If you adore rich, creamy spreads with a burst of mellow, sweet garlic flavor, then this Confit Garlic Cream Cheese Recipe is going to be your new best friend in the kitchen. Imagine tender garlic cloves cooked slowly in olive oil until buttery soft, mashed into smooth cream cheese, and then brightened with a hint of lemon and a sprinkle of fresh herbs. It’s simple, versatile, and perfect whether you’re entertaining guests or craving a flavorful snack. Once you try this recipe, you’ll be hooked on that luscious blend that only confit garlic can bring.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting this dish right is all about using simple, quality ingredients that each play a crucial role. From the softness of cream cheese to the sweetness of slow-cooked garlic, every item brings texture, taste, and vibrant color to your spread.
- Garlic (1 head, about 10-12 cloves): The star of the show, slowly cooked for mellow, rich flavor.
- Olive oil (1/4 cup): To gently infuse the garlic and keep it tender without browning.
- Cream cheese (8 oz, softened): Provides the creamy base that balances the garlic’s intensity.
- Fresh lemon juice (1 tbsp, optional): Adds a bright, zesty note to cut through the richness.
- Salt (1/4 tsp, or to taste): Elevates the flavors and brings everything together.
- Black pepper (1/4 tsp): Delivers a subtle warmth for balance.
- Fresh herbs (optional, such as parsley, chives, or thyme): Adds a fresh, aromatic touch for extra depth.
How to Make Confit Garlic Cream Cheese Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Garlic
Start by peeling your garlic cloves. If you prefer a gentler garlic flavor, slice the cloves in half lengthwise before peeling, which also makes removing the skins easier. This prep sets you up for perfectly tender, mellow garlic.
Step 2: Slow-Cook the Garlic
Place the peeled garlic cloves into a small saucepan and cover them completely with olive oil. Heat the pan over very low heat, careful to keep the temperature steady and gentle. Let the garlic simmer softly for 45 minutes to an hour, stirring occasionally. The goal is to achieve cloves that are golden, tender, and impossibly soft—not browned.
Step 3: Cool and Save the Goodness
Once your garlic is luxuriously soft, remove the cloves with a slotted spoon and allow them to cool to room temperature. Don’t toss that golden olive oil left behind—it’s infused with garlic flavor and perfect for drizzling, dressings, or roasting veggies.
Step 4: Mash the Garlic into a Paste
Take the cooled confit garlic cloves and mash them using the back of a spoon or fork until you get a smooth paste. If you prefer a silky texture, pop them in a food processor in a quick pulse. This paste will seamlessly blend into the cream cheese.
Step 5: Blend with Cream Cheese and Flavorings
In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, mashed garlic paste, and lemon juice if you’re using it. Add salt and black pepper to taste. Whisk or use a hand mixer until you achieve a creamy, smooth spread bursting with flavor.
Step 6: Stir in Fresh Herbs (Optional)
For a fresh twist, chop up some parsley, chives, or thyme and fold them into the mixture. These herbs add a lively, herbaceous note that complements the mellow garlic beautifully.
Step 7: Chill Before Serving
Pop your Confit Garlic Cream Cheese Recipe into the fridge for at least 30 minutes before serving. This resting time lets all the flavors meld and intensify, creating a rich, harmonious spread that’s ready to wow.
How to Serve Confit Garlic Cream Cheese Recipe
Garnishes
Simple garnishes go a long way with this spread. Sprinkle a little extra chopped fresh herbs on top or a pinch of cracked black pepper for visual appeal and an extra hit of freshness. A drizzle of that reserved garlic-infused olive oil adds a tempting sheen and aroma that will make everyone’s mouth water.
Side Dishes
This cream cheese pairs beautifully with a variety of sides. Think crisp, fresh vegetables like carrot sticks, cucumber slices, or bell peppers for dipping. It’s also fantastic spread on warm toasted bread, crunchy crackers, or soft bagels for a satisfying snack or appetizer.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving your Confit Garlic Cream Cheese Recipe in a hollowed-out bread bowl for a stunning centerpiece or pipe it into little tart shells for bite-sized hors d’oeuvres. You can also dollop it onto baked potatoes or use it as a decadent sandwich spread. The possibilities are as delicious as they are fun!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Any leftover confit garlic cream cheese should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for about 5 to 7 days without losing its lovely flavor or creaminess, making it perfect to enjoy throughout the week.
