for 30–40 minutes until soft.
- Cool, transfer to jar, refrigerate immediately.
Storage: Refrigerate up to 2–3 weeks. Freeze for longer storage.
Serving Ideas
- Mix into hummus or dips.
- Add to risotto or grain bowls.
- Use as a pizza topping with garlic sauce for pizza.
- Mash into grilled cheese sandwiches.
- Stir into soups for extra depth