Freezing
If you want to keep it longer, freezing is a great option. Place the spread in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to use, thaw in the fridge overnight. Note that the texture may change slightly, so stirring well before serving is a good idea.
Reheating
This spread is best enjoyed chilled or at room temperature. If you’d like to warm it, do so gently over low heat or let it come to room temperature naturally. High heat can cause the cream cheese to separate, so patience is key here.
FAQs
Can I use roasted garlic instead of confit garlic?
While roasted garlic has a wonderful flavor, confit garlic offers a sweeter, more buttery profile due to the slow cooking in oil. Using roasted garlic will give a more intense roasted taste and a firmer texture, so for this recipe’s signature smoothness, confit is the best choice.
Is it necessary to use fresh lemon juice?
Fresh lemon juice is optional but highly recommended. It adds a bright contrast that balances the rich cream cheese and mellow garlic perfectly. Bottled lemon juice won’t provide the same fresh zing, so if you can, squeeze a lemon!
Can I make this recipe vegan?
You can substitute cream cheese with a vegan alternative like cashew cream cheese or almond-based spreads. Just keep in mind the flavor and texture might differ slightly but still delicious. Also, make sure to use olive oil and fresh garlic as outlined to keep that authentic confit garlic taste.
How long does it take to make confit garlic?
Confit garlic takes about 45 minutes to 1 hour to cook slowly in olive oil on very low heat. The key is patience — low and slow helps develop the sweet, tender cloves that are essential for this recipe.
What can I do with the leftover garlic-infused olive oil?
Don’t throw it away! This garlic-infused oil is pure magic. Drizzle it over roasted vegetables, use it as a salad dressing base, or toss it with pasta for an instant flavor boost. It’s a fantastic way to add depth and richness to many dishes.
Final Thoughts
You really can’t go wrong with this Confit Garlic Cream Cheese Recipe. It’s a simple recipe that feels so indulgent and sophisticated, perfect for both everyday snacking and special occasions. Once you make it and taste that silky, garlicky goodness, it will quickly become your go-to spread. Seriously, give it a try — your taste buds will thank you!
Print
Confit Garlic Cream Cheese Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 1.1 cups (about 8 servings)
- Category: Spread
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Confit Garlic Cream Cheese recipe combines slow-cooked sweet and mellow garlic with creamy, tangy cream cheese, enhanced by a touch of lemon juice and fresh herbs. Perfect as a flavorful spread or dip, it’s easy to prepare and brings a gourmet touch to your appetizers or snacks.
Ingredients
Confit Garlic
- 1 head of garlic (about 10–12 cloves)
- 1/4 cup olive oil (enough to submerge garlic)
Cream Cheese Mixture
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice (optional, for brightness)
- 1/4 tsp salt (or to taste)
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- Fresh herbs (optional, such as parsley, chives, or thyme)
Instructions
- Prepare the Garlic: Peel the garlic cloves. If you prefer a milder flavor, slice the garlic cloves in half to facilitate skin removal later.
- Cook the Garlic: In a small saucepan, add the garlic cloves and enough olive oil to cover them completely. Heat over very low heat, allowing the garlic to cook slowly for about 45 minutes to 1 hour. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking or browning. The garlic should become soft, tender, and golden without browning, resulting in a sweet and aromatic flavor.
- Cool the Garlic: Once cooked, remove the garlic cloves from the oil and let them cool to room temperature. Reserve the garlic-infused olive oil for use in dressings or drizzling over vegetables.
- Mash the Garlic: Use the back of a spoon, a fork, or a food processor to mash the cooled garlic cloves into a smooth paste according to your preferred texture.
- Mix the Cream Cheese: In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, mashed confit garlic, lemon juice if using, salt, and black pepper. Blend together with a hand mixer or whisk until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Add Fresh Herbs (Optional): Stir in finely chopped fresh herbs like parsley, chives, or thyme to add extra flavor and freshness.
- Chill and Serve: Refrigerate the confit garlic cream cheese for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Serve as a spread on crackers, toast, bagels, or as a dip for fresh vegetables.
Notes
- Use low heat to avoid browning the garlic during confit cooking.
- The garlic-infused olive oil is flavorful and can be reused in dressings or cooking.
- Adjust salt and pepper to taste after mixing for a balanced flavor.
- Herbs are optional but add a fresh dimension to the cream cheese.
- Refrigeration time helps to develop a richer flavor.
